Velindre Oncology Academy at UKONS 2025 – Celebrating Connections, Education and Excellence
The Velindre Oncology Academy (VOA) thoroughly enjoyed attending the 20th Annual Conference of the UK Oncology Nursing Society (UKONS), held at the International Convention Centre.
UKONS 2025 was a fantastic opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the cancer pathway, including professionals working in primary care, secondary care, acute oncology, education and cancer support services. The conference provided a vibrant and inspiring environment to share ideas, celebrate achievements and explore future opportunities in cancer nursing and education.
The Velindre Oncology Academy team had a wonderful weekend meeting so many passionate and committed professionals. We were delighted to speak with delegates about our educational programmes, hear about their experiences, and connect with potential future students. The enthusiasm for learning and professional development made for an exciting and energising event, and we look forward to building on the many new connections made.
Celebrating Excellence – SACT Award Recognition
The conference also featured an inspiring awards ceremony recognising outstanding contributions to cancer nursing across the UK. The Velindre Oncology Academy is incredibly proud to share that Valerie Harris was the recipient of the prestigious SACT Award and also received a nomination in the Leadership category.
Valerie Harris is an immunotherapy expert, a Lecturer within the Velindre Oncology Academy, and the Immunotherapy Lead Nurse for the South East Wales Toxicity Service. She was recognised for her exceptional and sustained impact on cancer nursing across Wales, England and Ireland, with a particular focus on advancing toxicity management.
Val’s work exemplifies inspirational leadership, innovation and compassion. She has consistently led service development, education and quality improvement initiatives that have transformed patient care, while championing cancer nursing research and evidence-based practice.
Reflecting on the 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. I’m 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.”
Within Val’s nomination, Tessa Watts, former Velindre Reader in Nursing and Interdisciplinary Care, highlighted Val’s passion for holistic, person-centred cancer nursing, her outstanding leadership, and the compassion and excellence consistently recognised by patients and colleagues alike.
Looking Ahead
Attending UKONS 2025 was a truly positive and inspiring experience for the Velindre Oncology Academy. We returned with new contacts, fresh ideas and exciting opportunities ahead, and we look forward to continuing to support education, collaboration and excellence in cancer care.
VOA UKONS COMPETITION WINNER
🎉 Congratulations Emma 🎉
We are pleased to announce Emma Wilreid as the winner of the Velindre Oncology Academy UKONS competition.
Emma has chosen a place on the Foundations in Acute Oncology course as her prize.
Congratulations, Emma. We look forward to welcoming you to the Academy!
