The Cancer Reform Strategy(DH 2007) sets out initiatives to improve patients’ experience of living with and surviving cancer, with a particular focus on the importance of clinical nurse specialists . clinical nurse specialists play a valuable role in the management and support of patients with cancer. Providing support for
patients in distress is a key component of their role, and commissioners should work collaboratively to ensure this support is available. The patient satisfaction survey demonstrated the effect of clinical nurse specialists in supporting women who are recalled to assessment following breast screening. However, variations in the level of support are apparent.
Data from patient satisfaction surveys will enable commissioners and providers to plan for current and future service needs. Furthermore, the survey showed that a significant number of women were not aware that they could contact a clinical nurse specialists at the assessment clinic. Therefore, more work needs to be done to highlight this valuable resource to women in this healthcare setting nurse specialists