Excellent and personalised care for patients with primary bone cancer at Shropshire’s specialist orthopaedic hospital has been recognised by being shortlisted twice in prestigious, national awards.

The Bone and Soft Tissue Tumour Service and Miss Karen Shepherd, Consultant Orthopaedic and Oncological Surgeon at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, have been announced as finalists in this year’s Bone Idol Awards, run by the Bone Cancer Research Trust (BCRT).

The team, who work on Montgomery Unit at the Oswestry-based hospital, have been shortlisted in the Team of the Year Award for providing outstanding holistic care to bone cancer patients, dedicating themselves to providing a highly personalised service.

Miss Shepherd is a finalist in the Surgeon of the Award after being nominated not only for her exceptional surgical skills, but also for her passion and commitment in the field of primary bone cancer.

Geraint Davies, Allied Health Professional Consultant in MSK Tumours and Lead Cancer Practitioner, said: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted in two categories at this year’s Bone Idol Awards.

“The research, awareness and support work carried out by the BCRT complements so much of the clinical work we undertake at RJAH.

“Being named as a finalist in the Team of the Year Award is a fantastic demonstration of the dedication and skill of the team in caring for our patients. Also, a big congratulations to Miss Shepherd on her well-deserved shortlisting in the Surgeon of the Year category.”

The BCRT set-up the Bone Idols Awards back in 2021 with the aim to celebrate those who show exceptional dedication to improving the lives of bone cancer patients.

Mr Jonathan Stevenson, a Consultant Orthopaedic and Oncology Surgeon at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, has also been shortlisted in the Surgeon of the Year category. Jonathan completed his specialist training at RJAH, alongside the Montgomery Unit team.

The winners of the awards will be announced at a glittering ceremony at the Queens Hotel in Leeds on Saturday 3 February– which is also the same weekend as World Cancer Day.

Dr Zoe Davison, Head of Research, Information and Support at the Bone Cancer Research Trust, said: “The Bone Cancer Research Trust developed the first awards ceremony for the sarcoma community, with the aim to inspire a continuation of the excellence demonstrated.

“All those nominated at RJAH are the exact type of unsung heroes these awards are here to recognise. The difference that they make through their work cannot be underestimated, and we are delighted they have been nominated for an award.”

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