Posted on: 5 October 2017
The sixth national Specialist Adult Cancer Nurse census will take place on Monday (9th October), one of four pieces of work being carried out by Macmillan Cancer Support to provide an overall baseline assessment of the cancer workforce in England and Wales.
This year’s assessment will be more comprehensive than the previous specialist adult cancer nurse census of 2014. More roles and professional groups will be included to help build a better understanding of the size and shape of the NHS employed workforce – based in hospitals and in the community – supporting people with a cancer diagnosis part or all of the time. Roles covered include specialist adult cancer nurses (CNS or equivalent); adult chemotherapy nurses; palliative care specialist nurses who frequently see cancer; registered nurses who frequently see cancer, and healthcare assistants who frequently see cancer. Local Macmillan representatives have been working to ensure that Directors of Nursing, Lead Cancer Nurses and the specialist adult cancer nursing workforce are aware of how to get involved.
A report will be produced in early 2018 to highlight any key changes in the workforce covered by the census and to identify where further workforce development could improve the outcomes and experience of care for people with cancer.