Macmillan funds dedicated cancer GP for all MK patients

Dr Nina Bursell, a GP from Watling Vale Medical Centre, is taking on a new city-wide role to improve cancer services for all local patients.

She will work with NHS Milton Keynes Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to develop current initiatives in cancer care, improve access to cancer services and raise awareness of local issues.

As well as continuing her day job at Watling Vale, Dr Bursell will be working alongside city GPs to enhance their knowledge and skills around the delivery of services for patients with cancer.

She even plans to hold GP “master classes” in specific cancers to develop new innovative approaches to follow-up care and survivors.

The first class will focus on breast cancer.

Dr Bursell said: “I think patients will benefit in lots of ways. We aim to build on the existing good practice in MK to ensure prompt diagnosis and better awareness from patients and GPs about early referral and treatment plans.

She plans to give patients more say in managing their health post-diagnosis, and also hopes to improve end-of-life care for those with terminal conditions .

She said: “My role allows access to funding for learning and development through Macmillan, which is great to develop GP skills, knowledge and understanding of cancer.”