Discover how our Clinical Nurse Specialist, Marie, transforms patient care

Nurses play a key role in a pancreatic cancer patient’s diagnosis and treatment. They support patients throughout their cancer pathway, providing information and support and are a key member of their muti-disciplinary teams.

We are very proud to fund a Pancreatic Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary. Marie Lynn has been in post since January 2023 and is the second 3-year term CNS post that we have funded.

We recently caught up with Marie and she spoke very candidly about her role, the challenges she faces and the parts she enjoys.

“What does a typical week look like for you in your role as Clinical Nurse Specialist?”

“My week is varied in the way I support patients. I attend clinic and meet with patients, prepare and attend our multi-disciplinary meetings. As a team we are also involved with theatre planning, education and ward visits. As a point of contact for many patients we also have telephone clinics and return calls as soon as possible. I help patients navigate our pathway and attend our endoscopy department to meet with patients and provide information and support. We work very closely as a multi-disciplinary team, and I make referrals to dieticians, anaesthetics, palliative care and Macmillan support to name a few. I am also very proud of my role with Pancreatic Cancer Action.”

“What is your favourite part of the job?” 

“Interactions with patients and potentially providing support and reassurance is the part of the job I enjoy most. Even if I can even make a small difference in what can often be the most stressful time in patient’s a life, then that is very rewarding. I am also very grateful to work with such a supportive team. Everyone is very motivated to provide the best service we can.”

“What’s the most challenging part of your job?”

“The most challenging part of my job is the sensitive conversations that we have. Discussing bad news is difficult and requires a compassionate approach.”

“Can you describe a particularly meaningful interaction you’ve had with a patient or within your work?”

“I believe all interactions are meaningful and hopefully that is the case for my patients. I do recall a particular interaction with one of the first patients I looked after. The patient had a very difficult journey, and I was able to spend a lot of time supporting them and I know how much this was appreciated.”

“What inspired you to become a nurse?”

“I always considered nursing as a career because I knew that I wanted to work directly with people in a caring profession. In this particular job, I was motivated because of my background in upper GI surgery and also because of my own experiences. My Dad had Oesophageal cancer and passed away in 2018 following a difficult 3 years. Unfortunately, as a family we didn’t always have support or a point of contact but when we did, I seen the value and hoped I could provide that support for patients and their families.”

“How many people or families do you typically support in a month/ year?”

“According to our numbers we can support around 200 patients or more per month as a team which consists of 2-3 nurses.”

From patient to volunteer: how Marie’s care inspired Peter to volunteer

At Pancreatic Cancer Action, we have seen first-hand the difference that Marie makes to the lives of patients and their families. One of our loyal volunteers in Glasgow, Peter McGovern, was treated by Marie and this is what he had to say:

"When I got my cancer diagnosis, Marie was there for me 100%. She kept me in the loop with everything that was going on, and any time I phoned, she got back to me, no matter what time it was. She gives it her all, and honestly, she made a tough time that bit easier to get through."

Peter now volunteers at Glasgow Royal Infirmary hosting an awareness stand on behalf of Pancreatic Cancer Action. He is determined to support patients who have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, by distributing our health information or by being a friendly ear to patients and their families who are visiting the clinic.