Share your experience of cancer to help shape local services

NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin (NHS STW), in collaboration with local cancer services and organisations, is hosting a listening event in Telford on Wednesday 20^th November, with the aim of enhancing cancer care in the county.

The event, jointly funded by NHS STW, Lingen Davies and The West Midlands Cancer Alliance, is urging anybody who has received a cancer diagnosis or treatment in the county over the last three years, as well as those who have supported somebody through their cancer journey, to come along.

During the event, taking place at Telford Football Club from 9:30am to 2pm, people will be supported and encouraged to engage in discussions focused on personal experiences to help shape and develop future services.

Loraine Mahachi, Senior Quality Lead for the NHS STW Cancer Transformation Programme, said: “We know that everyone who receives a cancer diagnosis and treatment will have a unique experience individual to them.

“This is an opportunity to build on the valuable insight already captured by our partners, to really understand people’s experiences and share what is working well and what could be improved.

“The National Cancer Patient Experience Survey results published in July 2024 tell us that we are doing well in some areas, but we could make improvements in others. We believe that by listening to the voices of those directly affected by cancer, healthcare professionals and stakeholders, we can create more effective, patient-centred care pathways.

“We encourage anyone impacted by cancer to attend this vital event and have their voices and stories heard. Working together, we can improve the support and services available within our communities for people who receive a cancer diagnosis.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to my colleagues and all our partners for their support, be that their time, resources or funding, enabling this event to happen.”

Naomi Atkin, CEO of Lingen Davies, said the organisation was pleased to be able to support this important opportunity to hear from those directly impacted by local cancer services.

“Lingen Davies was established 45 years ago to bring cancer services to Shropshire and since that time we’ve worked very closely with health partners to ensure local people can access the best cancer services locally.

“As we look to the future, we want to make sure that we have a shared vision and deliver what our community needs and wants. We want to learn from those who have directly experienced cancer treatment and care in the county, or those who have supported a loved-one through treatment.

“The patients’ voice is key to making sure that any funding we deliver for future projects is targeted where it is most needed.

“We very much look forward to meeting members of our community and working with our health partners at this event.”

To book a place, please click here, call 01952 580 300, email stw.getinvolved@nhs.net or visit https://www.shropshiretelfordandwrekin.nhs.uk/events/understanding-your-cancer-journey/

The event will include wellbeing activities and lunch.