Alison Webb, RN, RSCN, BSc (Hons), MSc

   University College London Hospitals, London, UK

Alison Webb is a clinical nurse specialist in the late effects of childhood cancer at University College London Hospitals (UCLH) in London, UK.

Mrs Webb completed her general nurse training at UCLH and gained a qualification in paediatric nursing in Bristol. Over the course of her career she has worked in a variety of settings, including general paediatrics, paediatric intensive care, and accident and emergency.

In 2003, she moved into the specialist field of endocrinology, initially in a research post, then as a clinical nurse specialist in endocrinology at Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge for 10 years. In 2013, Mrs Webb was appointed as specialist nurse in teenage and young adult neuro-endocrine late effects at UCLH. Having gained experience in this field, she joined the adult late effects team in 2016.

Her current role involves the transition of patients from teenage to young adult services following treatment for a range of childhood cancers. Mrs Webb has developed an understanding of the late consequences of treatment and the surveillance required. This has enabled her to introduce a specialist clinic focusing on the late cardiac consequences of childhood cancer treatment.

The ‘Virtual Echo Clinic’ enables long term cardiology surveillance through arranging periodic echocardiograms followed by a telephone consultation with a specialist nurse, thus enabling a robust monitoring system whilst offering flexibility and reducing the burden of frequent hospital appointments. Mrs Webb recognises the importance of closely liaising with the cardio-oncology team, and there is a clear referral pathway when patients have an abnormal echocardiogram or symptoms of clinical concern.