Cancer stories identify areas for improvement

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

Hunter New England Health’s Dr Anthony Proietto, Director of Cancer Services, has been travelling throughout the region for the past five months to consult directly with those most affected by cancer.

He will be in Moree next Wednesday, 8 June 2011.
 
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. 

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

The Balber Room
The Max, Function and Conference Centre
The New Max Centre, Level 1
Cnr Balo and Heber Streets
Moree
Starts at 9:45am

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.

Please note: the Listening Post will run for approximately 90 minutes.  We have been advised that parking around the venue is 2 hour time limited, please ensure you take this into consideration when parking.

Contact: Abbey Wright

Phone: (02) 4921 4477