Sussex Cancer patients have their questions answered
Healthwatch in Sussex responded to patient concerns about cancer services in Sussex. A webinar was coordinated between three local Healthwatch with the help of Sussex Health and Care Partnership. Read the full report and Q&A report here.
One hundred people across Sussex registered for the event.
Healthwatch in Sussex arranged for cancer patients and their families to hear from three cancer experts:
- Dr Mathew Thomas, Cancer GP lead for East Sussex
- Dr Richard Simcock, consultant clinical oncologist at the Sussex Cancer Centre
- Scarlett Jinman-Dunt, a formar oncology nurse now working for Macmillan.
This is what we heard:
- Cancer screenings are currently limited.
- Endoscopy and colonoscopy tests are available but delayed.
- Patients are urged NOT to hold back from contacting their GP with cancer-related concerns.
- Patients have not been lost in the system but focus on corona virus patients has caused delays.
- Patients SHOULD ATTEND hospital appointments.
- Movement towards managed self-care for cancer patients with contact by telephone with cancer specialists .
- Cancer shielding has lifted slightly with 90% of oncology appointments continuing remotely.
- COVID-19 not as risky to cancer patients undergoing treatment, latest studies show.
- Clinicians fear an influx of referrals once restrictions are lifted.
- New lockdown methods are here to stay (remote contact with patients and PPE used by staff).
- Cancer Support services are still available via Macmillan.
Downloads
Our summary includes the Q&A between patients and experts and also a full transcript of the event.
Watch the full recording of the webinar here
