About

Who we are

The MSN CYPC was officially launched in 2011 to ensure a single sustainable model of service delivery for children, teenagers and young adults with cancer. It was recognised that adopting a network approach could support services to further improve outcomes. The creation of a pan Scotland co-ordinated network supported all relevant clinicians operating across the NHS Scotland children and young people’s main cancer centres to work collectively in accordance with national standards and guidelines. Cancer plans were published in 2012 and 2016 and have driven the development of a single service and fostered national collaboration, aiming to deliver a world class service for our children and young people.

The MSN CYPC is charged with delivering the Scottish Government’s vision for cancer services – to ensure that children and young people in Scotland with a diagnosis of cancer attain the best possible outcomes, have access to appropriate specialist services, as locally as possible that are both safe and sustainable, and that the pathway of care is as equitable as possible regardless of where they live in Scotland. The MSN CYPC works collaboratively with all the staff involved in the delivery of children and young people’s cancer services across Scotland and works with patients, carers and third sector organisations. We aim to provide a responsive network that is relevant to all of our partners and, through the work of our various workstreams and professional groups, deliver a cohesive, national service.

The MSN CYPC, whilst not a legal entity, holds accountability for the delivery of the NHS Scotland Children and Young People’s Strategy – Collaborative and Compassionate Cancer Care, published in 2021 (see in publications), while the operational delivery of services lies directly with each Health Board.  Therefore the MSN CYPC serves as a vehicle for national and cross-Health Board working and collaboration.

1. Develop a single, sustainable and cohesive service for Scotland providing guidance on service development, supported by robust shared care arrangements and multidisciplinary ways of working on treatment and beyond
2. Develop and embed governance frameworks that support the work of the MSN CYPC to ensure the safety of children and young people
3. Ensure that all children and young people in Scotland have had the opportunity to be included in an appropriate clinical trial
4. Develop and monitor patient pathways, standards and supporting systems to ensure consistent data standards, collection and management
5. Ensure patient involvement at all levels including network activities and monitor patient satisfaction
6. Develop sub-specialisation, agreeing referral guidelines and advising on strategic workforce issues including key appointments
7. Lead on the establishment of a robust eHealth strategy, supporting the functioning of multidisciplinary teams and the delivery of services
8. Facilitate mutual support arrangements between units when required
9. Lead on national education and training issues, research and the establishment of a national academic resource
10. Promote the early detection of cancer in children and young people
11. Ensure that the work of the MSN CYPC is widely communicated to all stakeholders
12. Develop and implement best practice frameworks for multidisciplinary teams

Meet the team

Dr Andrew Murray is Medical Director of NHS Forth Valley and in 2016 took up post as chair of the MSN CYPC. Andrew is a founding member of the Faculty of Medical Leadership and Management and has led the redesign of a wide range of medical services. He has also developed and implemented new models of care across community and acute hospitals.
Dr Dermot Murphy, Consultant Paediatric Oncologist, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde has also been a familiar face within the network for many years including taking the lead in the Palliative Care Group and is a valuable asset at the Network co-chair.
Robbie joined the network in January 2024 with his previous role of Programme Manager in Planned Care in NHS Tayside.   The National Network Manager is responsible for the implementation of our cancer strategy and leading on the MSN workplan.
Nick currently works as a Consultant Oncologist within Glasgow.  In addition, he provides 2 programmed sessions to the MSN as the TYA National Clinical Lead to develop and progress a national programme of work for TYA.
Although funded by Teenage Cancer Trust, Julie will work in close collaboration with the MSN CYPC.  Julie has over 30 years of nursing experience with TYAs and will be responsible for developing excellence in nursing for TYA patients to improve the quality of patient care, working closely with the TYA Clinical Lead. 
Diana is based in NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde working as a Consultant Paediatric Oncologist. Diana also provides session work fo the MSN CYPC to develop and implement a national audit for the provision of end of life for a National Palliative Care Service.
Lesley works as a Paediatric Oncology Consultant in NHS Lothian.  In addition Lesley provides extra sessions for the MSN CYPC to develop and progress the Paediatric service.
Mark works as a Paediatric Oncology Consultant in NHS Lothian.  His work as Aftercare Clinical Lead will focus on the development of a National Aftercare Model for Children & Young People.
Ali has been with the network since the beginning and has also spent time being the chair of the nurse group. Her role as CNS for Aftercare is to lead in the development of nurse led aftercare clinics for survivors of childhood and TYA cancers and to work closely with the MSN National Aftercare specialist colleagues whilst providing high profile clinical leadership.
Bernadine has been with the network since the beginning. Her role as CNS for Aftercare is to lead in the development of nurse led aftercare clinics for survivors of childhood and TYA cancers and to work closely with the MSN National Aftercare specialist colleagues whilst providing high profile clinical leadership.
Carole joined the network in May 2023 from the Programme Management Services, NSS and supports the workstream leads to ensure that their work plan is delivered in a timely manner and responsible for producing the quarterly dashboard for reporting.   
Victoria previously held the position of Project Support Officer within the MSN.  Victoria’s role as Communications Officer ensures that the network communicates effectively with its stakeholders including internal and external marketing support. 
Joanna previously held the position of Project Support Officer within the MSN.  Jo’s role as Information Officer focuses on the development and management of national data; ensuring the MSN has quality information to inform current and future clinical practice.  
Pamela joined the MSN in 2017 and is responsible for ensuring the efficient running of paediatric MDT meetings across Scotland.  This includes working closely with senior clinicians to ensure positive patient experiences and journeys.
Kirsten previously held the position of Network Support Officer. Kirsten is responsible for the efficient running of the TYA MDT meetings across Scotland. This involves organising the meetings, preparing documentation, record the outcome and recommendations made within the agreed systems and co-ordinating the patient pathway.
The MSN CYPC welcomes their newest member of the office team. Linzi is responsible for providing administrative duties within the network office including the work streams, national meetings and to support the MDT meetings when necessary.