Living well with cancer in Shropshire

In 2024 Healthwatch Shropshire engaged with 390 people about living with and beyond cancer.

Many people shared their positive experiences of cancer services and the non-NHS support available from local and national organisations and community cancer support groups.

People wanted:

• More personalised support from medical professionals to help patients access information about their condition, treatment and support available (including signposting)
• Need for improved communication with patients (including understanding and empathy)
• Consider the amount, quality and timing of information given to patients after diagnosis
• Improved clinical support for patients after diagnosis, treatment / discharge (including increased staffing)
• . Improved access to additional emotional/wellbeing support and other therapies, including groups/workshops that promote exercise and wellbeing for people living with and beyond cancer (consider terminology, e.g. ‘counselling’)
• Personalised support and information for families and carers (including at end of life)
• Need for improved communication and joint working between professionals to make sure people are diagnosed early and have access to the right treatment at the right time, and things go smoothly (including improved waiting times and access to parking permits at the hospital)
• Need for a Shropshire Cancer Network, recognising the importance of community groups and their funding challenges - supported by accurate information and directories for the public and professionals so everyone knows the support is available and how to access it.