Sam Russell - Lead Acute Oncology Nurse
Sam Russell - Lead Acute Oncology Nurse
Sam Russell is the Lead Acute Oncology Nurse at St Luke’s and has been working at the cancer centre for 19 years.
“I manage the 24-hour hotline for our cancer patients. Sometimes we can get 30 calls a day from those in pain from cancer or side effects from their treatment.
"Chemotherapy can lead to uncontrolled vomiting amongst other side effects. Immunotherapy – a newer type of treatment for cancers like melanoma – can lead to side effects like breathing difficulties, a whole year later.
"It’s difficult to hear patients struggling but I know we make a positive difference to them at a vulnerable time in their lives. We prescribe medication or get in touch with their GPs so they don’t wait suffering with side effects of treatment.
"Since Covid, one of the most valuable things we continue do is to help patients manage their conditions at home rather than hospital. Conversely, we make sure that people who really do need to be in hospital put their fears aside and recognise the importance of seeking profession help in the hospital setting, be that in our acute oncology assessment area or A&E.
"One of the joys over the last 19 years is seeing the advance in treatment for cancers like melanoma where the outcomes used to be so poor.
"I want to thank the managers at St Luke’s who help to us keep motivated. Good colleagues make a huge difference."