Danielle’s legacy lives on in medical research
A protocol which medical professionals use when researching cancer has been named in honour of Amble woman, Danielle Cruickshank.
The Danielle Protocol means cancer researchers will actively include patient and public involvement (PPI) in their work, and results of a study currently being undertaken at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle could make the working practice mandatory in the future.
PPI groups link health professionals and patients to exchange information.
The protocol has been named after the late Danielle Cruickshank
Bill Cruickshank told The Ambler that his wife Danielle’s initial diagnosis of ovarian cancer in April 2012 led to them both joining several cancer support groups, including a PPI group led by Ben Hood, a consultant nurse at the Bobby Robson unit at the Freeman Hospital.
Bill said “At first, we were not sure of the purpose of this group, but eventually the purpose became clearer. We used the many talents and experiences of group members, to advise clinicians and academic professionals seeking advice on their cancer trial plans.”
He added, “During the Covid pandemic Danielle was attending the meetings, but she was going through Radiotherapy and was obviously unwell. However, she still wanted to play an active part in the group.”
Sadly Danielle’s condition worsened. She was diagnosed with brain lesions in 2022. The pair took part as long as they could until Danielle died.
Bill explained, “It showed me the importance of the group not only as advocates of cancer experiences, but as supporting each other. Some of the group attended Danielle’s funeral.”
It was Bill’s suggestion that the protocol should be named in memory of Danielle.
Ben Hood has now been given authority to go ahead with his research study, which will be running at Newcastle Hospitals Trust, Newcastle University and through cancer PPI groups and Research Ethic Committees.
If the Danielle Protocol was to be made a requirement in future cancer research, researchers would need to include cancer PPI groups in their study practices.
Bill has started the Amble Cancer drop-in group in memory of Danielle, together with the help of Coquet Medical Group, Amble Town Council and cancer patients. They meet on the last Wednesday of the month, in Trinity Methodist Church hall on Percy Street at 2pm. If you are affected by cancer, you are welcome to attend. Enjoy a cuppa, snack and informal chat with others in a similar position.
