New group gives cancer patients a voice

People affected by cancer can now come together as part of a new group and have their collective voices listened to by experts from the Great Western Hospital.

The Swindon Cancer Partnership Group, which officially launches next month, will give cancer patients and their loved ones a platform to share their thoughts and feelings on cancer care in the town, while also giving them direct access to the doctors and nurses who care for patients every day.

By meeting regularly, it’s hoped members of the group will not only be able to talk about their own cancer journey, but work with experts to influence how care is given in the future.

The first meeting of the group will take place in the Cherwell Education Room at GWH on Wednesday 21 February between 3.15pm and 4.45pm.

Lyndel Moore, Cancer Nurse Consultant, said: "This new group will provide local people with a forum in which they can have their voices at the very heart of the services we provide.

"By listening to, and acting upon, the views of people affected by cancer, we are able to continually make the changes and improvements that will ensure our care is always of the highest standard.

"Our overall aim is for local people, who have lived the cancer journey, to have a hand in influencing the quality of the care and treatment given to others like them.

"Whether it's feeding back directly, taking part in focus groups or just filling out questionnaires, those people coming along can be involved in as much or as little as they like."

The Swindon Cancer Partnership Group will meet four times a year, with attendance open to any person who feels their experience can help make a difference to others.

Last year, a survey of more than 72,000 cancer patients highlighted the positive care happening at GWH.

Of the 438 Swindon patients who took part, the majority gave a favourable account of their experience, with GWH’s cancer care receiving an average score of 8.6 out of a possible ten.

For more information on the new group, contact the GWH Cancer Team on 01793 646152 or at [email protected].