Bowel Cancer UK have announced Louise Foley and Clara Dennis, the Colorectal Clinical Nurse Specialists, from Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust as winners of the prestigious Gary Logue Colorectal Nurse Cancer Awards.

Louise and Clara are the recipients of the award for nurses nominated by their colleagues. The judges were particularly impressed with their commitment to supporting those who have come to them as urgent suspected cancer referrals and are waiting for a diagnosis. Louise and Clara always make sure these patients are assessed as soon as possible and have opened additional clinics to accommodate the increasing number of referrals. Their commitment to supporting patients and their families through diagnosis, surgery and aftercare makes them the backbone of their team.

The awards were presented by the Chief Executive of Bowel Cancer UK, Genevieve Edwards, at the National Colorectal Cancer Nurses Network (NCCNN) Annual Education Event on Thursday 28 September 2023. As part of the award, Louise and Clara received a bursary towards their professional development. 

Catherine Winsor, Director of Services at Bowel Cancer UK, said: “We're incredibly proud of our all our winners, finalists and nominees, who like thousands of colorectal cancer nurses up and down the country have shown exceptional care to their patients throughout their cancer journey. 
Their patients and families will never forget how nurses made them feel and the support they gave them during a very difficult time in their lives. And for that we thank them wholeheartedly. A huge well done to Louise and Clara for their outstanding work in the last year."

The colleague who nominated Louise and Clara said, “I am lucky to work alongside these two outstanding Colorectal Nurse Specialists. I couldn't pick between them so I nominated them jointly.  

“Due to their support and encouragement, I have learned so much and feel confident in my role. Their door is always open and if unsure I know I can always ask, and they will explain everything to me. They support lots of patients and their families through their difficult cancer diagnosis, surgery, and aftercare. 

“They are so good at what they do. They can straight away identify the patients who need extra support so we can make sure they have all the care they need to ensure a timely diagnosis. They are the backbone of our team and when needed can give the best hugs ever.  They make every day easier, especially when dealing with difficult and heart wrenching situations. I'm proud to be part of this special work family and thanks to them, I look forward to coming to work.”

Louise and Clara said, “To be in a nurse specialist role is a huge privilege. Supporting our suspected and diagnosed colorectal cancer patients and their families throughout their pathway can be challenging but is always so rewarding. It was a huge surprise and honour to win the award and one that we graciously accept on behalf of the whole team we are fortunate to work with.”

The awards were set up in memory of Gary Logue, who worked as a nurse for the charity and died in 2014, in honour of the tireless dedication he showed during his career.