Lymes Staff

Meet The Lymes Staff

There are 2 full-time members of staff working in the Lymes and currently 2 volunteers.

Shirley Taperek is the Macmillan Cancer Information Coordinator and she manages the Centre. Prior to taking up this role in 2004, Shirley trained as a therapy radiographer and worked in the Radiotherapy Department here in the University Hospital of North Staffordshire for many years where she gained a wide range of knowledge about cancer and its treatments. She also worked for 12 months in the Clinical Trials Unit at UHNS and gained experience in cancer research.

Shirley completed her Certificate in Counselling at Keele University, and during this counselling training gained experience in working with bereaved families under the supervision of the Douglas Macmillan Hospice Social Work Team. In 2007 she also achieved her Diploma in NLP (Neurolinguistic Programming) and has applied to begin her Professional Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling, at Staffordshire University, in October 2009. She is currently studying for a Diploma in Stress Management Training which upon completion can be offered to patients and their families as well as members of staff.

Linda Hough is a Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Officer and joined the Centre in June 2008. She previously worked in our Oncology Department for 9 years as a Medical Secretary to a Consultant Clinical Oncologist. During this time she gained a wealth of experience in the understanding of cancer, its treatments and the effects of a cancer diagnosis on the whole family. Linda has recently graduated with a BSc (Honors) Degree in Health and Social Care from The Open University. Prior to this she was a Residential Social Worker (Education) at a school for primary aged children with emotional, behavioural and social difficulties during which time she was awarded a Diploma in Welfare Studies. Linda’s career in health and social care began as a student nurse but unfortunately was unable to complete her professional training due to ill health. She is currently studying for a Diploma in Psychotherapeutics with Derby University and plans to begin her Advanced Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Skills and Studies in October as part of her professional training in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy.

We have also recently been joined by 2 volunteers, Helen Hammond and Arnold Johnstone, who are both welcome additions to our team. Their role is largely clerical, helping us to maintain stocks of information and helping with displays and promotions, both within the Centre and on the various wards and departments throughout the Trust.