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Olubukola Ayodele: It was great to take part in the inauguration ceremony of ONS-Nigeria

Olubukola Ayodele/LinkedIn

Nov 25, 2024, 16:39

Olubukola Ayodele: It was great to take part in the inauguration ceremony of ONS-Nigeria

Olubukola Ayodele, Consultant Medical Oncologist at the University Hospitals of Leicester, posted on LinkedIn:

“It was great to take part in the inauguration ceremony of the Oncology Nursing Society of Nigeria (ONS- Nigeria) on November 21st even if it was for a short period as I had to join in between busy clinics.

The impact that nurses have in the field of oncology is immeasurable, especially in the context of Nigerian healthcare. Their contributions are vital, and I’d like to highlight a few key areas where they make a profound difference:

1. Holistic Care: Nurses compassionately address the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of their patients, providing essential support as they navigate the challenges of a cancer diagnosis.

2. Dissemination of Treatment Plans: They tirelessly ensure that management plans are clearly communicated to both patients and their families, helping to foster understanding and trust during an incredibly challenging time.

3. Treatment Delivery: With dedication and expertise, nurses deliver safe administration of systemic anticancer therapies, providing comfort and reassurance to patients.

4. Education: As frontline educators, nurses engage in public awareness campaigns, helping communities understand cancer prevention, risk factors, and the significance of early screening, which can save lives.

5. Utilization of Data and Research: Nurses actively participate in clinical trials and operational research, contributing to evidence-based practices that can lead to better outcomes. Their dedication to data collection helps identify care gaps that need to be addressed.

6. Advocacy: They are in a unique position to advocate for the needs and preferences of both patients and caregivers, ensuring that their voices are heard and respected in care decisions.

I truly believe that the establishment of this nursing society will be a turning point in enhancing cancer care outcomes in Nigeria. Oncology nurses are the heart of teamwork in healthcare, bringing providers together and ensuring we all move towards a common goal. As the saying goes, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone; but if you want to go far, go together.’

Let’s continue to share the message that a cancer diagnosis is not synonymous with death. There is hope, and together, we can make a difference.

Congratulations to the President Chinomso Nwozichi and all the members of the Society on this significant milestone. I am eager to see the positive changes and advancements that will come from this initiative.”

Dr. Olubukola Ayodele is a Consultant Medical Oncologist at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, specializing in breast and genitourinary malignancies, including germ cell tumors. She is also an honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of Leicester and heads the Breast Cancer Clinical Trials Unit at the Leicester Cancer Research Centre. Dr. Ayodele’s work includes numerous publications, clinical trials, and collaborative research projects on molecular drivers and biomarkers in breast cancer. She is a member of ASCO, ESMO, ACP and UKBCG.