Cancer Research UK Oldham nurse returns to NHS front line

A Cancer Research UK nurse is helping in the fight against COVID-19 by returning to the NHS front line.

Gill Kilgour, from Saddleworth, has spent the past decade working for Cancer Research UK.

She delivers face-to-face cancer awareness training as part of the “Talk Cancer” programme, focussing on the importance of early detection, prevention and screening.

The 53-year-old has now returned to the NHS to work as a district nurse during the current crisis alongside her Cancer Research UK role.

Gill worked as a district nurse for more than 20 years before joining the charity.

Gill, who has three grown-up sons and is married to Lee, will be nursing patients across Oldham East.

She will continue with her work at Cancer Research UK delivering training online where possible.

Gill felt she needed to do her bit to help her former colleagues who are facing unprecedented pressures.

She said: “With my background in district nursing, I couldn’t sit back and not help out.

“I am looking forward to the challenge.

"But visiting people’s homes at the moment and getting used to wearing all the PPE kit is daunting.

“At Cancer Research UK we want to support our colleagues in the NHS to help eradicate COVID-19 now so that we can then concentrate our energies on the fight against cancer once this is all over.”

Helen George, Head of Health Community Engagement at Cancer Research UK, said: “We’re incredibly proud of nurses like Gill and of our community researchers and doctors who have been very quick to respond to the crisis, using their skills, talent and kit to support the NHS and the COVID-19 response.

“Cancer doesn’t go away during or after COVID-19.

"Our mission is so important to people all over the UK and by helping the global effort of tackling COVID-19, we hope we can get back to beating cancer as soon as possible.”

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