The subject of cancer is a widespread and emotive topic, affecting one in three people in the UK alone. Time and resources often make it difficult for those in the public sector to provide continual support and feedback to those diagnosed. The care programme consists of specialist nurses providing information and feedback to members of the community from diagnosis through to the lengthy recovery process. In 1997, the service gained its first Charter Mark award, the Government s award for recognition of excellent customer service in the public sector. Improving high standards and maintenance of existing support and resources led to gaining a second Charter Mark award for 2001.
User groups occur regularly throughout the year acting as an extended family offering peer support.
We pride ourselves on being friends as well as nurses. Neck breathing patients see the support group as the most beneficial outcome of the support service. The forum provides education and peer support with guest speakers to discuss developments and progress. Participants are involved in fund raising which enables the purchase of essential equipment. This enables patients to be discharged sooner into the community to be with friends and relatives and readmission to acute environments.