Alex joined The Lister Hospital in June 2022 and is an asset to our fabulous team of Clinical Nurse Specialists. Alex's dedication and compassionate care shown to her patients is truly wonderful - Alex's nominations are often so detailed and clearly demonstrate the high level of care and support Alex provides to her patients during what is a difficult time for them.

Below are some of Alex's nominations:

"Alex Olayo was absolutely wonderful to me after my left mastectomy at the Lister Hospital, and she continues to be so. She is a very beautiful and caring person, and I never imagined that I could have such wonderful and continuous nursing care anywhere. Thank you so very much, Alex, and I definitely think that she should receive this special award."

"I met Alex during my breast cancer treatment. It was indeed the most difficult phase of my life. Alex explained to me the process, shared her valuable experiences, made me aware of the risks involved and contributed a lot with the decision making. It was because of Alex that I could decide to go ahead with lumpectomy and not mastectomy which is a much more invasive procedure. Her advice was also not to go ahead with operating on the breast which was not affected and take things one day at a time. This was wise and today I am cancer free and I am also able to conserve my breast. Alex is just amazing, the best nurse I know. She not only provides necessary information but also listens to the concerns and addresses with best examples so that the patient is fully aware of what to expect. This ability is important especially when someone like me is going through a difficult cancer treatment. She is an angel in my life. I truly want to say a big thank you to Alex and will be delighted if she receives the award."

 "As a single person who has always taken pride in being self-sufficient and resilient, receiving a breast cancer diagnosis was like having my magic carpet swiped out from under me. My life, defined by the joy of overcoming challenges in both my professional and personal life, together with the exhilaration of travel and regular exercise, was suddenly shadowed by my diagnosis. Fortunately, the cancer is early stage. Still navigating through cancer treatment, I realise that the road to recovery is not just about medical intervention. It requires a holistic approach involving diet, hormones and the mind.  Thankfully, my experience has been made so much easier by Alex’s extraordinary care. She has been a source of immeasurable support and patience. Alex is pivotal in my surgical recovery and well-being. Alex’s approach is marked by exceptional professionalism and kindness. She has helped me understand the physical and psychological impact of my condition and the surgery. Her daily check-ins with me to assess my recovery, whether in person, over the phone, or through WhatsApp, have been a crucial part of my healing process. During each interaction, Alex has given me feedback on my concerns, answered my questions with patience and clarity, and reassured me. My identity, so closely tied to being active and independent, seems at odds with my body whilst it tries to recover. However, Alex has helped me bridge this gap with her recommendations for gentle exercises and walking, helping me stay active without overexerting myself. These activities, coupled with moderate working from home, are not only helping my physical recovery but also a sense of normalcy and control over my life.  Alex’s encouragement to drink plenty of fluids is a simple yet powerful reminder that small actions significantly impact my health. I am forever grateful to Alex for her dedication, advice, and reassurance, which are making an immeasurable difference in my recovery."

"I went to my first ever breast clinic thinking I would have a mammogram and be told the lump that had been seen on my CT was nothing to worry about.  Unfortunately, two mammograms, ultrasounds and biopsies later I was told by the consultant that it was something to worry about.  Alex has been there every step of the way at each appointment, letting me ask the "stupid" questions I may not have asked my consultant.  She has been supportive and replied to texts almost immediately. She was especially wonderful after my lumpectomy when she came to the hospital and gave me reassurance that everything was OK, setting me up with my post-operative bra and helping my discharge.  Through what has been a difficult time Alex has helped make the breast cancer experience easier, far less scary and transparent."

"Very informative and well informed. Caring. Always available. Puts you at ease in a difficult situation."

"Alex has been my rock throughout my long journey of treatment for breast cancer. She’s more than just my breast nurse and has been there to reassure and comfort me during the low points of my treatment and recovery. There are so many examples of Alex going above and beyond it’s hard to pick just one. However, after my mastectomy I had several issues and my wounds were not healing well. I was able to send Alex daily pictures to get her advice. She always responded quickly and either called me or arranged for me to come in for treatment. Because of the issues I was having I needed to have my implant removed and Alex as always was there to alleviate my worries. She even visited me in hospital after my surgery. Without Alex’s support the last year would have been too much for me. Instead, I now am recovering from DIEP surgery and feel very positive about the future."