Kate Greaves, Associate Director of Clinical Education

I joined Clatterbridge Cancer Centre 38 years ago and people often ask me why I’ve stayed here for so long! I’ve had such a varied career and I’m fascinated by how cancer care is forever evolving.

In 1984, I was a student nurse and came on placement to Clatterbridge. I loved it so much I came back in 1985 in my first staff nurse post delivering radiotherapy and chemotherapy on the wards. I’ll always remember a 15 year old patient who was really into punk culture and was struggling during her time with us, so we all wore bright purple wigs and let her do our make-up black and purple during medicine round to cheer her up.

The times of fun as well as hard work has really been a constant here at CCC. I’ve met so many amazing patients with cancer – their strength, determination and often incredible sense humour is inspirational, and I feel so fortunate to have been in position to make their time with us a little more bearable and gain their trust - sharing both the laughter and the tears.

In 1993, my circumstances changed, now being a mum of two boys and a permanent night sister on radiotherapy and chemotherapy wards for 11 years, I moved into the field of Practice Development, initially as a secondment before becoming the Head of Practice Development and progressing to Head of Clinical Governance & Practice Development.

After 11 years, I took another secondment opportunity to update and build on Clinical Education at the Trust. Clatterbridge supported me to achieve my MSc in Leadership and Management, and in the past four years within the Clinical Education department, I have designed and introduced a new MSc in Cancer Care in partnership with the University of Liverpool during the pandemic, moved to virtual, simulated & blended learning approaches, focused on clinical skills upskilling for staff, and led on many projects all to improve the knowledge and confidence of others working with cancer so they can provide the highest standards of care to our patients.

Although I’m no longer in a patient facing role, patients remain at the heart of my decision making. I feel privileged to have seen the growth, major changes and improvements in care of patients over the years. I also believe any success in my career has been achieved by working with such amazing and dedicated colleagues who have supported me as part of the CCC family. I’m grateful to have played a small part in the past, present and future of CCC - the journey continues!