A highly experienced cancer nurse has been appointed as a Mesothelioma UK clinical nurse specialist at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
In her new role, Sonya Moudart will provide care and support for mesothelioma – asbestos-related cancer – patients and become a course of expertise on mesothelioma for the North Central London Cancer Alliance area.
“With many years’ experience, I’ll be bringing transferable nurse specialist skills to the new role”
Sonya Moudart
She will split her time working closely with the l asbestos-related cancer charity, Mesothelioma UK, for two days per week, with the role funded by the London Asbestos Support Awareness Group.
In addition, Ms Moudart will also work as a lung cancer nurse at University College London Hospitals (UCLH).
She has worked in cancer care for 30 years, including 23 as a clinical nurse specialist. This has included 10 years as a clinical nurse specialist in breast cancer, three years in teenage haematology and 10 more in gynaecological cancer.
During her time in breast cancer, she was the manager for the clinical nurse specialists at St Bartholomew’s Hospital for three years. As a gynaecological nurse specialist at UCLH, she was also a nurse practitioner.
Mesothelioma is a cancer related to exposure to asbestos and predominantly affects the lining of the lungs. The UK has the highest incidence of the disease in the world, with around 2,700 people diagnosed each year.
Commenting on her appointment, Ms Moudart said: “I have chosen to come back to a nurse specialist role and am delighted that this will be with Mesothelioma UK.
“Although the tumour type is new to me, the patient group is very interesting and from a different background to which I’ve worked before,” she said.
“I’m looking forward to working with my nursing colleagues at Mesothelioma UK to raise awareness, and to support patients and their families.”
She added: “With many years’ experience, I’ll be bringing transferable nurse specialist skills to the new role.
“This will help me to deliver emotional support and clinical expertise to mesothelioma patients in London and beyond, ensuring that they get the best possible treatment and care available.”
Mesothelioma UK, the national charity mesothelioma, has more than 30 specialist nurses based in NHS trusts across the country.
Leah Taylor, head of nursing at Mesothelioma UK, said: “Sonya brings a wealth of experience and will be an incredible source of support for all those affected by mesothelioma within the North Central London Cancer Alliance patch, covering Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Islington.”
Jenny Gyertson, lead lung cancer clinical nurse specialist at UCLH, agreed, adding: “Sonya brings with her a significant depth and breadth of experience as a cancer clinical nurse specialist, so this is a very exciting appointment!”
