Volunteers helping support and improve hospital cancer care
To mark World Cancer Day earlier this week, volunteers have highlighted how their cancer experiences help enhance care and improve their patient journey.
The Trust has over 30 volunteers, known collectively as cancer champions. They are people of all ages, from all backgrounds and walks of life.
The one thing they all have in common is that they either have been diagnosed with cancer or have cared for someone with the disease in the last five years.
One of them is Natalie Darby, 50, from Ashingdon, who has been a cancer champion for the past four years. She was diagnosed in October 2021 with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of blood cancer.
Now in remission, following treatment at Southend Hospital, Natalie became a champion after being asked to be part of the group whilst in the chemotherapy unit.
She said: “It was a thrill to be asked because I was so grateful for the treatment I had at Southend, and I really wanted a way to give something back. That’s really at the heart of what the cancer champions are all about.”
One of the things Natalie is most proud of as a champion is her work analysing over 1,200 patient comments submitted as part of the National Cancer Patient Experience Survey.
She said: “Before I got ill, I had not long graduated with a psychology degree. So, when the cancer team shared the results of the national survey with the champions group, I offered to help.”
Thanks to Natalie’s work, she was able to identify several key themes from over 1,200 patient comments. These helped the team to develop a new section of the Trust’s website with resources and support information for patients and their families.
Paul Fisher, 69, from Corringham, became a champion in 2022 after being diagnosed with prostate cancer. With 45 years’ experience in the NHS as a former hospital matron, Paul has a unique perspective on patient care. He is particularly passionate about improving communication with patients.
He said: “When I received my diagnosis, I knew straight away the seriousness of the information, and for many patients, it can be overwhelming.” Through his champion role, Paul has reviewed information given to prostate cancer patients, ensuring they receive only what information they need.
The cancer champions meet roughly once a month online, with meetings chaired by the Trust’s cancer nursing leads, Emma Chaplin and Katy Low.
Natalie said: “Emma and Katy are always keen to hear our feedback and share opportunities for champions to get involved in interesting projects aimed at improving cancer care.”
Paul added: “For me, being a champion is very worthwhile. In the time I’ve been involved I’ve seen the service become more responsive to patients’ needs. We’ve had consultants and clinical nurse specialists coming to talk to us and they do listen, so it’s clear that the Trust, at all levels, take us seriously and are giving us the opportunity to make a difference.”
Emma Chaplin, Deputy Director of Nursing for Cancer, said: “Every patient’s experience with cancer and its treatment is unique. Our cancer champions are so valuable in advocating for the needs of patients so we can tailor our services to provide them with the best possible experience.”
Discover more about becoming a cancer champion, including how to join here: Cancer champions engagement committee.