A Lincoln-based chemotherapy cancer care co-ordinator has been recognised with the esteemed Chief Nursing Officer for England Award, celebrating healthcare support workers who consistently embody NHS values in their everyday roles.
Carole Jackson, who works on Ingham Suite at Lincoln County Hospital, plays a vital role in supporting patients undergoing cancer treatment – offering emotional care and compassion during what can be an incredibly challenging time. The national award acknowledges Carole’s outstanding contribution and the meaningful difference she makes every day to the lives of both patients and her nursing colleagues. The award aims to shine a spotlight on healthcare support workers as an essential part of the NHS workforce.
Carole was nominated by her colleague, Catherine Howle, Macmillan Personalisation Improvement Facilitator. In her nomination, Catherine shared: “Carole has truly made this role her own. She takes the time to sit with patients and talk about what’s happening in their world – both clinically and personally. She welcomes everyone onto the unit like a friend, remembering the little things they’ve shared with her.
“Most importantly, she sees beyond a cancer diagnosis. She doesn’t just talk about treatment – she’ll ask what someone did at the weekend or chat about other aspects of their life. Because of the genuine connection Carole builds with patients, she’s able to go above and beyond.
“Her manager told me she was born for this role. But Carole is incredibly modest and often underestimates the immense value of her work. That’s why I nominated her for the Chief Nursing Officer Award – to thank her and help her see the tremendous impact she’s had.”
Carole began her role at Grantham and District Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. She now completes an average of 1,600 holistic needs assessments each year, identifying any concerns patients may have about their treatment or personal circumstances while undergoing chemotherapy. She then creates tailored support plans and signposts patients to relevant services for further help.
Upon receiving her award, Carole said: “I feel very honoured to have been nominated in the first place and then to go on and actually win the award. I cannot quite believe it. I felt very overwhelmed when I was told that I had won. Catherine and the rest of the team kept it a complete surprise until I was presented with the flowers and the badge.
“I love my job and feel very privileged to support and advocate for patients when they are going through cancer treatment.”