Published on 8 June 2023
People across Cheshire and Merseyside can share their views about cancer services, treatment, care and support at a number of roadshows this summer.
Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance (CMCA) will meet the public at pop-up events throughout the region, asking people about their experiences of cancer – either concerning them or a loved one, friend or colleague – so that these stories can influence how services are shaped.
People will also be asked if they want to become a patient representative at the Alliance, helping to raise awareness of cancer with the public or being a ‘voice’ of patients when new initiatives on cancer are discussed.
The CMCA roadshows begin at this month’s Royal Cheshire County Show, with the team at the showground in Tabley, Knutsford, on Tuesday, 20th June and Wednesday 21st June. The roadshow will then move to Crewe (Crewe Lifestyle Centre) on Monday 26th June and Kirkby Market on Tuesday 27th June. Dates for roadshows in September are also planned.
Last year, CMCA held its first series of roadshows across Cheshire and Merseyside, successfully capturing people’s experiences of cancer and recruiting 40 patient representatives.
Jo Trask, CMCA Health Inequalities and Patient Experience Lead, said: “I am delighted to embark on a new series of roadshows, visiting new areas and ensuring the people of Cheshire and Merseyside feel heard when sharing experiences of their cancer journey.
“Recognising the lack of patient voices from rural communities, we have chosen to visit Royal Cheshire Show this year in order to capture people’s experiences and stories at a location convenient to them.”
Rita Doyle, who lives in Wirral, spoke about her experience of being a Cancer Alliance patient representative. She said: “I was an NHS nurse for 36 years before I became a patient with cancer. I understand the immense pressures that staff are under. It has been such a privilege to become a patient representative in Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance and to now be able to use my professional and personal experience of cancer care to make sure that the needs and voice of the patient are heard.
“I consider a simple question, ‘is this what you would want for yourself or someone you loved?’ If the answer is ‘no, or maybe not’, then whatever is proposed should be changed.
“Real empathy should be at the core of patient-centred care and this includes every aspect, from the initial patient appointment letter, through to all aspects of that persons care. Hearing a ‘patient’s voice’ improves care overall and can also gently remind our amazing staff why they wanted to work in the NHS in the first place.”
