Inspirational Story

How did you get into the role of an oncology physiotherapist?

Nicky (my colleague) approached Helen Ilsley, one of the leads in colorectal care about using some of the part time hours that had been made available from staffing changes combined with therapy funding in respiratory care. After three months in the role, I realised that if I wanted to make a difference then I needed to be here full time, so that is what happened.

What motivated you to pursue this speciality?

As to what motivates me in the role and this speciality; I think it is personal. I don’t know too many AHP’s that are happy to work in oncology, due to the stresses of it, but that is what I enjoy about it. I am passionate about care at all stages of living, for the patient and for the families/ loved ones and that is what I saw in the opportunity of this role.

Could you provide a brief description of your day-to-day work, including the speciality you focus on?

I typically come in and start by either having to site a patient in the morning, but more typically set up the plan for the day on who needs to be attended to on the ward. I see some of those patients for stoma care and/or post op advice.

Later on I usually have a stoma clinic that I support on or I will be doing admin work. I have a Prehab/ exercise clinic on Tuesday’s and a best supportive care clinic on a Monday.

Other days I may be reviewing surgery school or calling to book people into clinic. During my admin time I am chasing up the patients that I see in Prehab and doing follow ups for them, gathering feedback, writing my reports, etc.

What are the positives of your role, and what challenges do you face?

One challenge was being accepted as an AHP in a nursing team. Getting everyone on board and training everyone up so they felt comfortable in referring to me. But, the hardest challenge is trying to get Prehab as part of a pathway in a patient’s care when consultants want to take on the responsibility of telling patients that they have cancer and then their treatment plan. I don’t understand why the clock can’t stop on Prehab as an intervention. The biggest positive has got to be that all the people I work alongside now see the benefit of my work and want it to continue and be utilised elsewhere.

Do you collaborate with other professionals?

Other professionals, yes, but other AHP’s only seldom. It is a very nursing/ surgical heavy department and limited input from other AHP’s. Even the assistants that we can call upon have nursing backgrounds.

Are you involved in MDTs, and if so, who is typically present at these?

Yes I am. The surgical consultants and oncology consultants. The nurses, admin staff, Radiologists and Endoscopists and some others. I suppose around 15-20 people are usually present.

We understand that you’ve introduced several workplace innovations to diversify the skills mix within your team. Could you share more about these initiatives?

I run Prehab and hernia prevention sessions (1-1 with patients). Therefore, I have trained my CNS team about exercise and the safety awareness of introducing exercises at what stage. I have also trained therapy teams to recognise the need for stoma care and how to be aware of how to support someone with a stoma or post colorectal surgery.