Blackpool Teaching Hospitals has appointed a new Cure Leukaemia Research Nurse who will play a key role in helping to develop new treatments for blood cancers.
Research Nurses help connect patients to potentially lifesaving medicine and their role in administering trials is vital to developing effective new treatments for blood cancers.
Denise Bennett has been appointed to the role which will support research work spearheaded by the Trust’s Consultant Haematologist Dr Paul Cahalin and his team.
Dr Cahalin said: “Accessing treatments locally helps patients and families lead more normal lives while they receive treatment, being nearer to home makes a real difference to their overall well-being and quality of life.
“The appointment of Denise will not only improve the staffing levels within our research team but will give that security and understanding that leukaemia research is so integral to the work that we do here in Blackpool.”
The role has been made possible thanks to a partnership between the Trust, the Cure Leukaemia charity and Booths Supermarkets. Booths has funded the role for two years and will raise a minimum of £50,000 across a range of fundraising initiatives to benefit blood cancer patients across Lancashire and Cumbria.
Denise has been with our Trust for 10 years since starting as a staff nurse on the haematology inpatient ward. Moving to pursue an interest in research, Denise began working on cancer trials, among other specialities.
She says “My new role as a Cure Leukaemia research nurse will really allow me to focus on the research aspect of care for our leukaemia patients. We are already seeing the benefits for patients and our haematology department.”
James McLaughlin, Chief Executive at Cure Leukaemia, said: “We are thrilled to add Denise to our growing national footprint of Cure Leukaemia Research Nurses across the UK. It is clear that both Denise, Dr Cahalin and the wider team are incredibly passionate about not only treating leukaemia, but are leading the way in the field of clinical trials and Acute Myeloid Leukaemia treatments for blood cancer patients.”
Denise Bennett, pictured second from right
Photo shows (L-R): James McLaughlin (Chief Executive, Cure Leukaemia), Joanne Howard (Lead Nurse, Blackpool Teaching Hospitals), Denise Bennett (Cure Leukaemia Research Nurse, Blackpool Teaching Hospitals) and Nigel Murray (Managing Director, Booths) on a recent visit to Blackpool Victoria Hospital.