Our Staff
The Service is staffed by our Macmillan Cancer Information Specialist, Macmillan Cancer Information Officer and Macmillan Cancer Information Assistants who can provide information and support at any stage of a cancer journey.
Macmillan Cancer Information Specialist and Service Lead
Alison Hall
My role as Macmillan Cancer Information Specialist is to ensure the service we provide is of the highest possible standard, that the information held by the Service is current and that staff knowledge is the best it can be in order to provide an effective service. I support anyone affected by cancer and offer one-to-one emotional support, support with accessing benefits and grants, information about symptom management and treatment and much more. I often tell those accessing our service to ‘ask me anything!’. If you are unsure who to talk to or where to turn, our service can provide the information and support you need.
I have worked in the NHS since 2002 after qualifying as an Occupational Therapist and I have been with Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust since 2009. I have predominantly worked within Long Term Conditions and Palliative Care and as a Senior Occupational Therapist I specialised in Oncology and Haematology. I came to this role in January 2014 as the Service’s Information Specialist and Lead. Leading the Service is the most interesting and challenging role I have ever had. I find every day I work to be incredibly humbling and rewarding. Every day I meet, help, listen and provide support to those facing very difficult times in their lives. The courage and strength that I have seen during my time working for the service is astounding and when people need a helping hand I am in the fortunate position of being able to lend one.
Nicola Matthews - Macmillan Cancer Information Officer
I joined NUH in 2023 after taking several years away from nursing to raise my four lovely daughters, who are all neurodiverse. During that time, I also worked as a childminder, a role that brought me joy and reignited my love of caring for others.
On returning to nursing, I worked on oncology and haematology wards as a registered nurse, supporting patients with complex needs, including the administration of chemotherapy. I witnessed firsthand the impact cancer can have not only on individuals but also on their families and loved ones. Providing both clinical care and emotional support during such a difficult time was something I found rewarding.
My earlier background was as a scrub nurse in theatre, where I assisted in a wide range of procedures, including those used in cancer treatment. I have also worked as a manual handling advisor, supporting safe practice within clinical and non-clinical teams.
I joined the Macmillan Information Service in December 2024 and feel privileged to be able to give people the time and space to talk through their worries and concerns. I support individuals and families with emotional, financial and practical help and advice when they need it, and I am always happy to listen and support in any way that I can.
Macmillan Cancer Information Assistants
Hayley Pedwell 
My background is in the Emergency Department at Queen’s Medical Centre and I have a long standing service history working at NUH. In 2023 I was ready for a new challenge and I was given the exciting opportunity to become a Macmillan Cancer Information Assistant. I feel very proud to work within Macmillan Information and Support Service team and it was very clear from the beginning that we are here to provide a “gold standard” service. I find my role to be very rewarding and it is a privilege to be in a position where I can help Service Users and the people close to them affected by Cancer.
Chloe McCamphill 
I joined Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust in 2015 as Physiotherapy Assistant working on inpatient medical wards including Oncology, Haematology and Palliative Care at Nottingham City Hospital. It was here that I developed a passion for helping and caring for patients and their loved ones affected by cancer.
In 2023 I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to join the team as a Macmillan Cancer Information Assistant. I have lost a loved one to cancer and I feel a real sense of purpose and reward working for Macmillan and that I am able to support others through any stage of their journey.
Julia Searby 
I have a background in Nursing. I have worked as a staff nurse for 11 years both at NUH in a hospital setting and within the community visiting housebound patients at home. I have worked with many patients living with and affected by cancer and feel I feel passionate about offering a person centred approach to provide support and I hope that I can bring this to my new role. I joined the Macmillan Cancer Information Service in June 2023 as a Macmillan Cancer Information Assistant and I am thoroughly enjoying working within the team.”