Publish date: 12 November 2026
A resource designed to help healthcare staff access cancer education and training opportunities has been recognised at this year’s UK Oncology Nursing Society (UKONS) conference in Glasgow, with a poster accepted for presentation.
An original Course Finder tool, which helps staff at all levels of practice to find cancer-specific training and education, was developed by Lucy Elkiss, the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Cancer Alliance Lead Project Nurse for ACCEND - Aspirant Cancer Career and Education Development.
The tool was then developed into the Course Explorer website, on which WYH Cancer Alliance worked with Filotimo Creative Limited and Bradford University’s Working Academy, with the work overseen by a national Task and Finish Group.
The national group, representing a collaboration of Cancer Alliance ACCEND and workforce leads and co-led by Lucy along with Helen Teasdale, ACCEND Implementation Lead for South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw, then went on to develop the poster, which will be seen by delegates at this year’s UKONS event.
The ACCEND framework was introduced by NHS England and is co-delivered with Macmillan Cancer Support, to standardise cancer pathways, training and education for the cancer care workforce.
Earlier this year, Lucy was named Regional Champion in the Leadership Award category of the NHS Excellence Awards. This was in recognition of her outstanding leadership in implementing the ACCEND framework across West Yorkshire and Harrogate, and in particular for retaining her focus on patient experience at the centre of her work.
Lucy said: “By bringing relevant learning opportunities together in one accessible place, the course explorer aims to make it easier for healthcare professionals to identify training that supports their knowledge, skills and confidence in caring for people affected by cancer.
“With cancer care continually evolving, ensuring staff have access to appropriate education and professional development is essential to delivering high-quality, informed and compassionate care.
“I am delighted that my poster has been accepted by the UKONS conference and I look forward to explaining more about the work we have been doing in West Yorkshire and Harrogate.”
The conference takes place in Glasgow on 13th and 14th November in Glasgow.
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