A James Paget physiotherapist has been shortlisted for a prestigious award after setting up a dedicated cancer physiotherapy service at our hospital.
Sam Nelson, who works as a Clinical Specialist Macmillan Physiotherapist, works with cancer patients receiving treatment both on our haematology ward (Ward 17) and at outpatient clinics.
Since joining the Paget nearly two years ago, Sam has overseen the development of the service, helping patients undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment access physio support more quickly.
Effective cancer treatments mean that people now live longer but can also result in patients needing additional support during and after treatment, to help them get back to their routines of everyday life. That’s where physiotherapy comes in.
“Physiotherapy can really help people undergoing or recovering from treatment have a higher quality of life,” said Sam.
“It’s about the little things - helping people continue to do the activities they love in their day-to-day lives.”
In his 20 months at the Paget, Sam has helped restore patients’ confidence to carry out important tasks, such as being able to reach for a jar on a top shelf or accessing a key safe to enter their home.
But, crucially, he has also helped many return to much-loved family activities or hobbies and pastimes, such as playing the piano, or being able to go to a football match.
“One of the first patients I saw after starting at the Paget asked if she would ever be able to walk along the beach again, picking up shells,” said Sam. “She was being treated for cancer and at the time was bed bound. Now, more than a year later, she has just returned from a holiday in Cornwall where she has collected dozens of seashells – that’s the difference physiotherapy can make.”
“I love being a physiotherapist and feel very privileged to be able to work with my patients,” he added.
Sam’s role is funded by Macmillan Cancer Support and he is supported in his work by the Cancer Care Navigators based at the Louise Hamilton Centre.
He has been shortlisted in the Rising Star category in this year’s Macmillan Professional Excellence Awards, which celebrates early-career professionals who show exceptional promise and a strong commitment to transforming cancer care for the future.
Sam is already the holder of a prestigious award, having won the Governors’ Award at last year’s Paget’s People staff awards. Sam received the award, sponsored by Capsticks, in recognition of his work in helping patients going through chemotherapy treatment and cancer diagnosis to maintain their mobility, and commitment to helping patients throughout their cancer diagnosis.
