Patients' experiences of cancer services in and around Sandwell
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Healthwatch Sandwell carried out a survey to understand people's experience of cancer care. To ensure that they heard from a wide variety of people, they visited local cancer support groups. They heard from 31 people.
The findings highlight how delays, communication failures, and inconsistent emotional support can have a lasting impact on patients and families. These experiences often increased anxiety, reduced trust in services, and compounded distress during an already vulnerable period.
There are inconsistencies as to whether patients can access financial support for public transport to and from treatment. Some people said that they have accessed free taxis for their treatment, whilst some people have been accessing grants from a charity that supports patients with breast cancer.
While many patients described compassionate and high-quality care, this report highlights clear opportunities for improvement. Addressing communication, emotional support, and system coordination will improve patient experience, trust and outcomes across cancer services in Sandwell.