Cancer Summit Success Drives New Vision For Excellence in East of England

The region’s first ever Cancer Summit heard directly from clinicians, patients, supporters, innovators and NHS leaders on the challenges and opportunities ahead as the numbers of people being treated for cancer continue to increase.

Nearly 300 delegates heard a wide range of speakers including Professor Peter Johnson, NHS England’s Clinical Director for Cancer, and Ceinwen Giles, co-chief executive of the national cancer support charity, Shine, followed by questions and answers with an expert panel, including patient representatives.

The aim of the event, organised by the East of England Cancer Alliance, was to:

• Look to the future regarding workforce, technological, diagnostic and treatment innovations, plus new ways of working
• Identify key strategic priorities for the next 12 to 18 months to deliver the East of England Cancer Strategy
• Celebrate and share good practice
• Connect people across many different sectors supporting cancer care

Amanda Pleavin, Cancer Alliance Managing Director, said: “We are hugely grateful to all who attended for making the Cancer Summit so valuable in terms of examining where we are now and the best ways to work together on real improvements, from early diagnosis through to treatment and aftercare, that we can set in motion straight away.

“We heard loud and clear that patients want to be more involved and we know that they bring enormous expertise to the way we design and deliver services.

“Feedback shows that people felt enthused, energised and engaged and there was a huge demand for further opportunities like this.

“We will be evaluating further to see what can be learned and how we can continue to build the tremendous connections, partnerships and ideas we saw on the day.”

 

Ray Anderson, who co-chairs the Cancer Alliance’s Patient Partnership Group, said: “The patient voice was a key element of the summit, ensuring that the focus was on improving patient outcomes and experience.”

Workshops were held by Integrated Care Board teams from across the region – Norfolk and Waveney; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; Hertfordshire and West Essex; Suffolk and North East Essex; Mid and South Essex and Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, showcasing innovation and opportunities for the future.

Other key participants were Health Innovation East, highlighting healthcare opportunities for the future, and the Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital, showcasing how the planned future hospital will benefit the region, with patient involvement from the outset.

Dr Holloway, a GP in Suffolk, chairs the East of England Cancer Alliance Primary Care Group and took part throughout the day, including the panel discussion. He said: “The summit highlighted the importance of increasing awareness of cancer symptoms and encouraging people to come forward earlier, whilst ensuring they have access to primary care and smooth onward pathways.

“Increasing community diagnostic capacity and availability of testing will be crucial in improving early diagnosis.”

The event was hosted by Adam Cayley, NHS East of England’s Regional Senior Responsible Officer For Cancer.