Metastatic Prostate Clinical Nurse Specialist, Jeanette Smith has been described as a ‘warm supporting cuddle’ by her patients and now she’s been recognised with a national ‘People’s Choice’ award for the support she provides to those going through prostate cancer treatment.

After moving from Liverpool to Kent 30 years ago, Jeanette joined Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust in 2018, working in the Kent Oncology Centre based at Maidstone Hospital and forming a support group in 2020, which now sees over 100 of her patients attend regularly alongside their families.

Earlier this year, a number of her patients and their families nominated Jeanette for Prostate Cancer UK’s People’s Choice award, describing her as ‘enthusiastic, compassionate and selfless’ with one nomination saying Jeanette “is always at the end of a phone whether it be answering questions, sorting out appointments or just ‘being there.

“Jeanette supports the wives and partners of sufferers with just as much energy and compassion and this support extends for as long as you feel you need her, even after the death of a loved one. Jeanette knows you as a person and her professionalism and dedication is beyond question.”

After being selected as Prostate Cancer UK’s winner, Jeanette collected her award at a special ceremony in her home city of Liverpool on 4 November where she was also presented with a £1,000 bursary to help support patient projects in the future.

Jeanette said: “I was so surprised, amazed and proud when I found out I had won the award – I had to check the email several times! I want to say a huge thank you to my patients who nominated me for this outstanding award. They all inspire me every day with their courage, dreams and determination to live their best life, even during the darker days, with many even fundraising to support future patients.

“I am honoured to be their nurse and so proud to be a part of the wider team in the Kent Oncology Centre that works so hard to provide our patients with the best possible care. I would also like to thank Prostate Cancer UK for all the support and guidance they provide to me and my colleagues and our patients.”

Chief of Cancer Services, Philippa Moth, said: “Providing exceptional care is our key priority and we are so pleased that Jeanette’s incredible work to support our patients has been recognised with this prestigious award. Jeanette has made such an impact on so many patients and is a real credit to MTW and the wider NHS.”

MTW is the fifth largest cancer centre in the country and provides specialist cancer services to around two million people across Kent, Medway and East Sussex from two main hospital sites in Canterbury and in Maidstone and runs outpatient clinics across Kent and Medway.