Lung Cancer Nursing UK (formerly NLCFN) was established in 1999. The forums membership has increased from around 40 in 1997 to over 250 members today. This dramatic increase in nurses specialising in caring for patients with lung cancer has led to many nurses being employed in many different roles, often isolated and with little support. The forum was established primarily to provide networking and support Nurses in this situation. The success of the forum is indicative that there was a real need for Nurses, to build links and networks. Membership criteria for the forum can be seen in the constitution. Basically, any specialist nurse who spends more than 50% of their working week or clinical activities in caring for patients with lung cancer are eligible for membership. The experience and clinical background of the members working environments are very diverse, including, palliative care, oncology (cancer centres or units) respiratory medicine, community and others, this affords the forum a wealth of knowledge in to which members can access. It is hoped that the introduction and continuing updating of this new website for members will further enhance networking opportunities and raise the profile of the forum, which is one of our current aims. We hope you find the website useful and do hope that members will contribute to the website and make it vibrant interesting and a great success. We invite your comments on how you think we might improve it. The activities of the group fall into four distinct categories, these are as follows:
Clinical
- Improve the care lung cancer patients receive. Dissemination of best practice. Sharing of information. Sharing of knowledge. Support / encourage research and audit.
Developmental
- Highlight new developments in The UK. Encourage regional participation within Lung Cancer Nursing UK.
Education
- Provide a forum to disseminate new developments and practice. Provide a forum to discuss research and best practice. Publish the newsletter. Organise an annual conference.
Professional
- Provide support and networking infrastructure and opportunities. Provide a voice on clinical and strategic issues. Highlight the role of Nurses in caring for people with lung cancer. The committee of the group is an elected body of nurses who work and campaign at various levels on behalf of the forum. In addition the committee organise an annual conference as a networking opportunity for specialist nurses to meet and share ideas and information. It is hoped that the introduction of this new website for members will further enhance networking opportunities and raise the profile of the forum, which is one of our current aims.