A cancer nurse will visit Buckingham Palace later this year after she was awarded an MBE.

Claire Taylor, from St Albans, has been recognised for her services to colorectal cancer nursing at St Mark's Hospital near Harrow.

Ms Taylor also works as a lecturer and researcher. She has a particular interest in patients' physical and mental recovery once they have left hospital which was the subject of her PhD; The Process of Restoring Embodied Control: Recovery after Colorectal Cancer.

The Macmillan nurse consultant was in 'disbelief' when she opened the letter from Prince Charles.

Ms Taylor added: "Nowadays, there is greater awareness of the need to support patients when they’ve finished treatment and the importance of providing them with resources to cope, such as building a strong support network.

"Patients often feel disempowered by what has happened to them during the acute phase of their cancer care and can be unprepared for the time it takes to recover not just physically but also emotionally.

"My role is to ensure patients receive appropriate support and services, gain access to the right information and have a holistic package of care after treatment.

"I’ve always enjoyed having the time to communicate effectively with people and enhance their experience of healthcare. It’s important in this complex speciality not only to provide an expert level of clinical skill, but to know your contribution to that patient's care and work well with all the multi-professional team."