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Trust hosts successful cancer support forum with over 200 attendees
West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (WSFT) organised a highly successful cancer support forum at Ashlar House in Bury St Edmunds on Friday, 19 May. The event aimed to provide support and valuable information to cancer patients diagnosed in 2022, as well as their families, friends, and support networks.
With well over 200 attendees, the cancer support forum offered a unique platform for individuals to learn about the latest cancer services available within the Trust. Attendees were also updated on the progress of the upcoming new hospital construction project. Moreover, the event provided a crucial opportunity for cancer patients to openly discuss and share their personal experiences, fostering a sense of community and understanding.
Among the notable guest speakers were Karen McKinnon, lead cancer nurse at WSFT, and Miss Antonia Wells, clinical lead for oncology. Both speakers delivered insightful presentations and engaged in interactive sessions with the attendees, addressing various aspects of cancer care, breakthrough treatments, and support services.
Karen McKinnon emphasised the importance of events like the cancer support forum and engaging with cancer patients to achieve positive results. She said: "These types of events play a vital role in supporting patients and their loved ones. By providing a platform for open dialogue and sharing of experiences, we empower individuals to take an active role in their care and make informed decisions.
“It is through engagement and collaboration that we can truly enhance the patient experience."
The cancer support forum proved to be a remarkable initiative in strengthening connections between WSFT and the local community. It offered an opportunity for patients and their loved ones to gain a better understanding of what happens ‘behind the scenes’ of cancer diagnosis and treatment, as well as a chance to talk to others who had been diagnosed. By offering an inclusive platform for patients, their families, and support networks, WSFT aims to enhance patient experiences and ensure their well-being throughout their cancer journey.
One of the attendees, Sam Emberson, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2022, shared her experience with the breast cancer clinic at West Suffolk Hospital. Sam stated: "The breast cancer clinic at West Suffolk Hospital was fantastic from start to finish. My cancer was spotted after having a routine mammogram at one of the community breast screening vehicles, and when something was spotted, the process was so quick.
“Everyone on my journey was so warm and friendly and provided me with helpful information. I had surgery in September, followed by radiotherapy. It was a whirlwind trip, and overall, it has been a very positive experience. I cannot stress enough the importance of going for routine mammogram scans."
Supported by the Trust's charity, My WiSH, the cancer support forum received funding for the venue hire and provided lunch for all the attendees. The generous contribution from My WiSH ensured a welcoming and comfortable environment for participants to engage in meaningful discussions and connect with one another.
Sue Smith, head of fundraising at My WiSH, said: “It is wonderful that the charity can sponsor amazing events like this. We are here to enhance patient care and by doing things like this, it really shows how much of a difference working together with the Trust we can make.”
A marketplace of 14 stalls also offered referrals into other services such as physiotherapy and included information from community support groups such as Lymphodema Support, Suffolk Family Carers and Breast Friends.
For more information on cancer services at the Trust, patients can telephone 01284 713023. If you would like to join the patient group and get involved in events like this, please email
cancer.infocentre@wsh.nhs.uk.
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