BERNI Cardy is believed to be the region's first gynaecology nurse specialist working within a cancer unit.
The South Tyneside Health Care nurse's job is to ensure cancer patients receive comprehensive medical and emotional support during their treatment.
Her role has proved such a success that other trusts in the North-East are planning to make similar appointments.
The work of Ms Cardy and the gynaecology-oncology services team at South Tyneside is part of the Northern Cancer Network, which also includes a number of health authorities, hospital and primary health care trusts in the region.
Like many cancer networks across the UK, the Northern Cancer Network has proved effective in sharing information about the best way to treating cancer sufferers.
Ms Cardy, who has worked in the gynaecology department at South Tyneside for 14 years, said: "I primarily help women in the early stages of gynaecological cancer, administering medical procedures and making sure patients attend appointments and meetings."
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