Medway Maritime children's oncology nurse shortlisted for Hospital Hero award

A children's oncology nurse who set up a charity to help sick tots has become one of five healthcare professionals to be shortlisted for special recognition.

Elizabeth Maclaren, from Rainham, is in the running to win the Hospital Hero category in Medway Maritime’s Star Awards.

The 41-year-old worked several years in general paediatrics and later paediatric intensive care before working up to the role of clinical nurse specialist, which she has held for seven years.

Elizabeth, who goes by Liz, said: “We follow patients from the point of breaking bad news right up until throughout treatment, and we get to see them at home, and then if all goes well, we sort of send them off well and treated.

“The treatment is fantastic – they can do some really amazing things now, but sometimes people just can't be cured, and that's obviously absolutely tragic.”

At a time, she and her team can be looking after up to 40 patients across Medway, Gravesend and Swale, from newborns to 19-year-olds.

Liz added: “Even within the trust, people aren’t aware of paediatric oncology – people just don’t imagine that it happens in the world.”

Speaking on becoming a finalist, she said: “It's an absolute privilege to be nominated.

“I've got a fantastic team of nurses that work with me, so it's not just me, I'm not just a one-man band, but it means a lot.”

Being shortlisted has come at “a challenging time”, and she said it is nice to be appreciated for clinical nurse specialists all around.

“We've had lots of children that we haven't been able to make better, and we provide end-of-life care for children at home, so we've had to do that on three occasions within the last three months, so it's been really challenging,” she added.

“Obviously, we're with families at that most poignant time in their lives, and we look after them afterwards as well, so we form really strong relationships with them, and they depend on us as much as anything else,” she said.

Liz was put forward for the Hospital Hero award, which recognises staff who go above and beyond, for her achievements in setting up the Children’s Oncology Fund.

After dwindling funds after the pandemic, she took matters into her own hands to raise money within the community to support children and their families.

She said: “A cancer diagnosis for anyone, but specifically for a child, causes complete destruction financially, emotionally, in every way of life.

“We set up the fund, and that helps with day-to-day life like food and even repatriation to home countries if they have sadly passed away.”

Jumping from an aeroplane and wing walking are just some of the fundraisers she has taken part in to raise money.

“Every penny we raise goes into that fund, so it’s been a really lovely thing to do,” said Liz.

We will be publishing details of the other nominees over the next month, with the winner announced at a special ceremony on June 12.