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A group of cancer patients have helped create a new and improved website area offering vital information and support for those diagnosed with cancer and their families.

The group, known as Cancer Champions, includes a large number of current and former cancer patients, as well as cancer staff from the Trust, who have used their own personal experience to help improve the patient journey.

As well as general information around living with cancer and the support groups that can help, the new section of the Trust’s website also includes details about each specialist cancer team, and what patients can expect from their care.

Sue Barry, Project Support Officer for the Trust’s cancer services said: “Following feedback from the National Cancer Patients Experience survey, which highlighted the importance of good communication, we worked with our Trust’s Cancer Champions group to co-produce this new area of the website. 

“Our Cancer Champions group includes patients and hospital staff and has 31 members, 22 of which are current or former cancer patients.  

“The group aims to improve cancer care across our Trust and works closely with local health leaders, sitting on various health boards to represent the voice of the cancer patient. We are very grateful to them, as they know better than anyone what sort of information is helpful to someone diagnosed with cancer.”

One of those is Eric Watts, from Brentwood, a member of the Cancer Champions group and a former cancer patient. He said: “For most patients, cancer treatment is complex and confusing. There is a lot to take in and it is often hard to remember all the important questions at a busy clinic appointment.

“To have all this information in one place is a valuable addition and will be very useful for patients who want to know more about their care and who they can contact for support.”

Another patient who helped with the new section of the website is Karen Liesching-Schroder, a tongue cancer patient from Rochford. She said: “When you are first given a diagnosis of cancer, it is extremely overwhelming, and you have lots of questions. Having access to information that is easy to navigate and you can visit in your own time, is really helpful.”

The new specially created section of the website is available here: Cancer services.

If you are a cancer patient or former cancer patient at the Trust and would like to find out more information about the Cancer Champions group, please contact mse.cancerchampions@nhs.net