Helen Wilkes is the first mesothelioma Clinical Nurse Specialist in the UK to focus on patients with armed forces and military background
Helen Wilkes was appointed in 2018 as the first Mesothelioma Clinical Nurse Specialist in the UK, focused on helping armed forces personnel and veterans affected by asbestos-related cancer, mesothelioma. Helen’s role has now been extended to a full-time position after funding was secured from two associated charities.
Helen is based at the University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust in a part-time post funded by national asbestos-related cancer charity, Mesothelioma UK. From 1 April 2019, the post will be full-time after Southampton-based asbestos disease support charity, HASAG, provided further funding.
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer related to exposure to asbestos. Helen helps mesothelioma and lung cancer patients from Southampton, Portsmouth, central and southern England, the Channel Islands and the Falklands. She helps with patient journeys, from pre-diagnosis to potential outcomes, works with local support groups, raises awareness of the disease, and advises on treatment and clinical trial opportunities.
Helen is the primary clinical contact for Mesothelioma UK’s specialist armed forces information, advice and support service. This Government-funded initiative is delivering a specialist, UK-wide service for armed forces personnel and veterans who have been affected by mesothelioma.
Helen also works with a Mesothelioma UK benefits advisor at HASAG to advise on specific benefits and compensation claims for armed forces personnel and veterans affected by the disease.
Quote from HASAG…
Head of Services for Mesothelioma UK, Liz Darlison said: “We’re so grateful to HASAG for supporting Helen to become full-time. In the year that she has been in post, it’s been a busy time and she has helped many people affected by mesothelioma, particularly those with an armed forces background. The high incidence of mesothelioma in the Southampton area demonstrates the need for a full-time clinical nurse specialist and I’m delighted to be working with HASAG to enable local people to access the support they need.”
About Mesothelioma UK:
Mesothelioma UK is a national resource centre dedicated to providing specialist mesothelioma information, support and improved care and treatment for all UK mesothelioma patients, their carers and health care professionals. The centre promotes the development of Specialist Mesothelioma Nursing practice and funds 24 specialist nursing posts around the UK.
Mesothelioma UK Charitable Trust is based in Leicester. Our services are free of charge and we rely entirely on donations, legacies, fundraising and sponsorship for financial support. For more information, visit www.mesothelioma.uk.com, email info@mesothelioma.uk.com or call the freephone helpline number on 0800 169 2409 (Monday – Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm).
For press enquiries, please contact:
Simon Gribbon, on behalf of Mesothelioma UK
M: 07990 583371
E: simon@sandstarcomms.com
