Dr Rosie Roberts Publishes National Cancer Nursing Research

18 February 2026

Dr Rosie Roberts, Nurse Consultant for SACT at Velindre Cancer Service, has co-authored an article for Cancer Nursing Practice, titled 'Assessing frailty in older adults with cancer to optimise care provision and outcomes'.

The article highlights why recognising frailty early is so critical for older adults diagnosed with cancer. By identifying frailty at the point of referral or assessment, clinicians can ensure timely access to a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) - a holistic process that evaluates a patient’s physical health, cognition, mental wellbeing, social circumstances and overall resilience.

Rosie and her co‑authors explain how CGA enables a truly multidisciplinary approach, bringing together expertise from nursing, medicine, pharmacy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and psychosocial support services. This coordinated model of care helps tailor cancer treatment to each individual’s needs, ensuring they are better supported to tolerate therapy, maintain independence and achieve the best possible outcomes.

Rosie has worked for Velindre Cancer Service since 1990 in a variety of roles including ward manager and specialist nurse and completed her doctorate in 2020. She has led many key service developments both locally and also Nationally in her role as Lead SACT nurse for the Wales National Cancer Team. She has been able to use her expertise in a number of UK wide roles including the UK Oncology Nursing society and is currently co-chairing the UK SACT board.

Throughout her career, Rosie has championed continued professional development, becoming one of Velindre University NHS Trust's first ever nurse consultants in 2024, and becoming the first non-medical prescriber in Wales to complete the Level 4 SACT prescribing competency - a significant achievement that reflects her commitment to advancing safe, expert cancer care for patients across Wales.

On the publication of her article, Dr Rosie Roberts said:  

"I was really pleased to be approached by the journal to use my previous experience in writing for publication to support my co-authors to develop this article which highlights the importance of addressing frailty in patients receiving anti-cancer treatment."

Nicola Williams, Executive Director of Nursing, AHPs and Health Science, said:

"Massive congratulations to Rosie and her colleagues on this publication and for the fantastic work they have been doing on frailty. Frailty is a really important area for us in respect of cancer care and it is a huge credit to Rosie for being recognised nationally in this developing field of cancer care. Rosie, one of our first two Consultant Nurses, is a prime example of how nurses can achieve their full potential at Velindre. Well done Rosie."

"We have excellent multi-professional staff here at Velindre doing the most incredible things and often leading the way nationally and internationally. We don’t always share this and writing for publication is one of the ways we can do this. We have a team of people who are here to help with this as well as supporting anyone who wants to embark on their research journey"