VCS Nurse wins at the UKONS 20th Anniversary Awards

2 December 2025

At the 20th UKONS Conference in Birmingham, an inspiring awards ceremony highlighted outstanding contributions to cancer nursing across the UK.  We are proud to announce that Val Harris, Immunotherapy Lead Nurse for the South East Wales Toxicity Service, was the recipient of the prestigious SACT Award and also earned a nomination in the Leadership category.

Val was recognised for her exceptional and sustained impact on cancer nursing - not only in Wales, but also in England and Ireland - with a particular focus on advancing toxicity management. She exemplifies the qualities of an inspirational, dedicated, and compassionate leader. Throughout her career, Val has been at the forefront of service development, practice innovation, and education, driving quality improvement initiatives that have transformed patient care. She is also a passionate advocate for cancer nursing research, ensuring that innovation translates into real benefits for patients.

Within Val's nomination for this prestigious award, Tessa Watts, former Velindre Reader in Nursing and Interdisciplinary Care, said:

"Valerie is passionate about holistic cancer nursing practice. She works tirelessly and with remarkable dedication to ensure optimal, innovative, timely, safe, effective and compassionate person-centred care for patients at Velindre Cancer Centre and its satellite sites.

Valerie draws on her exceptional communication skills to liaise with multi-professional team members, coordinate and make a positive difference to care and patient and families' experiences. Valerie is a fierce advocate for all patients, the service and her team and a conscientious, loyal, supportive and empathic clinical leader.  Valerie tackles her clinical and managerial duties and service development and innovation with the utmost commitment and passion. 

Testimonials from patients cite "kindness, compassion, clear explanation, regular contact, and prompt management" as remarkable qualities of the clinical nursing team under Val’s leadership and management. She is well deserving of the award."

Upon receiving this award, Val said:

"I'm honoured to receive a UKONS Excellence Award at the UKONS Conference in Birmingham recognising my contributions to cancer care over the years. Very grateful to Dr Tessa Watts for the nomination and to the inspiring colleagues I’ve had the privilege to work alongside and who have motivated me throughout my career. A true highlight in my journey in cancer care."