I’m Vivienne, and for the past decade I’ve had the privilege of helping patients navigate their treatment here at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre.

Ten years ago, I made a big career change. After three decades in banking, I moved into healthcare, starting on Delamere Ward at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre - Wirral as a clerk, before taking on admin and reception work. It was a leap, but it felt right, and it set me on the path I’m on today.

I’m now a service coordinator. In simple terms, I arrange patients’ treatments with consultants and make sure everything is in place when they come in. But, in reality, there’s so much more to it. It involves a lot of reading, lots of detail to take in, and plenty of script‑chasing to keep clinics running smoothly - but I genuinely enjoy being the person who joins the dots.

I coordinate five zoledronic acid bone‑strengthening infusion (Zol for short!) clinics at Aintree, Halton, The Lilac Centre, Delamere, and the Liverpool Day Ward. These infusions help reduce the risk of cancer returning in the bones. I’m the first point of contact across all five clinics - liaising with patients by phone, confirming prescriptions, booking appointments and making sure people feel supported from the moment they’re referred.

I also work closely with consultants, making sure everything is booked correctly and every patient query is answered. If questions crop up, I investigate them thoroughly - we always do our homework!

My job is to coordinate every step of a patient’s journey from their first cycle to discharge. That continuity matters; it means patients don’t have to repeat their story and can focus on what’s most important - their health.

A typical day starts with prepping clinics, discussions about the day ahead with the nurses and consultants, and making sure sessions run to time. Mondays are our busiest, so I often build in quiet time to get ahead - little things that create space to do more for our patients.

I’m very accountable and patient‑oriented. It sometimes feels like the phone never stops, and sometimes the calls aren’t even strictly “ours”, but I’ll always try to help and pass on some positivity. Compassion isn’t an add‑on in this role, it’s essential. If I can reassure someone on the end of the phone, I will, as far as my remit allows. I try to be the connection between the patient and the consultant at every step. When that link is strong, everything else flows more smoothly.

The most rewarding aspect of my role is hearing relief in a patient’s voice - like when I was able to move a patient’s appointment so they didn’t have to drive in rush‑hour traffic. Those small changes can make someone’s day, and that makes mine too.

I genuinely love coming to work. People tell me I’m approachable and friendly - and I hope that’s true! We have a great laugh as a team, which keeps spirits high and I like to keep things upbeat and positive. I also feel very supported by our wider team and can always ask for support if needed.

This role lets me do what I care about most: be there for people at a time when it counts. If you’re phoning one of our Zol clinics, there’s a good chance you’ll speak to me - and I’ll do everything I can to help!