NAME:
Pamela Logan
WHERE DO YOU WORK?
Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI)
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT ROLE?
Mesothelioma Support Coordinator
WHAT LED YOU TO WORKING WITHIN THE AREA OF LUNG CANCER?
My experience and interest in working with patients diagnosed with Pleural Mesothelioma in in the community, and relationship with the small network of professionals working in this specialised area led me to join Jocelyn McClean in March 2020 in a job share role at ADDRI as funding for the Mesothelioma Support Coordinator role was increased to one full time registered nurse.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR ROLE?
Building strong relationships with both the patients and their carers that enable honest and open conversations about all aspects of their illness, no matter where they are in their trajectory. Also, successfully advocating to address individual concerns that improve quality of life and raising awareness of mesothelioma and its challenges amongst clinicians and other agencies.
WHAT DO YOU FIND THE MOST CHALLENGING ABOUT YOUR ROLE?
The life-limiting nature of the illness and limited treatment options, hearing about poor end of life experiences, and lack of understanding about mesothelioma in the community. There remains an inequality in how care and treatment can be funded that can be impactful, purely due to the nature of asbestos exposure.
WHAT PIECE OF ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE INTERESTED IN WORKING IN THE FIELD OF LUNG CANCER?
Working with mesothelioma patients is a privilege and very rewarding. Each patient is not just their disease, they bring with their diagnosis rich and varied stories, life experiences and psycho/social circumstances. Always consider what happens when a patient leaves the hospital.
WHAT HOBBIES / ACTIVITIES DO YOU ENJOY OUTSIDE OF WORK?
As a mum to two sons, I spend a lot of time watching all types of sport. I enjoy reading, walking and travel and visiting the UK to spend time with family there.