Siwan fought cancer – now she helps others do the same
AN INSPIRATIONAL nurse who beat cancer and is now helping other people battle the disease is in the running for a top health award.
Siwan Owen, 29, who works in the North Wales Cancer Treatment Centre at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, in Bodelwyddan, has been nominated for the Welsh Language Award in the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) staff awards.
Siwan will be among the finalists at the glittering awards ceremony at Venue Cymru, in Llandudno, on Friday, November 10, sponsored by IT provider Centreprise International Business.
Also nominated is the Outpatients Department of Ysbyty Dolgellau for ‘Pwy Ydych Chi?’ – a bilingual interactive communication tool to reduce anxiety for patients.
The third finalist is Edwin Humphreys, a staff nurse at Ysbyty Bryn Beryl, in Pwllheli, for his work in raising awareness of dementia in primary schools through the medium of Welsh.
Siwan said: “I was amazed to find out I had been nominated, but it’s really nice to think someone has recognised what I do in my day-to-day work.
“But it’s not just about me, it’s about the whole team I work with.
“I know from my own experience that being able to hear your diagnosis and what’s happening to you in your first language, in my case Welsh, is so important. It’s especially important when you have just heard you have cancer.
“Translating medical information and details of medication and treatments into Welsh is so important for a Welsh first-language patient, especially at a time when they are at their most vulnerable.
“I really am proud to have been nominated for the Welsh Language staff award, although it’s just what I do every day.
“I have been through the cancer experience and know what it’s like, so being able to understand your diagnosis and get advice in your first language is vital. I don’t think I do anything too special, to be honest.”