Healthwatch Calderdale visit new Brighouse blood cancer support group

Healthwatch Calderdale met with members of the newly-formed Lymphoma Action group in Brighouse.

The support group – for people with blood cancer and their family, friends and carers – launched earlier this year and aims to bring people together to share experiences of lymphoma, myeloma, leukaemia or any other blood cancer.

Healthwatch Calderdale attended and spoke to 11 people, highlighting how we can support them as well as getting feedback of their own experiences.

Here’s some of the things they told us:

• If you don’t appear to be well informed you can feel side-lined from a service.
• I get the NHS is stretched, but I felt bitter my condition went undiagnosed for so long and paid privately.
• Different agencies need to talk to each other, including GPs and hospitals; council and social services and housing.
• People without access to digital services may feel left behind.
• Continuity of care is important for patients with complex needs, often they don’t even see the same GP.
• One member said more walk-in centres for minor ailments may mean GPs could focus on those with more complex needs.

Healthwatch Calderdale will use the views from the engagement session as part of our wider work to help shape and improve people’s experiences of health and social care services.

The Lymphoma Action support group meets on the first Monday of alternate months at St Joseph’s Parish Hall, Martin Street, Brighouse, from 1.30pm to 3pm. It offers an opportunity to share experiences and gain mutual support plus hear from a range of speakers. If you would like to know more call Karen on 07710 393891 or visit www.lymphoma-action.org.uk/events/Brighouse-support-group