Cancer nurse Elizabeth Summers retires after 52 years of supporting NGH patients
Northampton General Hospital’s Lead Cancer Nurse, Elizabeth Summers, has retired after supporting thousands of local patients over an amazing 52 years of continuous service.
The 69-year-old, from Northampton, retired on October 29 from her role as Lead Cancer Nurse which she has held for the last 26 years.
She has played a major role in transforming cancer care at Northampton General Hospital always with a focus on ensuring that the voices of patients are heard and responded to.
This has included working on the hospital’s first specialist cancer ward, Talbot Butler, from its outset, and supporting NGH to become a recognised cancer centre in 1994.
Other achievements have been developing teams of specialist nurses, allied health professionals, and end of life and palliative care teams. Also for the last 13 years she has championed the development of a Maggie's Cancer Centre at NGH - which finally opened in October last year providing additional support for cancer patients.
She said: “The thing I have enjoyed the most has been talking to and listening to patients. I will miss that most of all. I listen to their stories and when something has not been right I have gone ahead and found a way to change it.
“I remember vividly talking to patients who had lost their hair through their cancer treatments and complaining that our wigs were ‘like a cat sitting on their heads’.
“We listened to their concerns and in the 1990s we started our hair and beauty service which helps patients cope with hair loss and provides advice and support and which has been very well received.
“Other things I am proud of include the team who have developed our pioneering Macmillan Pre-habilitation Service for our patients which helps them prepare for cancer treatment with a team of therapists and dieticians who help them to maximise their health before treatments.
“But I am just one part of a team that includes doctors, nurses, healthcare assistants allied health professions, and managers, who together provide the excellent cancer care we deliver at NGH.
“I always think of my work as walking alongside patients and supporting them at the most vulnerable time in their lives.
“When someone is treated and recovers that is something joyful for them and for our team.”
Elizabeth began her NHS journey in September 1974 at the age of 16 as a pre-nursing student at Northampton General Hospital. She had a family legacy of nursing and her mum, also a nurse, convinced her to be a nurse rather than an actress.
She has devoted her entire career to working at NGH except for a brief stint at the Royal Marsden for specialist cancer training in 1983.
She said: “One of the greatest changes that we have seen over the years is that we now advocate for patients and listen to them as well as just treating them.
“There’s nothing like the feeling of making a difference to patients. Whether it’s easing someone’s pain or just being there to listen.”
Surprise party tribute to Elizabeth
At an emotional surprise retirement party held on October 28 at the Maggie’s Centre in Northampton Liz found some 50 of her colleagues and friends, past and present, had got together to mark her 52 years of service.
Tears flowed as Liz hugged and chatted with dozens of friends and colleagues. https://youtu.be/wHUDI0zmAIE
She said: "I didn't expect anything like this really. I wanted to sneak out quietly without anybody knowing and it is so lovely to see so many old friends that have been a big part of my career and I am so grateful for everybody who's come."
One old friend and colleague who attended was Consultant Haematologist Robin Sheppard. He first met Liz in 1975 when he was a patient in NGH and she was a 16-year-old nursing cadet.
Later, they spent many years working together in Oncology. He said: "You know, over the years, she hasn't really changed. She's still got as much vivacity, as much get up and go, as much let's get on with it as she had even then."
UHN Medical Director Hemant Nemade said: “It was a rollercoaster for me to come to Liz's retirement event. I've known Liz since I joined here in 2017 and in my 30 years career as a doctor I have never come across someone so passionate for patients and colleagues.
“There's so much to learn from her. I have personally learned a lot. It is amazing to see Liz, after so many years of her career here, still passionate about transforming services, bringing new technology and simply helping colleagues. I am very sad today. Seeing her walking around on Hospital Street, going and seeing patients, always brought a smile to my face."
NGH Director of Nursing, Joanne Smith, said: “Throughout her 52 remarkable years in nursing, Liz has shown exceptional leadership and compassion in her role as Lead Cancer Nurse. She has been a powerful advocate for people living with cancer and their families, ensuring their voices and experiences remain at the heart of our cancer services.
“Liz has led with warmth, kindness and a deep understanding of what patients need during some of the most difficult and uncertain moments of their lives. Her commitment to improving cancer care, supporting colleagues and championing the highest standards of nursing has made a lasting difference across our services.
“She will be deeply missed, and her leadership will leave an enduring and very special legacy for patients, families and the cancer teams she has inspired.”
Interim Chief Nurse Robin Binks said: “Liz’s contribution to patient care over the last 52 years is almost incalculable. She has supported literally thousands of patients and their families during some of their darkest hours. And she has helped colleagues to develop their skills and careers to new heights. Her support for many new and pioneering cancer care initiatives has enabled the hospital to look at care compassionately and in all of its many dimensions.”
In July 2023 Elizabeth became the first member of NGH staff ever to win the Chief Nursing Officer for England Gold Award for her outstanding services to cancer care and was presented with it by the Chief Nurse herself, Dame Ruth May.
And on October 28 she was presented with a Chief Nurse Commendation award in recognition of the 26 years of her career that she spent caring for people with cancer and their families as Lead Cancer Nurse.
Elizabeth is married to Dave, who is now retired but was a hospital porter for more than 40 years.
They have a daughter Victoria who is continuing the family tradition of supporting cancer care having spent 12 years as a therapeutic radiographer at NGH before joining the new Maggie’s Cancer Centre recently as a Support Specialist.
Elizabeth is an active member of St Andrew’s Methodist Church in Northampton and aims to continue to support the local community through the church.