Press release posted 10 June 2026
One of Europe’s leading cancer centres has appointed a specialist geriatrician to strengthen its pioneering service for older patients.
The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester has appointed Professor Martin Vernon, a nationally recognised expert in older people’s care, to help develop its Senior Adult Oncology Service.
The impact of this specialist approach to care is helping patients like Vernon Bradshaw, 90, from Edgeley in Stockport. He was diagnosed with stage one lung cancer in January 2026 after visiting his GP with a persistent cough.
He was referred for further tests and scans before coming to The Christie in mid-February for specialist treatment, where he received 20 sessions of radiotherapy over 4 weeks.
“During the cancer treatment, I didn’t think I would be able to get back to doing normal things afterwards,” he said. “There were times when I felt like I could hardly lift myself.”
Vernon, who enjoys gardening, visiting his static caravan and DIY, only recently retired after running a printing business for more than 35 years. He was supported by The Christie’s Senior Adult Oncology team throughout his treatment.
“They’ve given me support that I didn’t think I needed,” he said. “If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t have got as far as I have now.”
He describes the team as “almost like family”, with support extending beyond his own care to include his wife. “They included my wife, Valerie, as well, which was a wonderful thing, because it’s traumatic for the family too,” he said.
With input from an occupational therapist, pharmacist and specialist in geriatric medicine, Vernon said he felt more confident, supported and able to maintain his independence. The team also helped him manage side effects from treatment.
“The Senior Adult Oncology team have made me feel worthwhile,” he said. “Independence and encouragement are what they’ve given me.”
He said he would encourage other older people not to feel put off from having cancer treatment.
“You’ve got the best treatment available,” he said. “If you push yourself through it, you’ll get to the end of the tunnel. Don’t lose faith in your own ability to get through it.”
He recently had a scan and expects to receive the results at the end of June.
Stories like Vernon’s highlight the growing importance of specialist support for older patients with cancer.
The Senior Adult Oncology team at The Christie was launched 3 years ago and supports older cancer patients with frailty and complex health needs.
Dr Fabio Gomes, founder and co-lead for the Senior Adult Oncology programme at The Christie, said: “Since launching our Senior Adult Oncology Service, we have seen first-hand the positive difference that specialist, multidisciplinary support can make for those more complex older patients with cancer living with frailty and multiple health conditions.
“Having known Martin Vernon for several years, I am delighted that he believed in our vision, and his pioneering appointment brings outstanding national experience in geriatric medicine and NHS system leadership. He will enable us to develop new models of care that support the latest National Cancer Plan with a shift of care from hospital to community.”
Professor Vernon brings nearly 30 years of experience as a consultant geriatrician, alongside a national leadership role as former National Clinical Director for Older People at NHS England. His appointment marks a significant step in the evolution of The Christie’s service, which supports patients typically aged over 70 with frailty who are undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
With the number of older people in the UK continuing to rise, cancer services are seeing increasing numbers of patients living with multiple health conditions alongside their diagnosis.
Professor Vernon said his new role offered a unique opportunity to bring together expertise in ageing and cancer care within a specialist centre.
“It’s a real privilege to work in a centre of excellence like The Christie,” he said. “Geriatric oncology is still a relatively new field in the UK.”
Geriatric oncology places greater emphasis on the whole person rather than just the disease. Older patients often live with clinical frailty and may have reduced biological resilience.
“If you take a more personalised, frailty-attuned approach, patients are more likely to complete treatment, experience fewer complications, and have better overall outcomes,” he said.
This can include adjusting chemotherapy doses, providing targeted physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or nutritional support, and ensuring patients have the right support in place at home.
“We want to make sure that frailty-attuned care is embedded across all cancer pathways,” he said.
Central to this approach is the importance of multidisciplinary working. The Senior Adult Oncology Service brings together nurses, pharmacists, therapists and dietitians.
“Geriatric medicine is fundamentally a team effort,” he said.
Professor Vernon believes The Christie is well placed to lead the way.
“This is about keeping pace with changing demand and making sure we’re delivering the best possible care for older people with cancer,” he said.