Experts by Experience
To get involved in cancer service transformation you might like to consider joining our Patient Partnership Group. It meets in a virtual capacity once a month. Patients and former patients listen to educational talks by various experts, give their views and experiences, and provide their perspective and expertise to help shape cancer services.
Patient experience is at the core of our work, it forms part of our key values and enables us to include the patient voice at the heart of cancer service improvement. Co-producing our improvements makes use of the knowledge and insight patients can offer, making them equal experts by experience. The patient perspective informs what we do and how we transform cancer services in the East of England.
Holly Master, co-chair of the Patient Partnership Group, talks about why she joined the PPG.
Ray Anderson, co-chair of the PPG, encourages other patients to get involved.
"I joined the Patient Partnership Group after I was diagnosed with bowel cancer at the age of 23 in 2021. In March 2022 I was involved in a project called ‘Radiation Reveal’, which brought radiation researchers and young cancer patients together to create a piece of work that would help clinicians understand our experiences. Through this I saw the power of the patient voice, and it inspired me to get involved in other projects. I specifically wanted to join the Patient Partnership Group to help stop the things that happened to me, from happening to other people. I am particularly interested in raising awareness of the needs of young people, and ensuring that these are always considered when shaping cancer care. If you are also passionate about making a difference, please get in touch about joining the PPG."
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"I joined the Patient Partnership Group when it was set up in 2017. I was treated for bowel cancer in 2010 first having surgery followed by six rounds of chemotherapy. The care I received was good but not everything went as well as I would have liked. This sparked my interest in volunteering in order to get as good an experience as possible for cancer patients.
"The Patient Partnership Group is made up of patients, carers and is supported by clinicians and other professional staff. We are on the lookout for more PPG members, particularly those with current or recent experience of cancer services so, if you are interested, please contact us through the Alliance website."
Expression of Interest in the Patient Partnership Group
If you are interested in getting involved in the Patient Partnership Group, more information about the group can be found here along with information about member responsibilities and the relevant experience and qualities needed.
We welcome your interest and if you feel this may be appropriate for you please complete the application form provided. Your views and experience will be greatly appreciated.
The East of England Cancer Alliance Patient Partnership Group provides patient and carer leadership and insight to the Cancer Alliance Board. It ensures the views and experiences of cancer patients, carers and families inform all aspects of the Cancer Alliance work programme and its delivery, taking a special interest in patient experience and equity of access.
Co-Chairs: Holly Masters and Ray Anderson
Next Meeting: Currently meeting (virtually) on Microsoft Teams, on the first Wednesday of every month.
As of June 2023, confirmed patient/carer members of the Patient Partnership Group and their associated STP areas are:
| Member | STP |
|---|---|
|
Suzan St Maur (MKCPP) Shae Ecclestone Fiona Carey Dave Simpson |
Bedford, Luton & Milton Keynes |
|
Holly Masters |
Cambridgeshire & Peterborough |
| Ray Anderson OBE | Hertfordshire & West Essex |
|
Paul Osman |
Mid & South Essex |
|
Jean Goffin Laura Woods (Big C) Jo Pawlett |
Norfolk & Waveney |
|
Tony Rollo Lindsey Cook |
Suffolk & North East Essex |
The Cancer Alliance contact email for matters relating to the Patient Partnership Group is england.eoecancerallianceteam@nhs.net .