Catharine James

Current position

Lead Neuro-Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist

Qualifications

– B.A. (Hons) Specialist Nursing Practice (Adult), Staffordshire University which included non medical prescribing and health assessment.
– Clinical Leadership Development
– GCP training
– Mentorship Qualification, Keele University School of Nursing and Midwifery
– Diploma in Nursing Studies, Keele University School of Nursing and Midwifery

Short biography

I am the Lead Neuro-Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist at University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM), with nearly 20 years of experience caring for patients with brain and spinal tumours and helping to develop specialist neuro-oncology services.
I am a caring, approachable, and compassionate nurse who is passionate about delivering high-quality, patient-centred care. Throughout my career, I have led service developments, supported pathway redesign, and worked collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams to improve patient outcomes.

Beyond my clinical role, I am actively involved in the wider neuro-oncology community. I work closely with organisations including The Brain Tumour Charity , Brain Tumour Support and contribute nationally as a nurse representative on the Tessa Jowell Programme Steering Committee. I also attend West Midlands Cancer Alliance Brain and CNS Tumour meetings and am a member of the Living Well and Beyond Task and Finish Group, supporting initiatives focused on prehabilitation and rehabilitation.

As a longstanding member of the British Neuro-Oncology Society (BNOS), I am excited about the opportunity to serve as a Nurse Representative on the BNOS Council. I look forward to bringing my clinical experience, openness to new ways of working, and commitment to collaborative practice to support both the nursing workforce and the patients we serve.