Working together on cancer support

Have a voice in how cancer services are improved

PATIENTS, staff, families and carers are working together on an initiative to help improve cancer services in Bedfordshire.

The Bedford Cancer Action Partnership has been set up by Bedford Hospital as part of its commitment to improving patient experience by encouraging patients and carers to get involved in shaping the future of their local health services.

There are already 20 members, and the group is now looking for more people to get involved and help make a real difference to cancer services in Mid and North Bedfordshire.

The group meets every six weeks to discuss new developments and plans for cancer services and to identify where improvements could be made.

It has already started work to expand the volunteer transport service for patients, set up focus groups for patients aged 25-40 who are diagnosed with cancer, undertaken a review of all patient information, and begun work to assess the hospital’s Primrose Unit against Macmillan’s Quality Environment Mark.

For more information about BCAP or if you would like to get involved visit www.bedfordhospital.nhs.uk/being-involved/bcap or call Claire Holmes on 01234 355122 ext. 5016.

Chair of BCAP and Bedford Hospital patient Dave Simpson said: “If you think you’d like to have a voice in how cancer services are improved then join us!

“You can give as much or as little time as you can and your input will be welcomed and valued by us and the hospital.”

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