Claire Casey Head of Communications and Engagement South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Cancer Alliance claire.casey4@nhs.net
sybndcancer.alliance@nhs.net
Julia Jessop, Managing Director
My background is: a therapeutic radiographer
The best part about working for the Cancer Alliance is: the team
Some things I am currently working on are:
You can talk to me about: anything remotely related to cancer
My email address is: julia.jessop@nhs.net
Becci Chadburn, Associate Director
My background is: in commissioning, contracting, programme management and service improvement. I am passionate about transformational and sustainable change to improve the lives of our population.
The best part about working for the Cancer Alliance is: having the opportunity to work across the system with a wide range of stakeholders to develop and deliver strategies and work programmes that can influence and support improved outcomes for people with cancer in South Yorkshire. The best part about my job is never having two days that are the same!
The top 3 things I am currently working on are:
You can talk to me about: anything; if I don’t know the answer I’ll point you in the direction of somebody that will. In particular if you’d like to talk to me about programme and project governance, assurance reporting, budget/finance and our operational/delivery plans, then I’m happy to answer any questions.
My email address is: r.chadburn@nhs.net
Georgia Thompson, Associate Director
My background is: in cancer specialist nursing and cancer management. I am passionate about providing the best care and support for people affected by cancer.
The best part about working for the Cancer Alliance is: the variety of people we work alongside and in partnership with. The best part about my job is the incredible team who bring a fab mix of experience, skills and fun.
You can talk to me about: anything! Though I don’t profess to know much.
My email address is: georgiathompson@nhs.net
Trish Fisher, Clinical Director
My responsibilities include:
Julia Dicks, Clinical Director
My responsibilities include:
Dr Louise Merriman, Primary Care Clinical Lead
My background is: working as a GP for the last 30 years
I am passionate about: the patient experience from referral, through diagnosis and all the way through to hopefully living with and beyond cancer.
The best thing about working for the Cancer Alliance is: apart from the brilliant team of course, the feeling that we can make a difference.
I lead on all areas that interface with Primary Care, but some key areas I lead on are:
Rachel Gora, Project Support Manager
My background is: I joined the NHS 10 years ago working primarily for the Macmillan Living With and Beyond Cancer Programme for a few years before working full time with the Cancer Alliance. Prior to this I worked for a Private Medical Insurance Company as part of their Change Team.
The best part about working for the Cancer Alliance is: the people I get to work and engage with across South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw and the best part of my job is ensuring all our main Boards are organised to a high standard.
The top 3 things I am currently work on are:
You can talk to me about:
My email address is: rachel.gora@nhs.net
Kath Glentworth,Senior Project Support Officer
Aurelija Sinkeviciute, Senior Project Support Officer
Claire Casey, Head of Communications and Engagement
Chloe Wells, Communications Officer
I am passionate about: connecting people, humanising communications, and shouting about brilliant work being done.
The best part about working for the Cancer Alliance is: the ability to contribute to positive change, and the people - we're a friendly bunch with a real passion for what we do.
Some things I am currently working on are:
You can talk to me about: any suggestions or ideas, or anything you would like to see on our website or social media, any events or initiatives happening in the community, and anything else - if I can't help I will do my best to point you in the direction of someone who can.
Linda Kaye, Programme Manager, Workforce and OD
My background is: in Workforce, leadership and Organisational Development (OD) / I am passionate about supporting our staff to be the best they can be to give patients a high quality service.
The best part about working for the Cancer Alliance is: the team are great and there is a real can do attitude. The best part about my job is watching people grow and develop as they become more skilled and confident.
You can talk to me about: all things workforce or anything you want to discuss
Matt Hird, Principal Data Analyst
My background is: in Business Intelligence, analytics, and Performance Information, with nearly fifteen years of NHS experience, prominently relating to Elective Care.
The best part about working for the Cancer Alliance is: the people! Through the years of working for the Cancer Alliance, there has been the opportunity to collaborate with peers who hold a breadth of knowledge around our cancer pathways, provide support to facilitate engagement and endorsement for our BI products, and provide an insight into wider topics that directly impact the way we build our products.
You can talk to me about: all aspects of business intelligence relating to cancer pathways, including what data is available, how we optimise the use of data and walk through some of our existing approaches, to best inform our audiences of the analysis undertaken
Liam Corrigan, Data Engineer
My background is: in software development, I have worked in various development roles over the last 8 years including front-end and back-end development, automation builds and data analysis software.
The best part about working for the Cancer Alliance is: the group of people working for the SYBCA, I have been a part of this team for 6 months and everyone from day one has been supportive and kind. The best part about my job is the autonomy and support given to me by my line manager Matthew Hird, and the impact the automation I have already complete has had on the BI developments for the CA.
You can talk to me about: migrating local datasets to SQL data warehouses for automation, Python (programming language) for automating repetitive tasks, my new puppy bandit and being bad at golf.
Karen Leivers, Programme Manager, IED
My background is: in Project Management and Service Improvement and I am passionate about reducing health inequalities for the population of SYB and supporting people to access health services, particularly related to cancer screening and signs/symptoms relating to cancer.
The best part about working for the Cancer Alliance is: the vision and values that the Cancer Alliance holds, including being dedicated to improving the lives of people living within SYB. The best part about my job is working with a dedicated team who are passionate about making a difference.
You can talk to me about: the Inequalities & Early Diagnosis Cancer Plan for 2023/24 including emerging opportunities from an NHSE perspective, and Cancer Alliance research and innovation
Steph Edgar, CRUK GP Lead and Deputy Primary Care Lead
My background is: in primary care and I work in Barnsley as a GP. I am passionate about supporting patients and primary care in recognising the signs and symptoms of cancer and supporting the early detection of cancer and improved survival.
The best part about working for the Cancer Alliance is: working with like minded, hardworking people who are striving to make a difference in early cancer detection and survival .
You can talk to me about: the Early Diagnosis plan for 23/24
Michelle Ashbridge, Project Manager
I am passionate about: improving systems and processes in order to deliver the best possible patient care.
The best part about my job is: building strong working relationships with key stakeholders and working collaboratively to deliver earlier diagnosis and improve outcomes for all South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw patients.
You can talk to me about: all aspects of the Cancer Champion Programme, the Cancer Research UK Talk Cancer Workshops and anything relating to Inequalities and the Early Diagnosis of Cancer.
Andrea Stothard, Project Manager
My background is: in Quality and Patient Safety, Project Management and Service Improvement. I am passionate about improving quality, equity, and equality in health care services for the population of SYB. Being able to support people to have an awareness of cancer and its signs and symptoms, access screening services to support earlier diagnosis and to optimise patients’ outcomes is important to me.
The best part about working for the Cancer Alliance is: the team and working with a group of people who are passionate about making a difference and work to common goals. They are dedicated to improving the lives of people living in South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw. The vision and values that the Cancer Alliance holds support earlier diagnosis, reducing inequalities and supporting patients through and beyond their diagnosis which is important to me.
You can talk to me about: the Inequalities & Early Diagnosis Cancer Plan, Cancer Alliance research and innovation and anything quality!
Tracey Turner, Behavioural Science Project Manager
My background is: in Public Health. I am passionate about reducing health inequalities to improve outcomes for the people we serve.
The best part about: working for the Cancer Alliance is working with amazing people who are all dedicated to making a difference and improve cancer outcomes for population of South Yorkshire. The best part about my job is collaborating with a wide range of individuals to apply behavioural science techniques to influence behaviour for the benefit of patients, communities, and populations.
You can talk to me about: the use of Behavioural Science methodology and how it can help you understand the behaviours of our communities of interest and how behavioural science techniques can influence decisions for the benefit of the individual, community, and population.
Kate MacGregor, Project Support Officer
My background is:
The best part about my job is:
Alison Thorp, TLHC Programme Manager
My background is: in education and the voluntary and community sector where I spent 9 years before joining the NHS in 2019. I am passionate about early diagnosis and supporting individuals and families affected by cancer.
The best part about working for the Cancer Alliance is: belonging to a team that constantly strive to achieve more/better health outcomes for patients and communities. The best part about my job is being part of a programme which is saving lives, it doesn’t get much better than that.
You can talk to me about: TLHC, LWABC (previous role), Be Cancer SAFE (previous role), Health inequalities, Patient engagement, Working within the VCS/community, engagement/volunteering
Asha Gudibandi, TLHC Project Manager
Hannah Young, TLHC Senior Communications and Engagement Officer
My background is: in marketing, communications, and engagement in many different industries.
The best part about my job is: knowing I’m working on an incredible programme that is genuinely helping people.
You can talk to me about: anything to do with the TLHC Programme! I’m always looking for new ways to reach local communities to improve engagement – and I’m more than happy to shout about the brilliant work the TLHC team does.
Alex Johnson, SYB Targeted Lung Health Checks Project Support Officer
My responsibilities include:
Dr Jason Page, TLHC Clinical Director
I am passionate about: early diagnosis of all cancer, but especially lung cancer
The best part about my job is: speaking to patients who have been diagnosed with cancer early enough that they can have a significant improvement in their length and quality of life
You can talk to me about: anything to do with Lung Heath Checks (or anything about Rotherham where I’m also place medical director)
Louise Horton, Senior Project Manager
I am passionate about: supporting our services and clinical colleagues in making improvements to provide the best possible outcomes and experience for our patients
My background is: Originally in nursing before moving into various project roles becoming a project manager in 2015
The best part about my job is: getting to work with like minded people who have real drive and want to make a difference
You can talk to me about: anything, if I cant help I will sign post you to someone more appropriate
Hayley Williams, Single Cancer Management Systems Project and Development Lead
My background is: in nursing, cancer and programme management
The best part about my job is: being able to make a difference to people and their families on cancer pathways
You can talk to me about: anything related to cancer, cancer pathways, improvement work and programme management
Tamsyn Hughes, Project Manager
My background is: in Mental Health Nursing, having qualified in 2010 before moving into Project Manager roles a number of years ago after developing an appetite to drive and support improvements in the care and support provided to patients, their families, carers and our communities.
The best part about working for the Cancer Alliance is: broadening my understanding and knowledge of wider systems.
Head & Neck
Haematology
Upper GI
HPB (Hepatobiliary)
You can talk to me about: anything related to the above Cancer pathways, as if I don't know the answer I can ask colleagues who most certainly will
Ellie Booth, Project Implementation Officer
My background is: in projects, I have worked in projects with the NHS for the past 5 years and have been with the Cancer Alliance since 2021.
The best part about working for the Cancer Alliance is: definitely the team, everyone is here because they genuinely care about improving the lives of people with cancer. They are so supportive both with work and personal matters and I was made to feel welcome as soon as I joined the team.
You can talk to me about: anything and if I can’t help I’ll do my best to find someone who can, my inbox is always open
Emma Godden, Project Implementation Officer
My background is: in project based work, having worked previously at Health Education England before joining the Cancer Alliance in February 2024.
The best part about working for the Cancer Alliance is: the supportive team providing an environment to develop and use your skills to improve cancer services across South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw
You can talk to me about: anything and if I don't know the answer I will try and find it for you.
Lewis Hilditch, Senior Data Analyst
Elaine Baxendale, Macmillan Deputy Programme Lead PCS and the Breast Pathway Lead
My background is: a physiotherapist having worked most of my career at Rotherham. I am passionate about efficient and effective patient care.
The best part about working for the Cancer Alliance is: working with a varied range of people who are also passionate about patient care and the improvement of service for the people of South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw.
The top 3 things I am currently working on are:
You can talk to me about: anything related to Personalised Care and Support, PSFU and of course the Breast Pathway.
Clare Mallon, Macmillan Cancer Advocacy Improvement Lead
My background is: in information, advice and advocacy. I’ve worked in Higher Education and in the voluntary sector across South Yorkshire. I started my first role in the NHS in January 2022 in our Cancer Alliance.
The best part about working for the Cancer Alliance is: the team. Everyone is genuinely passionate about their work, incredibly supportive and it’s really enjoyable working together to improve cancer care and support for our region.
Frailty assessments and management in colorectal cancer
Embedding the patient voice through our People Affected By Cancer Advisory Board and MDT Optimisation work
Acute Oncology and Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP) Clinical Delivery Groups
You can talk to me about: anything. If I can’t help, I'll point you in the direction of someone who can
Lauren Dollive, Macmillan Personalised Care Transformation Lead
My background is: in nursing. Working in South Yorkshire as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in cancer emergencies, then as an Advanced clinical practitioner (ACP) in oncology. I worked as an ACP in General Practice where I saw a wide variety of clinical presentations. I have also recently worked in the private sector in clinical management within digital healthcare.
The best part about my job is: the team and the people I work alongside. The possibility and opportunity to facilitate change that will positively impact patient experience.
You can talk to me about: personalised care, primary care, patient experience, non-surgical oncology, anything!
Kate Woods, Project Implementation Officer
My background is: in office management and administration
The best part about working for the Cancer Alliance is: the amazing support and companionship of the team.
Psycho social support for people affected by cancer, looking to address gaps in South Yorkshire around:
You can talk to me about: support for people affected by cancer, including patients and their friends and families, or my other role outside of the Cancer Alliance team – running a business as an artist!
Orla Reddington, Allied Health Professions (AHP) Programme Lead and Urology Pathway Lead
My background is: in physiotherapy, having worked most of my career (but not all of it) in Rotherham.
The best part about my job is: working with a diverse range of people who are passionate about improving services for the people of South Yorkshire, Bassetlaw and North Derbyshire, where no two days are the same.
You can talk to me about: any thing Allied Health Professional* related, anything Urology and of course prehabilitation and rehabilitation. I also have a keen interest in using behavioural science approaches in the work that I do, having recently graduated from the second cohort of the Behavioural Science Academy.
*to find out more about AHP’s please use this link https://www.england.nhs.uk/ahp/about/
Mel Turton, Senior Project Manager
I am passionate about: ensuring people and their families in the region have equal access to high quality services
The best part about working for the Cancer Alliance is: working within a diverse and highly motivated system
You can talk to me about: service improvement, lung cancers, equality & diversity, gynaecology cancers, treatment variations and the menopause
Lucy Neale, Project Support Manager
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