Help shape cancer services across the West Midlands

People are being encouraged to have their say and help shape local services for cancer patients across the West Midlands.

West Midlands Cancer Alliance (WMCA) is inviting patients, carers, support groups and voluntary organisations to become patient advocates for the organisation, offering them the chance to shape decision making by sharing their views and personal experiences.

Patient advocates ensure that the ‘public’ voice is heard at meetings with local healthcare professionals, allowing them to build future services that provide the best care for cancer patients.

The Cancer Alliance works with healthcare organisations, such as hospital Trusts, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), charities and patient groups, with the shared goal of improving diagnosis, treatment and care for cancer patients.

Working alongside WMCA, advocates have the chance to:

• Help produce patient-facing information
• Comment on documents, publications and key issues
• Engage in online surveys
• Share personal stories and views at meetings and/or events.

Advocates also form part of a virtual network allowing them the chance to contribute to the Alliance regardless of their personal commitments or circumstances.

Carolyn Parker, Project Improvement Manager at the Cancer Alliance, said: “WMCA works to support patients across the entire cancer pathway from prevention and screening programmes to living with and beyond cancer, and we want to ensure that everyone in the West Midlands receives the same high-quality care regardless of where they live. Understanding the patient experience is key to helping us achieve that.

“The more information we have from patients and the public, the better placed we are to make informed decisions that improve services and outcomes for those diagnosed with cancer.”

To get involved, please visit Patient Advocates – West Midlands Cancer Alliance

For more information, contact rwh-tr.wmcanceralliance@nhs.net.