Nurse Consultant, NHS Lanarkshire, Scotland

Hello, my name is Mhairi and I am a nurse specialising in cancer care. I am very fortunate to have been awarded a place on the inaugural FoNS person centred cultures development programme, funded by the Burdett Trust for Nursing.

What matters to me is that cancer care services, in particular nursing teams, are a good and safe place to work given the nature of cancer nursing and the emotional labour associated with the therapeutic relationships that develop over time from diagnosis. It is essential that team members experience an effective person-centred workplace culture. It also matters to me that individuals and teams feel valued and that their significant contribution is recognised.

I am already realising a number of positive outcomes from this programme personally and for the cancer nursing teams. This programme is layered learning that builds on my previous participation in the FoNS residential programme, Facilitating the development of person-centred cultures. I envisage outcomes which will be creatively co-produced in a person-centred workplace culture and environment that will illustrate, demonstrate and celebrate the teams who make a difference each day for people affected by cancer. This is a wonderful opportunity to work with peers from across the country from varying specialist areas in nursing. It is refreshing to learn and share in a safe and well-facilitated learning environment. It has been challenging to work using more creative approaches but one that has proven to be very positive and insightful.