Meet our family: “Proud to be part of this special team” – Lizzie Dumbelton, Fertility Nurse Specialist

In good remission from leukaemia, Fertility Nurse Specialist Lizzie continues to enjoy helping Bourn Hall patients throughout their fertility treatment.

Lizzie’s role involves booking patients’ treatments, and providing information and advice including a drug teach to help patients with self-administration of injections.

Lizzie says: “Helping patients feel secure and confident is very rewarding. Many come back and say ‘I never knew why I was so worried’.”

However Lizzie’s world changed when she was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2011. Initially she felt able to continue her job with support from her colleagues but in January 2013 required treatment.

“I remember telling management that I would need chemo,” says Lizzie. “They were very supportive and many of the nurses came to visit me in hospital.

“Encouraged by my GP, I came in to keep up-to-date and prevent ‘password amnesia’ when I felt strong enough between chemo sessions, which I found helpful.”

Whilst receiving chemo Lizzie took six months off work before returning: “I was provided with a gentle roll back scheme, starting with one morning a week and building up to a full day. Currently I do two days a week and a Saturday each month. I have found this transition very beneficial and got into a routine.”

To assist Lizzie’s return to work, a new post was created which is more suitable to her needs and ensures that her skills, experience and compassion are used to greatest effect within the clinic.

She says: “What I like most about my new role is the patient contact; helping arrange their initial appointments, checking consent forms and arranging treatments.

“The Clinic has made me feel valued and bent over backwards to keep me as part of the Bourn Hall Family. I’m so glad they appreciate my work and I feel proud to be part of this special team.”

Update: Lizzie has recently taken a well deserved retirement we wish her every happiness. 

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