Professionals

As has already been said, it's really tough to have to deal with cancer, especially as a teenager when it's just not expected.
But, the sort of care received can make a big difference to the way the whole experience feels.
Maddy has come across an extensive range of health care staff over the last couple of months, including nurses, oncologists, radiologists, surgeons, social workers, education liaison workers, dieticians, psychologists, catering staff, porters and many more besides. Pretty well without exception, they are all exceptional people and all valued players in Maddy's 'team'.
Perhaps those on the front line are the ones who may be remembered most readily though, particularly when this episode is only a distant, but perhaps still vivid, memory in history.
It seemed really appropriate then, that as this idea occurred, the two people below happened to be on duty in the Teenage Cancer Unit at 07.40 on Sunday morning (when most readers were probably still tucked up in bed).


Judith and Gill (L & R respectively) have both looked after Maddy on numerous occasions and they epitomise the professionalism of Wards 10 & 10T at St James's.
They always take time to reassure and explain what's happening without wasting time (they're incredibly busy) and they are at the 'top of their game' in knowing just what they're doing. These are the sort of professionals that really do make a difference, for the better.