MEET Poole's team of five community cancer nurse specialists, a unique initiative now inspiring other areas to consider a similar service.

Lynn Maxwell, Cathy Hughes, Wendy Farrell, Angela Bradbury and Nikki Dibley were appointed by Poole Primary Care Trust nearly two years ago.

One of the aims of the service is to help the trust meet the objectives of the NHS Cancer Plan, which include saving more lives through health promotion and cancer prevention work.

Between them, the women cover all 21 GP practices in Poole - catering for a total population of 170,000 patients. "Macmillan initially funded a pilot project with the Hadleigh Practice in Broadstone, where a practice-based cancer nurse specialist was available for advice, support and information," explained Lynn.

GPs are often the first to see patients who have symptoms that might suggest cancer. They can refer to the team at any time. Other referrals come through district nurses, hospital staff or even the patients, their family or friends.

"The team works closely with the GPs, district nurses, palliative care team, other community and hospital staff to enhance the care provided to cancer patients," said Cathy.

"We provide education and support to the community staff and also specialist care, including giving some cancer treatments to patients in their homes."

The community cancer nurse specialists' job includes monitoring treatment, helping to treat side effects and supporting patients at home so they do not have to go into hospital unnecessarily.

"Some patients would require frequent visits to the hospital and find this difficult. They like the fact that they don't have to go to the hospital as often. It focuses more on their normal life than their disease," said Lynn.

"A large part of our work is providing information and support, telling people about their disease, treatments and possible side-effects - and supporting them and their families through any worries they might have."

Other important aspects of the team's work are health promotion, increasing awareness of the symptoms of cancer and encouraging people to go for breast and cervical cancer screening.

Last October, for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the team organised a successful women's evening at Ashdown Leisure Centre, Canford Heath, featuring a drama group from

Merseyside.

"The women all enjoyed the evening and said they would be more likely to be breast aware and attend screening in the future," said Angela.

Further similar events are planned and promotions are likely to tie in with various other national cancer awareness campaigns.

"There has been a lot of interest in our service both locally and nationally and now other areas are considering developing similar services," said Lynn.