From Simon Bolton, Mesothelioma Nurse Specialist for the West and North Yorkshire region.
I have worked as a clinical nurse specialist (CNS) in Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma for 16 years.
I developed a special interest in Mesothelioma which led me to join the National ‘Mesothelioma Nurse Action Team‘ that would later become the Mesothelioma UK Professional Nurse Forum.
I have been the Mesothelioma UK CNS for the West and North Yorkshire region since 2016, although changes at Harrogate Hospital’s Lung Cancer Service have meant that the Mesothelioma role has been very part time over the past year.
Thankfully, funding has been agreed to make the post full time and from November 2020 I will be based with my new host organisation ‘Calderdale & Huddersfield NHS Trust’ to focus solely on supporting people affected by Mesothelioma.
Throughout my years working in Mesothelioma, there’s been no dedicated welfare & benefit support for patients with Mesothelioma following the break-up of the Ridings Asbestos Support & Advice Group (RASAG). I’m delighted that this void is now being filled by SARAG who have expanded their South Yorkshire based service, which now covers the entire Yorkshire and Humberside region, and I look forward to working closely with them.
I have facilitated the Mesothelioma Support Yorkshire (MESSY) group since establishing in 2011. We regularly welcomed 35-40 people to the monthly meetings in Leeds until the COVID- 19 Pandemic restrictions were imposed. We now meet via Zoom video conferencing every 2 weeks. If anyone is interested in attending they can contact SARAG who will pass on your details and make sure you get an invite to the group.
Wishing you all a merry Christmas and a peaceful new year.