The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre

Congratulations to our latest Star Award winner - Sue Maloney, Research and Partnerships Manager.

Sue was nominated by a colleague who said:

“Sue's hard work and commitment to the team and its running ensures that we are consistently achieving desired outcomes and run like a well-oiled machine.

With her unwavering support, our team has met and surpassed our targets for the past two years, found better ways to work, and developed a strong teamwork-based ethos to how we work that has led us to success after success, enabling new studies to become available to our patients, and ultimately improving treatment options in the wider NHS.

Her encouragement and commitment to connecting with others throughout the department and beyond, has shown great benefit not just to our team, but teams and departments across the board. She fosters and encourages an atmosphere where staff feel comfortable working independently, empowering her staff to find solutions and is always happy to have ideas run by her for improvements to our workflows.

She will always give credit where it is due, and always ensures milestones are acknowledged and celebrated. Her kindness has no limits and is always freely given."

Thank you, Sue, for everything you do 💚

Please note our Patient Hotline may be busier than usual overnight and at the weekend.

If you are feeling unwell, please still call us. The team will answer your call as soon as they can, but it may take longer than usual.

If you've been waiting for a long time and need urgent medical advice, you can call NHS 111. In an emergency call 999.

We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience and understanding.

We are delighted to announce, especially during Armed Forces Week, that The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre has received the Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award.

The award recognises the commitment and support we demonstrate to our defence and armed forces communities.

We pride ourselves on being a Veteran and Armed Forces friendly hospital, ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, both patients and staff, and their families, are treated fairly.

CCC Armed Forces Network Chair and Army Reservist, Simon Glazebrook said:

“As Chair of the Armed Forces Network, I am delighted that the Trust has been recognised with the Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award. This highlights the Trust’s commitment to support our staff from the Armed Forces Community, and I look forward to our journey towards Gold.”

Chief People Officer, Andy Morris said:

“I’m incredibly proud to see the Trust recognised with the Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award. This reflects a genuine Trust wide commitment to supporting our Armed Forces community – through how we recruit, develop and care for our people. We recognise the unique skills, experience and sacrifices of those who serve and have served, and we are determined to continue building an inclusive environment where they and their families feel valued and supported.”

Our fantastic research staff wore red on Friday for to celebrate and demonstrate their support and appreciation for all those participating, undertaking and supporting research.

As one of the UK’s leading cancer centres we are committed to making groundbreaking research available to our patients. We strive to improve outcomes for our patients by staying at the forefront of new treatments, technologies and techniques to deliver more effective and personalised cancer care.

Find out more about our research on our website 👉 https://orlo.uk/fWKdU

When Graham Bonner noticed blood in his urine one evening in 2022, he knew he should go to his doctor.

Tests revealed Graham had cancer, with cancerous cells found in his urethra and a tumour on his kidney. He was told his cancer was serious.

Graham, from Otterspool, began treatment at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre. The treatment took its toll and he often felt weak and sick and was unable to carry on doing things he loved, like gardening and travelling.

As part of his treatment, Graham benefitted from The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre's Chemotherapy at Home service, where his immunotherapy treatment was delivered in his own home by our expert team of nurses. "“Having my treatment at home was incredible – to not have to travel into hospital and just spend an hour receiving my treatment before I cracked on with my day, was revolutionary. And the team were amazing!” says Graham.

Graham will be receiving immunotherapy for the rest of his life but for now, he's back to his favourite hobbies, including gardening with his friend and neighbour, Piero. Graham and Piero have even set up a small business, helping vulnerable people in the local community by tending to their gardens.

Thanks to the support of his family, including wife Julie and his children Emily and James, as well as the team at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, including his Clinical Nurse Specialist Emma-Jayne Kelly, Graham now enjoys a great quality of life and the tumour on his kidney has completely disappeared. "I've outlived my sell-by date" says Graham, "and I've very grateful"

To read more about Graham's story and find out about our Chemotherapy at Home service, please click the link in the comments.

MEN'S HEALTH WEEK

Cancer doesn't just affect physical health, it can also impact you mentally. This , we're encouraging men to talk about how they're feeling, reach out for support if they need it, and remember that looking after your mental wellbeing is just as important as looking after your physical health.

Adam Swanick from the Wirral, was 29 when he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in February 2020, after experiencing symptoms including night sweats and severe bruising.

He received a stem cell transplant, which made him prone to illness and infection to begin with, leading to numerous hospital admissions and a stint in intensive care when he contracted COVID in 2022.

Thankfully, Adam is now cancer-free and can live his life to its fullest, but has always been open and honest about his mental health whilst going through diagnosis and treatment.

Sharing what helped him during this time, he said:

"Allow yourself to have down days, they are normal - be kind to yourself. Listen to your body and your mind. Allow yourself rest - you will have days that are slept away and this is ok, it's your body telling you it needs it. But on the days you're feeling ok, try and fill them with things you like to do and spend them with people who bring you joy. It makes those harder days easier when you know the good days are fun filled and love filled. Get as much fresh air as you can, however that looks for you, even if it's just getting someone to drive you to a spot where you can sit with the windows down. Fresh air is good for the mind. And most importantly, talk. Talk about how you're feeling, talk about your mood. Don't keep it all to yourself. There will always be people willing to listen and offer advice."

Our Cancer Information and Support Centres provide information and support for all aspects of living with cancer. You can find further details on our website 👉 https://orlo.uk/3gWeP

An exciting opportunity has become available for an experienced and motivated HR professional to join the Trust as an HR Business Partner.

You will play a key role in supporting the delivery of a comprehensive People Services function across the Trust, acting as a strategic partner to allocated Divisions and Directorates. You will provide expert advice on workforce strategy, employment law and organisational development, ensuring the effective implementation of national guidance, best practice and Trust priorities.

If you have experience working with managers on HR or workforce-related issues, strong project management skills, and excellent communication abilities with staff at all levels, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out more and apply now 👉 https://orlo.uk/nmJJN

We are delighted to announce that Tori Young has been appointed substantive Chief Operating Officer of The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre (CCC), following a competitive national recruitment process.

Tori joined CCC as Director of Pharmacy in February 2022 and took on the additional role of Deputy Chief Operating Officer in April 2024. She has been Interim Chief Operating Officer since 31 March 2025, and will now hold the role on a substantive (i.e. permanent) basis.

Tori has extensive leadership experience across the Cheshire and Merseyside healthcare system. After qualifying as a pharmacist and completing her pre-reg training, Tori spent 18 years at Wirral University Teaching Hospital in roles including aseptics, haematology, women’s health, medicines management and medicines safety as her career progressed into management.

Before moving to CCC, she was Deputy Chief Pharmacist at Warrington and Halton Hospitals.

As our Director of Pharmacy, Tori oversaw significant transformation including increasing aseptic production, the launch of a full pharmacy logistics service and the introduction of new technology including Omnicells and VHP isolators.

During her time as Interim Chief Operating Officer, Tori has played a lead role in developing our next five-year strategy with Board colleagues as well as our staff members, patients and carers, and partner organisations.

Chief Executive Joan Spencer said: "Tori is an outstanding leader with the ability to understand both the detail and the bigger picture, turning vision into reality. She thinks about people, ensuring services remain firmly patient-focused while also recognising and supporting staff. Tori also combines strong values with business acumen and has the ability to motivate and inspire those around her. I am absolutely delighted that she has been appointed our substantive Chief Operating Officer."

Tori Young said: "This is a very exciting time for The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre and I am thrilled to have been appointed to this role. We have big plans for the next five years and I am very much looking forward to working with everyone to deliver them. Everything we do is focused on providing the best care in the best way for people with cancer, along with supporting those who care for them."