Evan and family
A Tesco funded CLIC Sargent nurse is already supporting families in East Anglia.
Jodi Betts took up her post as the second Tesco funded CLIC Sargent nurse in November 2010, based at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.
One of Jodi’s patients is eight-year-old Evan Rees (pictured above with mum Sarah), who was diagnosed with a tumour of the liver on Christmas Eve last year. Evan is now having fortnightly chemotherapy at Addenbrooke’s and receiving care at his local hospital in Bedford.
Jodi said: “I met Evan and his mum, Sarah, when Evan was diagnosed. A cancer diagnosis is a shock and treatment often starts very quickly. It turns family routines upside down and it can be difficult to take in and manage.
“As Evan’s nurse, I act as a key worker so the focus for me is to coordinate and help his mum manage his care so that he can spend as much time at home as possible and continue with his usual daily activities. It is really important for children to keep attending school and keeping up with their friends when they are well enough.
“Evan has to come to Addenbrooke’s for his chemotherapy but my role is to liaise between the hospital and local care so he can also be treated close to home.”
Evan’s mum, Sarah, is a teacher. She said: “When Evan was diagnosed his treatment started immediately and there was so much to digest.
“Evan goes to two hospitals for treatment, tests and check ups. The appointments are really close together and it can be a logistical nightmare. Jodi knows exactly where we should be and what treatments we should be having.
“It’s a relief to know that she is on hand if I need her and that she is available to answer any questions or worries I have. No matter how small my query is she treats it with the utmost importance, it is very reassuring.
“We have received amazing support from Jodi and also our CLIC Sargent social worker. Thank you to all Tesco staff who have helped more families in my situation benefit from having a nurse.”