Local health champion publishes report into the experiences of living with cancer in Shropshire.

In their latest report into healthcare the local health champion Healthwatch Shropshire has highlighted the experiences of people living with cancer in the county

Healthwatch Shropshire has been visiting groups across Shropshire to speak to cancer patients, their families and those who support them about their experiences while also asking others to share their feedback through a survey. They heard from nearly 400 people who shared their views on what is working well, what is not working so well and their suggestions for improvements.

Many people shared their positive experiences of cancer services and the non-NHS support available from local and national organisations and community cancer support groups.

People also shared their views on what would support people to live with and beyond cancer, these included:

• More personalised support from medical professionals to help patients access information about their condition, treatment and support available.
• Need for improved communication with patients
• Improved clinical support for patients after diagnosis, treatment / discharge
• Improved access to additional emotional/wellbeing support
• Need for a Shropshire Cancer Network, recognising the importance of community groups and their funding challenges

The full report can be found here: https://www.healthwatchshropshire.co.uk/report/2024-10-10/living-well-cancer

Lynn Cawley, Chief Officer of Healthwatch Shropshire, said, “Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin NHS are working to improve cancer care services for the local population through the implementation of their Integrated Cancer Strategy 2022 – 2027. We wanted to ensure that the voices of the patients and their families are at the centre of developments and I would like to thank everybody who took the time to share their views and experiences. We are very pleased to see the commitment from the NHS to work with the public and use our report as they develop the service.”

Vanessa Whatley, Chief Nursing Officer for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, said: “On behalf of the NHS in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, I want to thank Healthwatch Shropshire and every individual who took the time to share their experience of living with cancer.

“Cancer will affect most of us at some point in our lives, either directly or through a loved one, and having this insight is so important to help further shape cancer care and support across the county to ensure we meet the needs of our population.

“It is encouraging to read the positive feedback which highlights what is working well. We also welcome the feedback which highlights areas where further improvements could be made.

“We will continue to work collaboratively with all our partners, taking on board the learning from this report, to improve people’s experiences of cancer care and support.”

NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, in collaboration with local cancer services and organisations, is hosting an event aimed at enhancing cancer care in the county. The Understanding Your Cancer Journey event will take place at Telford Football Club on Wednesday 20^th November from 9:30am to 2pm.

Anybody who has received a cancer diagnosis or treatment in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin in the last three years, or supported somebody who has, is invited to attend to share their experience and help shape future services.

To book a place, please click https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/understanding-your-cancer-journey-tickets-1042615299427 . Alternatively, please call 01952 580 300 or email stw.getinvolved@nhs.net.

Healthwatch Shropshire is the independent health and social care champion in Shropshire. It gathers the views and experiences of patients, service users, carers, and the general public about services including hospitals, GPs, mental health services, community health services, pharmacists, opticians, residential care and children’s services.  It also has statutory powers that it can use to influence service provision by encouraging improvements.