A MOVING account of one woman’s cancer journey in the East of England provided a powerful backdrop to the opening webinar in a unique new training programme that aims to reduce health inequalities in cancer services across the region.
A wide range of more than 60 healthcare professionals, including GPs and Cancer Nurse Specialists, radiographers, cancer services managers, administrators and support workers, heard Professor Daksha Trivedi, from Bedfordshire, tell first hand of her experience of receiving a devastating cancer diagnosis just six months after her twin brother had died from exactly the same disease.
Kenyan-born Daksha, a Professor in Applied Health Research at the University of Hertfordshire, described the practical and cultural issues she faced and how services could have helped her and her family from the time of her diagnosis through the changing needs of her 11-month recovery process.
The presentation formed part of the opening session, led by GPs Dominic Patterson and Rahhiel Riasat from the expert training company, Seventeen Seconds.
It prompted a wide-ranging discussion and hugely positive feedback from participants, some of whom have already started the flexible learning modules
The training has been arranged by the East of England Cancer Alliances and Health Education England, to help staff at all levels understand the causes and consequences of health inequalities in cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship.
Dr Rahhiel Riasat said: "“Inequalities in cancer outcomes experienced by some patients and populations are devastating and unfair. We are proud to have created this comprehensive and engaging learning resource that we hope will give those supporting people living with cancer in the East of England the knowledge, skills and confidence to take action to reduce inequalities, whatever their role."
The training covers a number of topic areas such as identity and culture, marginalised communities - such as those living in poverty - and inclusivity in end of life care.
It features a blend of online learning and webinars – the next will be held on Tuesday 18 April from 12.30 to 1.30pm.
For more information about the course or to sign up, please see: Home (eoecancerhealthequity.org.uk)