Hannah McKearnen, the new Macmillan Service User Involvement Coordinator for Blackpool Teaching Hospitals
People affected by cancer are being encouraged to contact a new member of the Cancer Services team at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Hannah McKearnen, 25, from Lytham, wants to hear from as many patients, carers and families as possible to invite them to get involved in co-producing future services and events.
Hannah, who has just taken up the new post of Macmillan Service User Involvement Coordinator based at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, is committed to ensuring that people who use the service are actively involved in designing new initiatives and making important decisions in their local service.
Hannah said: “I’m building up a network of service users including patients, family members and anyone affected by cancer.
“I want to know how they want the service to look. I will also assist them to get involved in other opportunities such as awareness, education and campaigning.
“We would like to let people know about existing opportunities and to find out what might be of interest to them.
“We know that they are the experts. Their experiences are invaluable in achieving an outstanding local cancer service.”
Hannah’s post is a new role and it is funded by Macmillan Cancer Support.
She added: “I will also be working on cancer awareness in the community.
“This includes initiatives to encourage more people to take up screening for cervical, breast and bowel cancer, to increase prevention and early detection.
“I would like to there to be more representation from lesser heard voices – these include people from Fleetwood and central Blackpool as well as young people, people from the LGBT community, people with disabilities and those from ethnic minority backgrounds.”
Hannah has also been working with the Fylde Coast Patients Cancer Care Improvement Group and is planning to meet with other groups and organisations.
Anyone affected by cancer can contact Hannah on or email: hannah.mckearnen@fyldeandwyreccg.nhs.uk 07879428970