People with direct or indirect experience of living with cancer have been invited to help shape the future of cancer services in the Stone and Stafford area.
The initiative is part of a two-year project that is being run jointly by Macmillan Cancer Support and the local NHS and involves a workshop being held at the Stafford Gatehouse Theatre on Monday 14th January that is open to everyone.
It is being backed by family doctors who make up the Stafford and Surrounds Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).
Stafford GP Dr Anne Marie Houlder, Clinical Lead for the CCG, said: “We are at an early stage of reviewing our services for people with cancer in the Stafford area, and this workshop is an important part of a consultation to help us find out people’s view.
“You don’t need to be someone who has, or has recovered from cancer. The views of relatives or carers are just as important. Having the views of people who have some experience of cancer will help us to work with Macmillan to work out changes and improvements that could influence services locally for decades.”
Nationally there are estimated to be two million people who either have or have had cancer. This number is expected to four million by 2030.
Dr Houlder added: “With more people expected to develop cancer it is more important than ever that we have a long-term plan for providing support and care. We are doing this with Macmillan because they have so much experience of working with partners in the NHS, local government and voluntary groups of designing services and will help fill current gaps.”
The workshop at the Gatehouse runs from 6pm to 9pm. There is no charge and no need to book. There will be a rolling programme of presentations and various people to discuss issues and share information with, so there is no need to arrive at the beginning of the event.
For anyone who can’t attend the workshop there is an online survey HERE. Deadline for submissions is Monday 11th February.
Call Karen Evans on 01543 509768 or 07860 593880 for more information.
