Fylde coast cancer patients support local NHS organisations

David Baxter at a recent cancer health and wellbeing event at the Village Hotel in Blackpool

People who have been affected by cancer are working with senior clinicians and commissioners across the Fylde coast to improve cancer care and services.

The Patient Cancer Care Improvement (PCCI) Group was set up earlier this year by Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and NHS Blackpool and Fylde and Wyre Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs).

PCCI Group patient chairman, David Baxter, who lives in Thornton Cleveleys, said: “Our group is made up of around 15 people who have, or had, cancer or care for someone with cancer and we’re really pleased to be working with both CCGs and the Trust to make things better for patients and their families.”

Each month, senior commissioners and clinicians from all three organisations meet to discuss where improvements in cancer care and services can be made – this is the Fylde Coast Cancer Steering Group.

Speaking on behalf of all three organisations, Fleetwood GP and chair of the steering group, Dr Adam Janjua, said: “The steering group decided that if we really want to make improvements, then we need to take on board the views and experiences of people who are, or have been, affected by cancer.

“After advertising for people to get involved, I was really pleased that we were able to bring together a group of people who are dedicated to making a difference.”

The PCCI Group meets bi-monthly at NHS Fylde and Wyre CCG in Wesham and the group’s chairperson now also sits on the steering group. So far, the group has been asked to provide feedback on referral letters and end of treatment packs.

Mr Baxter added: “It’s fantastic that we can have a real two way conversation with senior commissioners and clinicians across the Fylde coast.

“This group of volunteers has a wide range of experiences and professional skills. We are determined to do what we can to assist the steering group in its important task of ensuring that there are quality, comprehensive and improving arrangements for cancer care and services across the Fylde coast.”

A ‘virtual’ PCCI Group is also being set up as an extension of the main group where people can give views and feedback via email.

If anyone who has been affected by cancer would like to join the group, they can email lyndsey.shorrock@fyldeandwyreccg.nhs.uk

 

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