Qualifications: RN, BSC (Hons)
Mandy is a breast care nurse specialist.
She qualified as a registered nurse and registered midwife with a BSC (Hons) in Adult Nursing. During her degree training, she completed several specific programmes of study related to the care of patients with benign and malignant breast disease.
She started work at Bradford Teaching Hospitals as a student nurse in October 1981. After completing her three-year adult nursing course, she qualified in October 1985 and started her first nursing placement on a 38-bed adult surgical ward, caring for patients with acute surgical emergencies and others following elective surgical treatment.
During her nursing career she spent time as a staff nurse and ward sister in various gynaecology and general surgical settings, before completing her midwifery training in 1990.
Her transition to caring for patients following breast surgery came after a period in her career when she was asked to provide rotational cover as a ward sister on our breast care unit.
She said: “I have always had an interest in women’s health and during this placement I was offered the opportunity to study for a breast certificate as part of my degree and got the opportunity to work alongside the nurse specialist team. That was 10 years ago and I have loved every minute of my current nursing role because it offers variety and direct contact with patients.
“As a breast care nurse specialist I meet patients referred for assessment of the breast following concerns raised about breast symptoms and/or a breast screening invitation.
“I meet patients with benign (harmless) breast changes and provide support, assistance and education to help them manage their symptoms and raise their awareness of the signs and symptoms of breast disease.
“In addition to this, I will also inevitably provide support to patients referred for surgical and medical breast treatment after a diagnosis of breast cancer. This role involves assisting them to make key decisions about their treatment and helping them and their families manage the impact of a cancer diagnosis and the treatment required.”