What is Patient VIEW and is it for me?
Working In Partnership
Patient VIEW is funded by the West Yorkshire & Harrogate Cancer Alliance, whose workstreams relate to ‘cancer care and innovation’. Please click here to find out more about their work.
Patient VIEW
Patient VIEW is dedicated to representing the voices of patients, carers, and service users, ensuring they are central to decision-making processes in cancer care.
We work in collaboration with the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Cancer Alliance, and invite individuals from diverse backgrounds (in terms of where they live, types of cancer they are experiencing / have experienced, the communities they come from, their personal backgrounds or circumstances) who are passionate about improving cancer patient care, to join the panel. Members will have opportunities to engage in various areas, such as:
- Early Diagnosis
- Patient Experience
- Smoking Cessation
- Living with and Beyond Cancer
The Patient VIEW Coordinator Lauren Cross, based at Yorkshire Cancer Community, facilitates collaboration among panel members and supports various work streams established by the WY&H Cancer Alliance.
Who are we?
We are a panel that works to represent the patient, carer and service user’s views, putting them at the very heart of decision making. We are a collaboration between Yorkshire Cancer Community and the West Yorkshire & Harrogate Cancer Alliance, who fund the project.
What will you gain?
The opportunity to contribute positive ideas, participate in group discussions, share experiences and carry out tasks which will support a number of key projects relating to cancer care. Any expenses will be reimbursed.
How does this work?
We are flexible, so you can be involved as much or as little as you like. There will be face to face sessions, online discussions, sharing views and ideas by email, telephone calls, one to one or in a group setting. Whatever suits you best.
Meet some our Patient VIEW Panel Members
Lauren – Panel Coordinator
LAUREN
Lauren is the Coordinator for Patient View. Since 2018, Lauren has held clinical support positions in a variety of radiology scanning departments at NHS hospitals while pursuing a BSc in Integrated Health and Social Care. She has also recently completed her Mammography Associate Apprenticeship, during which she learnt a significant amount about cancer pathways and how they affect patients and caregivers. Prior to becoming our Patient View Coordinator, Lauren volunteered with us as a Cancer Champion.
Bob – Panel Member
BOB
Bob from Pontefract is a Community Artist, who was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer, and helps to run the weekly Portobello Craft and Camera support group in Wakefield. As well as being a member of Patient View, he’s also one of our fabulous cancer champions, and often helps out at various events running stalls in the Pontefract and Castleford area. He also regularly attends our online support group too.
Gill – Panel Member
GILL
Gill a retired special needs assistant from Huddersfield, is keen to raise awareness about ovarian cancer, particularly telling her memorable tale about how her cat, Humbug, was responsible for her getting checked out by the GP, which led to her cancer diagnosis. Gill has been interviewed by local, national and even international journalists and has appeared on TV and radio. As a patient view panel member, Gill wants to make sure that others are made aware of when some change to their body feels unusual or unexplained.
Michael – Panel Member
MICHAEL
Michael lost his wife to lung cancer in 2017, and in 2022 he received a diagnosis of bowel cancer himself. He has thrown himself into various volunteering roles, including becoming a cancer champion and joining the Patient VIEW panel, as a way to give something back and to help others as he knows what they are going through. He is also a befriender for Fresh Futures in Huddersfield and visits two people each week.
Despite everything he has been through, Michael remains philosophical.
His personal mantra helps to keep him focused and positive:
“Always forward
Never backwards,
Always positive
Never negative,
Always be awesome”.
Ronnie – Panel Member
RONNIE
I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer on 28 July 2016 and on 20 August I had a prostatectomy. Before I was discharged from hospital, I asked about clinical trials.
I spoke with my oncologist and at the end of October I started trials comparing early and deferred access, where half of the men will receive radiotherapy three to six months after surgery, and the other group only if PSA levels start to rise. This trial is still ongoing and I speak with my oncologist every four months.
Right from the beginning, I have always felt that I wanted to get involved, to share my extremely positive experiences of care and treatment, and to help others who may be going through the same thing. I know that the quality of cancer care across our area does vary, and it’s important to get involved and help to ensure that we put that right.
Can You Help Us?
Find out more including how to join Patient VIEW
What is Patient VIEW?
Patient VIEW is dedicated to representing the voices of patients, carers, and service users, ensuring they are central to decision-making processes in cancer care.
Coordination
The Patient VIEW Coordinator, based at Yorkshire Cancer Community, facilitates collaboration among panel members and supports various work streams established by the WY&H Cancer Alliance.
Aims of Patient VIEW
- Engagement: Actively engage cancer patients, carers, and interested parties in meaningful dialogue about cancer services.
- Representation: Ensure that the patient voice is heard and that all six districts of West Yorkshire and Harrogate are equally represented, alongside diverse demographics and cancer types.
- Collaboration: Work closely with the Cancer Alliance to provide vital feedback and discussion on cancer care initiatives.
How to Get Involved
We invite individuals from diverse backgrounds who are passionate about improving cancer patient care to join the panel. Members will have opportunities to engage in various areas, including:
- Early Diagnosis
- Patient Experience
- Smoking Cessation
- Living with and Beyond Cancer
Support for New Members
New members will receive personalised support to identify their strengths and interests, ensuring they feel valued and utilised. Participation is always voluntary, and members will not be asked to share uncomfortable experiences. Meetings are designed to be friendly, productive, and informal.
Role of a Community Patient VIEW Member
As a Member, you will:
- Contribute ideas and participate in discussions.
- Share experiences and support key cancer care projects.
- Engage in activities ranging from supporting new care models to discussing issues affecting cancer patients.
Commitment
Participation varies based on individual circumstances. Meetings will occur every few months, with opportunities for subgroup ‘roadshow’ involvement in between. The Coordinator will ensure flexible engagement, accommodating those undergoing treatment or with limited availability.
Key Requirements for Membership
Responsibilities
- Engage meaningfully with the Community Panel.
- Collaborate with other members.
- Contribute ideas, skills, and expertise.
- Participate in consultations and discussions.
Experience and Skills
- Reside in the West Yorkshire or Harrogate area.
- Experience as a cancer patient, carer, or strong interest in cancer services.
- Commitment to advocating for cancer patients.
Time Commitment
The Community Panel Coordinator will work with members to accommodate varying schedules. Full panel meetings will occur every few months, with roadshow type meetings in between and individual engagements in between.
Expenses
Members will be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses incurred during participation.
How to Register Your Interest
To express your interest, please complete the Expression of Interest Form provided online or in person by the Patient VIEW Coordinator. Return your completed forms by email or to the address below.
Contact Information
Lauren Cross
Patient VIEW Coordinator
📞 07565386256
✉ lauren@yorkshirecancercommunity.co.uk
🏠 White Rose House West Parade Wakefield WF1 1LT