A group which uses people’s first-hand experiences to improve services for patients who are receiving care for cancer is appealing for more members to join its ranks so that it can continue to make a difference in the future.
ESNEFT’s Cancer Services User Group (CSUG) would like to hear from people who have received treatment at Ipswich or Colchester hospitals for any cancer, with the exception of prostate, breast, colorectal and gynaecological, which are already represented on the group. It is keen to attract a wide variety of different people so that it can use their diverse experiences to improve care for future patients.
Anyone who would like to join the group will need to attend one meeting each month and will also be given the chance to take part in a variety of other activities, such as sharing their views on services, helping with fundraising or volunteering at wellbeing events.
Lucy Thorne, divisional operations coordinator (cancer and diagnostics division), said: “Our CSUG members are all people whose lives have been affected by cancer and its treatment. They represent our patients and carers and make sure their voices are heard so that we can take steps to improve the care that we provide and the experience we offer to those attending our hospitals.
“Everyone in the group is incredibly enthusiastic and keen to positively influence change at the Trust. We are very lucky to have them on board as it is a real privilege to see how passionate they are about improving care.
“We are now appealing for more people to join them so that we can make sure as many different tumour sites as possible are represented on the group. We are very flexible and you can give as little or as much of your time as suits you, as it all helps to make a real difference to our future patients.”
CSUG meetings take place monthly and last around two hours. Colleagues from the hospital and wider NHS are invited to attend so that they can listen to the discussions, learn from the members’ expertise and pass on patient and carer feedback.
Anyone who would like more information, or would like to join the group or offer feedback in any other way, should contact Pam Talman on 01473 702101.
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