#NewProfilePic for December 2024
01 December 2024 - Every month, a different member of staff features as our #NewProfilePic on social media.
Our staff profile for December 2024 features Jo Reilly, a Lead Paediatric Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist at King’s College Hospital.
Jo joined Team King’s in 2006 where she chose to specialise in paediatric cancer after working as a paediatric nurse in a district general hospital. She said, “I was particularly drawn to paediatric cancer because of the continuity it offered – being able to follow patients through their treatment journey was something I found incredibly rewarding.”
How do you support families through some of the most challenging moments of their lives?
“My role includes supporting children and families with diagnosis and treatment in conjunction with their primary treatment centre (children’s cancer centre). They may be undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapies or bone marrow transplants. We provide emergency care close to home and this can include treatment of infections, blood product support, chemotherapy administration and symptom management.
“I also offer guidance on how to manage the emotional and physical challenges that come with caring for a child with cancer and help families feel empowered in making informed decisions for their child’s care. Our families know that they can call me and the team, and we will do what we can to help them navigate difficulties during treatment.”
Any special moments that you’ve experienced at work?
“There have been many special moments during my time here at King’s, from seeing children complete treatment, attend school, start university, and have families of their own, to supporting families whose children may have a palliative diagnosis and helping them to create special memories during their most difficult times. For example, a colleague and I took a palliative child who had been on the ward for several weeks outside for a picnic and ice cream, as she was asking to go outside and see the sun. It sounds simple but the smile on her face as she ate her 99p cone said it all.”
How are you and your team celebrating Christmas with patients?
“The festive period can be especially challenging for families in these circumstances, as it’s hard to find joy when facing such difficult times. However, we create a festive atmosphere on the ward. The staff decorate the wards and corridors, and we have a visit from Santa! We are lucky to have local charity partners who generously donate presents for our patients at this time of year. The children receive advent calendars, which they take turns opening during their stay with our ward play specialist.
On Christmas Eve/Day every child will receive a new set of pyjamas to wear in the hospital and staff distribute gifts to all inpatients across child health. In addition to the fun activities, we’re also taking the time to connect with families and ensure that each patient feels cared for and supported. This time of year reminds us of the importance of togetherness; we aim to bring the core values of King’s into everything we do.
This festive period, what message would you like to share with patients?
“We know that Christmas can be a difficult time when you are unwell or have an unwell child and hope that despite the challenges, you can still find moments of rest, joy, and connection with your loved ones. Wishing you all a peaceful Christmas and New Year, and the team and I look forward to continuing to support you in the year ahead.”