My CNS Matters

Clinical Nurse Specialists play a vital role in leukaemia care by providing expert guidance, emotional support and continuity throughout a patient’s journey. However, evidence shows that access to CNSs and holistic support varies widely, depending on diagnosis type and local NHS provision.

Only around 28.2% of UK Trusts report having leukaemia-specific CNSs, and just 31% of patients receive sufficient emotional support from community or voluntary services after treatment. Rates of holistic care decrease further for people with chronic leukaemia compared to those with acute leukaemia.

The My CNS Matters campaign calls for action to improve clinical nurse specialist care for all leukaemia patients. Our key aims include:

• Ensure access to support is not limited by cancer type or treatment status.
  
• Guarantee key workers are known and easily reachable for every patient.
  
• Clarify care team roles and improve consistency in holistic support pathways.
  
• Build trust in both medical and non-medical staff to support patient needs.
  
• Improve recognition of the value of CNS skills.
  
• Ensure staff with patient contact have the right condition-specific knowledge.
  
• Maximise teamwork, both inside the NHS and with external partners.
  
• Empower patients through clear expectations and better information.
  

You can read our full My CNS Matters report to explore the evidence and recommendations in detail.

• Read the report to understand the findings and recommendations.
  
• Share the campaign with your network to raise awareness.
  
• Talk to your local health team about CNS access in your area.
  
• Support our advocacy work to improve care for all leukaemia patients.

If you or someone you care for needs support relating to a leukaemia diagnosis, our team can help. Call our free helpline on 08088 010 444, or send a message via WhatsApp on 07500 068 065 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm).