Cancer stories identify areas for improvement

20 May 2011

The head of cancer services in the Hunter and New England regions will return to Tamworth next week to hear first hand from patients and carers about their experiences with the disease.

Dr Anthony Proietto, Director of Cancer Services for Hunter New England Health District, was here in March for the first of three sessions in Tamworth and Armidale as part of a larger effort to consult with those affected by cancer.

Two more sessions have now been organised for 25 May.
 
Dr Proietto says there have been eight cancer listening posts held across the Hunter and New England with six more being planned for the next two months.

“We’ve heard from patients who have battled cancer for 25 years to those more recently diagnosed, Dr Proietto said.

“They’ve given us a very personal perspective on some of the challenges they face as well as highlighting the importance of good communication and coordination of care, availability and accessibility of treatment and their concerns over waiting times,” he said.

Dr Proietto says oncology staff have been praised for their care of patients.

“There has been widespread recognition for the nurses and other health professionals who help the patients and their carers,” he said.

The experiences shared during the sessions will be used to help shape a new long term cancer services plan along with an external review by independent experts. 
Two listening post sessions will held in Tamworth on 25 May.

Each session will have a maximum of eight participants to ensure adequate time for each person to talk about their experiences.

Tamworth
Wednesday, 25 May
West Tamworth League Club
Chillingworth Room 1
Phillip Street
West Tamworth
Session 1 – 9:15am
Session 2 – 12:30pm

Please note, only registered participants will be invited into the sessions with numbers limited to eight.  Please register by calling Hunter New England Health Cancer Network on (02) 4921 4159.

Contact: Michelle Bryne

Phone: (02) 4985 5522.