History

ReCOVEr was set up in April 2003 to provide support for women and their carers/families with Gynaecological cancers. It was a much needed resource as there was no group of its kind within the Dorset area.

Extensive groundwork was done by the two clinical nurse specialists from Poole and Bournemouth Hospitals to bring their ideas to fruition.

Four women were invited to a focus group with the nurse specialists and the practicalities were debated.

We needed a venue, advertising and a name for the group. The “Daily Echo” did a column about the group and the Durley Hall Hotel kindly offered their premises…….. ReCOVEr was born following a secret ballot from 4 potential names.

ReCOVEr had its first meeting on 8th April 2003. It was a grand affair with a string quartet to greet us, refreshments and of course the all important media. Over 50 people were in attendance and we had speeches and support from the consultant Gynaecologists from both hospitals.

Five years on and we have some original members who continue to attend the monthly meetings.

It is due to the hard work and dedication of the group members and nurse specialists that are a credit to ReCOVEr’s continued success.

Recover Committee Members

The Committee is made up from members of the group and the Clinical Nurse Specialists. The members are appointed and elected at the Annual General Meetings held in May each year. The general term of office is for three years.

For more information details of the roles and what is involved please see and discuss with any of the present committee members or the Clinical Nurse Specialists:

Chairman - Margaret Leach Clinical Nurse Specialist - Poole
Vice Chairman - Jean Brown Clinical Nurse Specialist - Bournemouth
Secretary - Christine Morris
Treasurer - Anne Pogson
Publicity Officer -
Val Upward and Lorna Lawler - Fundraising
Katherine Lucas - Quiet Table

Members without portfolio:

The Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS)

The CNS role is as a patients nominated Keyworker throughout the cancer journey for both you and your carer. From the breaking of bad news and the diagnosis through to discussing treatment plan options, surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, brachytherapy and

We are your link to service provision, for information, support and also referral to other agencies ie, financial support, community teams, counselling etc.

We also have a managerial role ensuring cancer waiting times are met, ensuring new NHS directives are actioned, preparing patient written information and annual questionnaires, supporting the writing of policies and procedures.

This is just a brief outline of our CNS role so please don't hesitate to ask us for more detailed information.