Two senior nurses who have cared for thousands of patients during their combined service of more than 90 years to the NHS are retiring from Bradford Teaching Hospitals.
Breast Care Nurse Specialists, Mandy Blackburn and Kath Kitchen, have worked as nurses for 45 and 47 years respectively, latterly providing advice and specialist breast care support to thousands of women and some men before, during and after their treatment or operation for breast cancer.
Mandy began her nursing career in 1981, training at a variety of hospitals across the Bradford district, before completing her midwifery training. She also worked in gynaecology before transferring to St Luke’s Hospital’s surgical unit, working her way up to ward manager. In 2004, she became a Breast Care Nurse, finding her “true calling within nursing” and has remained within the Trust’s Breast Care Unit at the Dales Suite, based in the Horton Wing, ever since.
Kath started her career as an enrolled nurse in elderly care in 1979 in St James’ Hospital in Leeds. She worked in the community as a district nurse before becoming a staff nurse in 1990 where she worked across various wards at Seacroft Hospital, ending up in acute general surgery as a senior sister, before moving to St James’ A&E’s rapid response team. In 2006, Kath became a Breast Care Nurse at Leeds General Infirmary, before following Mandy to the Dales Suite in 2013.
Kath and Mandy with breast cancer patient Cllr Allison Coates who was diagnosed for the second time 33 years apart
Mandy said:
My passion has always been in women’s health so when the opportunity arose to join the breast team I knew I had found my home.
Everyone in the team is so kind and motivated and over the years they’ve given me time to grow and develop and I loved it from the word go.
My passion for cancer care comes from my son Tom, who had cancer as a 13-year-old and a year’s chemotherapy. He’s now 34-year-old, father-of-one who I’ve seen get married and have a baby and I’m so thankful. I saw the difference that really dedicated support and care made to our whole family and this has shaped my desire to provide that support too.
I’ve personally experienced how cancer affects families and the difficulties it brings. All the appointments and the uncertainties it throws up. I’ve always thought if I can make a small difference to those women I care for, that is the thing I am most proud of. I have always felt if I can give a little time to help women get that support and direction, then you can manage the rest of the journey.
Bradford Teaching Hospitals has been an amazing Trust for me – people are motivated, kind and thoughtful. They go the extra mile for their patients. It will always be place close to my heart.
Kath said:
Several women I have met have left a huge mark on my life and career because of the unique bond we have created and because of the fortitude and positivity they have shown in turning bad news into good. One was diagnosed with breast cancer now three times.
I hope I have made a difference by helping and supporting many other women and men over the many years of service I have given here at the Dales Unit and throughout my nursing years.
I have been part of a very effective and efficient team here in Bradford which has been incredibly rewarding, alongside seeing new team members flourish and blossom from skills and knowledge I have been able to pass on.
I understand and appreciate the power of touch, the ability to listen, showing compassion and having the will to go the ‘extra mile’ can have upon patients and colleague’s experiences. I feel humbled, privileged and forever grateful for the career I have loved through both the good and bad, the ups and downs.
Clinical Lead for Breast Cancer, Surgeon Fiona Langlands said:
Both have played an “invaluable part” in the breast care multi-disciplinary team of consultants, nurses, oncologists, radiologists and pathologists and will be “much missed by both work colleagues and patients.
Ms Langlands added:
Mandy and Kath are irreplaceable as their knowledge, experience and work ethic have been first class. They have had a profound impact on thousands of women and families.
We have been blessed to have been able to work alongside them and they leave a legacy most of us can only dream of doing in our careers.
Thank you so much for all that you have done for the patients of Bradford – you will be much missed by all your colleagues here at the Trust.
Breast cancer campaigner and patient, Cllr Allison Coates, said of Mandy:
For the past 45 years and in her final post as a Breast Care Nurse Specialist, she has supported thousands of patients through their breast cancer journey.
I was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992 when I was 27 and can recall Mandy working at the hospital from all that time ago. Unfortunately, the cancer returned last February after 33 years, however, I have been fortunate to have been supported over the past year by Mandy and I can honestly say I don’t know how I would have got through all the chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy treatment and its after-effects without her.
I cannot speak highly enough of the whole Breast Care team’s expertise but Mandy’s dedication to her role and patient care is nothing short of exceptional. The role of a Breast Care Nurse Specialist is highly challenging and demanding but Mandy always makes time for her patients returning phone calls and emails promptly no matter what the time.
Treasurer of Bosom Friends Charity and former breast cancer patient, Sue Depledge, said of Kath:
Kath, is a fine and shining example of what a true breast care nurse is, nothing is too much trouble for her and always ‘goes the extra mile ‘for her patients.
Kath is with her patients every step of the way, and not all of it in her normal working hours. Her retirement will be a sad loss to the breast care team, to us at Bosom Friends, and more so to patients, but it’s a well-earned rest for her, we hope she thoroughly enjoys it.
From left, Cllr Allison Coates who has been Mandy’s breast cancer patient for more than three decades
The pair retire on April 4.
Mandy is “really looking forward to spending more time with family” especially her new grandson, Sid, 14 months, indulging in her love of crafting and walking in the Yorkshire Dales with her husband, Kevin.
Kath is aiming to spend her time “perfecting” her garden, socialising with friends and enjoying some well-earned rest, including “travelling to find some sunshine.” Mandy and Kath still plan to meet up regularly as they live 10 minutes’ walk away from each other in Leeds.
Chief Nurse, Professor Karen Dawber extended the Trust’s thanks to the pair. She concluded:
Dedicated, caring, a great support, always available, fantastic, one in a million – these are just some of the words used to describe Mandy and Kath from the thousands of patients that she has cared for.
Mandy and Kath are truly outstanding nurses who has touched and made a difference to so many patients’ lives.
Thousands of patients and relatives have benefitted and immensely grateful for their incredible professional skills, wise counselling, unique kindness, listening, personal touch, faithfulness, work ethic, integrity and understanding. We wish them both a long, happy and healthy retirement.