Cancer patient thanks “lifeline” oncology secretary

A cancer patient has expressed his appreciation for the dedication of his consultant’s secretary. Mr Ian Mould said Carley Gray, who works for Dr Rajanee Bhana and Dr Angela Parau, both consultant oncologists, has been “a lifeline” since he was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer. Carley, who has only worked in Oncology from October, has been given the UHNM Hero award by Mr Mould.

Mr Mould said: “Everything Carley said she would do, she did. She has kept in touch with me even when answers weren’t forthcoming straight away. I can’t tell you how much stress my wife and I have been under, but Carley’s attention to detail and a desire to support patients is clear and certainly the benchmark to follow. Outstanding!”

Carley was presented with the award by Kate Hackett, Senior Nurse for Education and Workforce.

Kate said: “It takes a plethora of people to care for our patients and it is so important to acknowledge our admin and clerical staff as well as doctors and nurses. It’s clear that what Carley does means so much to patients and I’m very proud to be able to present her with this award on behalf of Mr Mould.”

Carley said: “I was so touched when I heard that Mr Mould had nominated me for this that I cried! I only started this job recently but it’s so nice to be recognised and to know that you’ve made a difference. I wanted a job where my children would feel proud of me for what I do and I really feel like this is it.”

Carley works at the cancer centre on the Royal Stoke University Hospital site. She spoke of how she has found the experience both challenging and rewarding.

Carley said: “My dad passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2012 and so coming back to the cancer centre for work brought back a lot of memories for me. It was difficult at first, especially when I had my first patient become upset over the telephone, but to know that you can help someone else as they go through that makes all the difference. Our family's experience with my dad made a real impact on us and now my daughter wants to go into medicine. I’m very pleased that I can help Mr Mould and other patients by offering them a bit of time which is just for them. When you’re going through a hard time a bit of communication and reassurance makes all the difference.”