In April 2021 The Primrose Foundation announced that thanks to ongoing local support, we were able to fund two new part-time Breast Nurse Specialist posts for two years for the breast service at University Hospitals Plymouth.

Both posts have made a positive difference to the breast service, not only by providing additional support to the existing team at The Primrose Breast Care Centre but they have also made a significant difference to the care patients receiving treatment at the centre have received too.

Katie Hill was appointed as Breast Reconstruction Specialist Nurse and as it has been over 12 months since Katie joined the team, we caught up with her to learn all about her role.

Katie says this; Since starting in my new role as a Breast Reconstruction Specialist Nurse I feel privileged to have joined such a caring and passionate team in the Primrose Breast Care Centre. Being a Breast Care Nurse has allowed me to work closely with patients, the surgical team, and my wider colleagues in the Primrose Centre. Within my role, I can support patients in what can be described as a challenging time in their lives.

My role as a Breast Reconstruction Specialist Nurse enables me to provide continuity of care with a familiar face to my patients throughout their pathway in the Primrose Centre. As part of my role, I meet patients during discussions regarding different reconstruction options and provide guidance during these decisions. I am then able to offer follow-up post-operative care including, dressing management, and visiting patients on the ward. I feel this role allows me to get to know patients and their families which I enjoy and enables me to build a good relationship with them.

I am often present during pre and post-operative consultations to offer support to patients. As well as this my role includes taking time to return calls which regularly involves answering any questions patients may have.

I am very grateful to The Primrose Foundation for allowing me to have this opportunity to take up this role through generous donations and fundraising, a big thank you to everyone who supports and donates. Your donations really do make a massive difference.

The Primrose Foundation would like to thank Katie for all her hard work and the care she has shown to all her patients, we are very proud to help fund essential roles like this, all of which would not be possible without the support we receive locally, therefore, we wish to thank everyone that continues to support us in whatever way they can. Your donations really do make a big difference – thank you.