Swindon MPs, Justin Tomlinson & Robert Buckland, are backing Macmillan Cancer Support's campaign for all patients to be treated with the highest levels of dignity and respect, and for NHS staff to be supported to do so.
At an event in Parliament, Justin and Robert met people affected by cancer who shared their own experience and raised the importance of being listened to throughout their journey. Macmillan healthcare staff at the event, also shared their stories about caring for people living with cancer and highlighted the importance of feeling supported and engaged in order to deliver the best possible care.
Macmillan’s new report ‘The people behind cancer care – Patient and Staff stories' emphasises the importance of putting people at the heart of our cancer care by hearing from cancer patients and staff alike. The report presents stories from 10 patients about their experiences of care at different points of their cancer journey. It also features insights from staff into the good and bad aspects of their work and how their own experiences determine the quality of care provided.
Ahead of the general election in May, Macmillan is calling on all political parties to make a commitment in their manifestos to ensure that all patients, including cancer patients, are treated with the highest levels of dignity and respect, and that staff are supported to deliver this.
Justin Tomlinson MP said: “Every person diagnosed with cancer should be treated with dignity and respect and not as a set of symptoms. NHS staff work incredibly hard to deliver high quality care in challenging circumstances. Macmillan’s report shows, there is still room for improvement and I am pleased that they are working closely with the NHS to ensure that cancer patients receive the best possible support”.
Robert Buckland MP said: “I am pleased that excellent organisations like Macmillan are working closely with the NHS to ensure that all patients affected by cancer receive the highest levels of care and support. This report is a timely reminder that cancer affects not only the lives of those who are diagnosed but the lives of everyone who knows them and who cares for them."
