Catherine Stoten has been appointed as a new Mesothelioma UK Clinical Nurse Specialist to provide care and support for mesothelioma (asbestos-related cancer) patients in and around north central London. Catherine will be based at University College Hospital, part of University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH). She will also work as a Lung Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialist, alongside Catherine Stoten – Lung CNSher role with mesothelioma patients.

In her new role, funded by asbestos disease support group, HASAG, Catherine will be the link for all mesothelioma patients across UCLH, supporting patients through diagnosis, clinics, investigations, treatments, and symptom control. She will also be setting up a local patient support group in the autumn of 2023.

Mesothelioma is a cancer related to exposure to asbestos and predominantly affects the lining of the lungs. The UK has the highest incidence of the disease in the world with around 2,700 people diagnosed each year.

Catherine has been a qualified nurse for five years and prior to this new role, has worked in oncology and lung cancer.

Commenting on her new role, Catherine said: “Mesothelioma is a fatal disease that not many patients have heard of, prior to diagnosis, particularly in younger people who have found themselves at risk via exposure to asbestos. As such, they require very different support. One of my key responsibilities will be providing information to enable patients to understand their diagnosis and the treatment options available to them, including clinical trials.”

Lynne Squibb from HASAG said: “It’s important to have nurses all across London, specialising in this deadly disease. Catherine’s appointment extends the network of specialist support for mesothelioma patients in London. We’re delighted to support Catherine’s role, in partnership with Mesothelioma UK, and reinforce the knowledge and understanding that patients need to access information on treatment, care and clinical trials.”

Head of Nursing for Mesothelioma UK, Leah Taylor added: “We’re delighted to add Catherine to our growing network of clinical nurse specialists in London and throughout the UK. We also thank HASAG for their continued support of the charity, and those patients and families affected by mesothelioma.”