Young people with cancer from West Kent can now access specialist care and support from a new Teenage Cancer Trust nurse based at Maidstone Hospital.
Nurse Sarah Trollope, who’s worked in oncology and haematology since 2004, is on hand to provide age-appropriate advice, care and extra emotional support for those aged 17-24 who are receiving their cancer treatment in the region.
Sarah’s role has been funded by leading global financial services firm Morgan Stanley as part of a two-year charity partnership with Teenage Cancer Trust – a UK charity which is dedicated to providing specialised nursing care and support for young people with cancer. Her role will also see her cover Darenth Valley Hospital and Medway Maritime Hospital.
Sarah said: “I’ve worked in oncology and haematology since 2004, and I’ve seen how younger patients can really struggle in adult settings, so I’m incredibly proud and excited that my new role will help change that.
“Cancer treatment in adult services can be really difficult for teenagers and young people for a whole range of reasons. For example, they can find following complex treatment plans, that often involve appointments at multiple hospitals extremely challenging.
“And having cancer at a young age is particularly difficult emotionally. My new role means that I have more time to sit with them and listen to their worries and concerns, provide advice, and introduce them to other services that can help.
“It can feel quite isolating to have cancer as a young person on an adult ward, so in the future I’d love to start up local groups for young people so that they can meet others facing similar challenges.”