Retired radiographer celebrated for contributions to cancer care

15 May 2024

A ground-breaking radiographer who retired last week after nearly 40 years at Velindre Cancer Centre has been celebrated by colleagues as an ‘inspirational leader.’

Dr Jane Mathlin’s incredible career saw her become the first consultant radiographer in Wales and one of the first non-medical prescribers.

Velindre Cancer Centre’s specialist services received more than 9,000 new patient referrals in 2023 alone. Many of these patients have benefitted from radiation services and staff have praised Jane as a beacon in the advancement of radiographer roles.

Colleagues gathered to wish Jane well in her retirement and they shared several heartfelt tributes.

“Your leadership has transformed the Review Clinic into the team it is today - a team of excellence. You have been a role model and inspiration, dedicated to driving forward the Radiography profession. You didn’t just manage us, but believed in us, encouraged us, and empowered us to meet these achievements. Your belief in our team’s potential has fuelled our success and shaped us into the professionals we are today, for which we will be forever grateful.”

“Your dedication to your role and the care you show to patients has been inspiring and you have developed the Review Clinic into what we have today. You have accomplished so much and have made a real difference to so many people, patients and staff alike."

"I’m really grateful for all the support you have given me over the past 25(!) years. Your guidance and mentoring has been a key factor in my professional growth and has helped shape my career. You’ve always been willing to listen, as both a colleague and a friend, and we’ve shared many laughs and even a few tears over the years. I will miss working alongside you and hope that your retirement will be as rewarding and successful as your career has been. Thank you for everything!”

Jane qualified as a Therapeutic Radiographer in 1984 having undertaken her training at Velindre Cancer Centre. She went on to develop her career by working in Hammersmith, St Thomas and University College London.

Upon return to Velindre Cancer Centre in 1991, Jane swiftly developed the Radiotherapy Review Clinic Radiographer role and spent several years growing the service to the one it is today.

Jane commenced her PhD in Advanced Healthcare practice in 2014 and was appointed as the first Consultant Practice Therapeutic Radiographer in Wales in 2018.

A core member of the UK Oral Management in Cancer Group, Jane also played an integral part in Therapeutic Radiographers becoming Independent Prescribers.

At Velindre University NHS Trust we continually strive to develop our services and our staff in order to provide the best standards of care and fulfilling career opportunities. We can provide opportunities across a wide range of clinical and non clinical roles.

If you would like to find out more about the opportunities available working for the Trust, please visit this page.