Maggie's Highlands

Staff Information

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  Carole Bridge

  Centre Head, Maggie's Highlands

  
  

  I first visited a Maggie’s Centre when I moved to the Highlands.  It was a truly inspirational experience as the programme of support already offered many aspects of the NICE Supportive and Palliative Care Guidance (England & Wales, 2004).  It is exciting to see Maggie’s Centres being planned and developed ‘south of the boarder’.
  
  I started work as a district nursing sister in the Pendle area and then became a Community Macmillan Nurse.  I spent 2 years developing accreditation guidelines for cancer and palliative care at the then NHC Executive (North West).  Following this I was a Service Development Manager for Macmillan in North West England and then became Nurse Director of Lancashire and South Cumbria Cancer Network.  I moved to the Scottish Highlands in 2006 and joined the Maggie’s team. 
  
  My move to the Highlands has brought many opportunities to enjoy fishing, horse riding and seeing the many wonderful places here on my motorbike.  I still venture south to watch motorbike racing in England and Ireland, and to see Wigan Warriors Rugby League matches when time allows.

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  Debra Davies

  Information and Support Specialist, Maggie's Highlands

  
  

  Working here means I can offer quality time, space and support to anyone affected by cancer in a wonderful unique building. 
  
  I have 17 years experience of oncology and palliative care nursing.  During this time I set up a cancer information service and was a Macmillan nurse in a hospital team. 
  
  I love a challenge…I have trekked to Peru for a cancer charity and abseiled for another charity! 

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  Tracy McGlynn

  Clinical Psychologist, Maggie's Highlands

  
  

  I believe this is a truly special place to be in, never mind be lucky enough to work in.
  
  I have worked in the Highlands for the past five years. During this time, I’ve worked with people aged across the lifespan dealing with a vast range of psychological difficulties.  I have a specialist interest in how people cope with stress, and working with children, young people and families. I have carried out research on GP’s use of self-help materials in the Highlands, as I’ve a keen interest in exploring different methods of delivering psychological care. 
  
  I’m very proud of being Irish and have been told that I must have kissed the Blarney Stone more than once because of my love of chatting!

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  Jacqui Brown

  Rights Worker for Maggie's Highlands

  
  

  I am part of the team of dedicated Rights Workers employed by The Macmillan CAB Partnership offering support to people with cancer throughout the Highlands.   I tend to be the face you see at Maggies at the drop in session on Tuesdays, but you are just as likely to see my colleagues, who regularly meet clients at the Maggie's Highlands throughout the week.
   
  Through our drop in at Maggie's we are able to offer patients and their carers access to a free, confidential and holistic service providing advice on benefits, housing, employment, debt and other issues that impact on people affected by cancer.  One of our client's recently summed it up by saying "The person who visited me took care of everything and now I've received benefits I never knew existed."  What more can we add to that!
   
  The benefit surgery at Maggie's on a Tuesday works well as people are able to access a rights worker while they visit for a coffee, or before a clinic appointment or a relaxation session.  Statistics show that the benefit drop in session provides a vital service to clients. 

  On a personal note,  I get to spend one day a week in a truly unique building, as opposed to my portacabin which has long given up hope of architectural acclaim.

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  Gordon Faulkner

  Qigong and Taijiquan Teacher, Maggie's Highlands

  
  

  I specialise in a Chinese healthcare system called Daoyin Yangsheng.  In 1999 I was awarded the degree of 'Rushidizi' ('a disciple highly proficient in both profession and scholarship') by the Daoyin Centre of Beijing University of Physical Education.  I swore an oath to use Daoyin to benefit mankind so working at Maggie's helps me to fulfill that oath.  On another level it's just great to work here.
  
  I have two hobbies.  The first, predictably, is my work.  The second is book collecting - when I'm not working I can always be found in a bookshop.

  Find out more about Qigong and Taijiquan through Gordon's website http://www.quanshu.co.uk/instbiog.htm

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  Chryssy Gibbs

  Art Therapist, Maggie's Highlands

  
  

  I enjoy witnessing the healing and restorative power of creativity and group support at Maggie's Highlands.
  
  I have previously worked as a sessional art therapist in a variety of settings.
  
  I love color, sparkles, nature, people, animals, dancing, worship, reading and sharing with friends.

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  Jacqui Tuson-Webb

  Specialist Oncology Dietitian

  
  

  I moved to Inverness in November 2007, and joined the Raigmore Oncology team.  I can often be found working in and around the Oncology Department.  I visit Maggie’s on a regular basis and organise a nutritional workshop once a month.

  Prior to qualifying as a Dietitian with Glasgow Caledonian University, I gained an Honours Degree in Public Health Nutrition at Oxford Brookes University. In order to practice as a Dietitian, I have to be a member of the Health Professions Council, which binds me to working within a set of principles, and standards of proficiency. I always endeavour to provide nutritional information that is based on up-to-date sound scientific evidence, acquired from reputable sources.
  
  During my time in the Oncology Department, I have learnt from patients and carers just how confusing the nutritional messages from today’s various sources can be.  The nutritional information I share, hopefully empowers people to be able to make their own choices and decisions regarding any nutritional issues they may have.

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  Fiona McRae

  Community Fundraiser, Maggie's Highlands