Grace Kent, Clinical Nurse Specialist
Nurse Grace Kent, funded by Morgan Stanley and based at Southend Hospital, is on hand to provide age-appropriate advice, care and extra emotional support for those aged 16-24 who are receiving cancer treatment at Southend and the other hospitals which are part of Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust - Basildon and Broomfield.
Young people and teenagers from Essex can access the charity’s units at hospitals specialising in cancer treatment in London, but many will receive part, or all, of their treatment at their local hospital, where they are treated in exactly the same way as much older adults. This new role means Grace is able to provide much-needed additional support to teenagers and younger people with cancer who are going through some extremely difficult times.
Grace, Teenage Cancer Trust Teenage and Young Adults Clinical Nurse Specialist, explains:
“My aim is to be there for every young person from the point of diagnosis to help and guide them through the shock of a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and the disruption it can cause to their lives.
“For example, I explain medical jargon and treatment plans in an age-appropriate way, accompany them to appointments with consultants for emotional support, and help co-ordinate appointments at multiple hospitals which can prove particularly challenging at a younger age.
“As well as providing care myself, I introduce them to other services and charities that can help them cope too.
“I love working with young people, they inspire me every day, and I’m so happy that we’re able to provide this new service to young people in the region.”
Morgan Stanley is raising over £1m for Teenage Cancer Trust, and alongside Grace’s post is helping to fund three other new Teenage Cancer Trust nurses who will work across London and the South East.