DKMS donate further funding to support haemato-oncology nurses

The RCN Foundation has been working in partnership with DKMS – an international charity dedicated to eliminating blood cancer and blood disorders, since 2023.

Launched in the UK in 2013, DKMS hold the biggest stem cell register in the UK, which has over one million active registered donors. To date, globally, DKMS has registered over 12.5 million potential stem cell donors globally, and over 125,000 second chances at life have been provided. 

Mitigating the gap

Over 2,000 people each year in the UK need a stem cell transplant, but just 7% of the UK’s population are registered as potential donors. This partnership seeks to mitigate this disparity, utilising and equipping nurses currently working in oncology and haematology and providing those wishing to study in this area with the opportunity to do so. 

In 2023, DKMS UK donated £30,000 to establish a 3-year education grant for UK nurses working in or wishing to study oncology and haematology. This funding has supported 21 nurses working in oncology and haematology. Lisa, a Research Nurse at Swansea Bay University Health Board, was awarded funding to complete the Principles of Haemato-Oncology Care module which has advanced her expertise in haemato-oncology, strengthening her ability to guide patients through complex treatment journeys.

Further impact

Following the success of the grants, DKMS have generously made a further donation of £23,800 which will continue to support nurses within this area of the profession.  

The fund sits within the Professional Bursary Scheme (PBS) education grant which opens twice a year – in March and August and you don’t need to be a member of the RCN to apply. The grant covers the cost of a wide range of educational courses, such as: Leading in Cancer Care, Advanced Clinical Assessment in Cancer Care, Bone Marrow Biopsy Training, and Contemporary Cancer Treatment. 

The available funding will fall under the Professional Bursary Scheme (PBS) education grant.

To keep up to date on when the grant opens, sign up to the RCN Foundation email newsletter or visit our website.

Deepa Korea MBE, Director of the RCN Foundation, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to DKMS for their continued support and investment. Partnerships like this are so important and Lisa is a testament to why. Providing funding to these often-niche areas of nursing ensures that those like Lisa can develop their skill set further and ultimately improve the care and outcomes for those impacted by blood cancer and blood disorders. It is a privilege to witness the impact that the grant has had on Lisa, and I hope she continues to thrive in her role.”  

Caroline Richardson, Head of Fundraising for DKMS UK, said: “Nurses are vital to excellence in care for patients with blood cancer and blood disorders, and they are central to starting conversations that encourage more people to register as potential stem cell donors. DKMS UK is delighted to be marking Blood Cancer Awareness Month by growing and continuing our funding partnership with the RCN Foundation to support nurses in their invaluable work.” 

If you’re interested in partnering with us to ensure we reach those that need it most, get in touch at fundraising@rcnfoundation.org.uk.