Portsmouth breast cancer nurse nominated for Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust’s Pride of Portsmouth Awards

That is how patients looked after by metastatic breast cancer nurse Ellie Blaiklock have described her in their nominations for the Patient Choice Award.

She has been nominated in this year’s Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust’s Pride of Portsmouth Awards.

One of Ellie’s many nominations came from patient Lisa Claxton who was diagnosed in April this year.

She said: ‘Ellie has been there with me every step of the journey, she sits in on appointments with me and always seeks me out when I’m in the hospital to check I’m okay.

‘She chases up appointments for me and liaises with my consultant. Ellie has also introduced me to a fantastic support group which she participates in, often out of hours and weekends.

‘Ellie has made this tough journey so much more bearable with her support, knowledge and humour.’

Metastatic breast cancer, also known as stage four breast cancer, is when the cancer has spread to another part of the body.

Shelley Stone echoed the same praises for Ellie, who has worked at Queen Alexandra Hospital for 10 years.

She added: ‘Ellie is always available on the phone and has made herself contactable outside of her hours.

‘She started up a support group for metastatic patients that… I have made many friends who now support each other through Facebook messenger.

‘She also arranges day trips for young persons going through treatment including sailing trips and afternoon teas.

‘Through Covid she has bought some of us together to continue support during isolation and to encourage fitness where possible.

‘Nurse Blaiklock has always gone above and beyond.’

SEE ALSO: Portsmouth pair became friends after kidney transplant tell their story in Organ Donation Week

Ellie told The News she was ‘humbled’. The 46-year-old from Warsash added: ‘It sounds cheesy but it is an honour.

‘Being able to have a positive impact on someone’s life is amazing. I am so proud of all of them and I think they are incredibly strong.’

Members of the public still have the chance to nominate staff who have cared for them or their loved ones in the Patient’s Choice Award, which is being supported by The News.

For this year’s Patient’s Choice Award, readers will be invited to share their nominations via a survey which can be filled out by clicking here.

The deadline for nominations is Tuesday, September 22.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

Thank you for reading this story. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on our advertisers and thus our revenues.

The News is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism. You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Portsmouth news and information online.

Every subscription helps us continue providing trusted, local journalism and campaign on your behalf for our city.