19 May 2022
Macmillan Cancer Support have announced that Dr Claire Taylor will join the organisation in June as its new Chief Nursing Officer (CNO). In this role, Claire will jointly lead Macmillan’s Centre of Clinical Expertise alongside Macmillan’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Rosie Loftus.
Currently a Macmillan Nurse Consultant with the complex cancer team at St Mark’s Hospital, Claire has dedicated her career to developing colorectal cancer nursing for which she was awarded an MBE in February 2020. Prior to this she was a Lecturer in Gastrointestinal Nursing at King’s College London, during which time she gained a Post-graduate Certificate of Academic Practice and completed her PhD. Her interests are cancer survivorship, pelvic radiation disease and also improving patient experience. Claire’s work includes setting up the UK’s first network for colorectal cancer nurses 23 years ago, which she currently chairs, allowing colleagues to meet and exchange best practice.
Lynda Thomas, Chief Executive of Macmillan, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Claire to Macmillan. Claire has real ambition to drive change in cancer nursing at a national level, including improving representation in the nursing workforce and equal access to cancer services. Macmillan is dedicated to improving the lives of those living with cancer and Claire’s appointment will no doubt help us make great strides in this endeavour”.
Claire Taylor said: “It’s an honour to be joining Macmillan at such a crucial time for the workforce supporting people living with cancer. Ensuring the views and needs of healthcare professionals are heard at the highest level - whether that’s within our organisation or nationally with partners and governments – is one of my biggest priorities. Having worked as a Macmillan Professional for many years, I’m excited to now be joining the Centre of Clinical Expertise and helping to build on Macmillan’s wonderful legacy – supporting people living with cancer.”