Charity funds cancer nurse

Zoe Scaife, 28, of Shipley, is now one of only three nurses in the country - the only one outside London - funded by the Prostate Cancer Charity.

The organisation, which provides help and support for prostate cancer patients and their families, as well as carrying out research, has given £90,000 to fund the job for the next three years, after which it will be taken over by Bradford Hospitals NHS Trust.

Zoe is based at Bradford Royal Infirmary, where she is looking at ways to improve the care of men diagnosed with prostate cancer.

"This is such a great opportunity for me to make a real positive difference to local men who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer," said Zoe, who started her nursing career working on the urology ward at Bradford Royal Infirmary, before moving to work in the York Suite, BRI's private wing.

"Support and advice is vital in guiding men and their families through what is often a difficult time. I am really looking forward to this rewarding challenge."

As a prostate charity cancer nurse, Zoe will be working closely with the organisation to enhance men's ability to live with all aspects of prostate cancer.

A spokesman for the charity, said: "For many years, nationally, prostate cancer has been underfunded and men have not had the specialised services they need.

"Now this is all set to change, as nurses like Zoe take up the challenge.

"Bradford is fortunate to have a urology team led by consultant urologist, Rajiv Puri, who has a special interest in treating men with prostate cancer.

"Zoe will be working closely with the urology team, which also includes Macmillan specialist nurse, David Tyson, to help to deliver a more efficient service."

Zoe will provide face-to-face emotional support, information, guidance and advice. She will also help men to understand what treatments are available, as well as the potential side effects and how to manage them.