AMs welcome report showing positive cancer care

LABOUR Mid and West Assembly Members Joyce Watson and Rebecca Evans have welcomed a survey showing 9 out of 10 cancer patients in Wales think the care they receive is either very good or excellent.
The first ever Welsh cancer patient experience survey was published this week and reported the views of more than 7,000 cancer patients in Wales.
The survey showed very positive experience of aspects of care:
• Regarding dignity; 85 per cent said they were always treated with respect and dignity by staff, 87 per cent had confidence and trust in the doctors and nurses caring for them and 94 per cent said they had enough privacy when being treated.
• In the coordination of care; 88 per cent of people were given the name of a Clinical Nurse Specialist who would be in charge of their care.
• 92 per cent of patients said their clinical nurse specialist definitely listened carefully to them.
• 92 per cent got understandable answers to important questions all or most of the time from their Clinical Nurse Specialist.
Joyce Watson AM commented:
“It’s good to see the overwhelming majority of cancer patients in Wales are pleased with the care they receive.
“The survey does reveal variation between health boards and hospitals, however, and it shows that patients with some types of cancer, including Breast cancer, have a better experience than patients with rarer cancers, and those with Lung cancer. So it’s important we do not stand still. We must continue to strive for improvement for all patients.
“There are some new ideas that have come out of this survey that are certainly worth exploring and I hope it will prove to be a valuable sounding board.”
Rebecca Evans AM said:
“The all-Wales data is very encouraging indeed.
“Cancer is a top priority for Wales, both in terms of prevention and treatment. Over the coming years, around 1 in 3 people will be diagnosed with cancer before age 75, and around 4 in 10 at some stage during their lifetime. It is essential that we offer the very best care and support.
“The information from this survey has been broken down by health board and by hospital, and that provides us with a very detailed and precise picture of what is being done well locally, and what must be improved. I will be exploring the results with the health boards to ensure that the good work is built upon and areas for improvement can be prioritised.”
Welsh Labour’s Health Minister Mark Drakeford added:
“I am heartened to see so many patients had a positive experience and the evidence of effective systems being in place alongside support to individuals is very clear. This is the first year this survey has taken place in Wales and the NHS as a whole will need to listen to and act upon the voices of patients.”
For more information about Joyce Watson’s work contact her office on 02920 898972 / www.joycewatson.co.uk