Cancer group to inform government strategies

Dr Elizabet Gomes Dos Santos said the group would inform on future services

People affected by cancer have met to discuss improving care and support in Jersey.

The Cancer Advisory and Patient Strategy (CAPS) Group has been formed as part of the Jersey Cancer Strategy in partnership by Health and Care, Macmillan Cancer Support and Jersey Hospice Care.

It said the aim was to open discussions around cancer care and support in Jersey, to identify priorities and to help improve on the government's cancer strategy.

Chair of the committee Dr Elizabet Gomes Dos Santos said the group represented "a vital step" in making the strategy "truly co-produced".

She said: "By listening to people with lived experience, we can ensure that services, policies, and innovations genuinely reflect what matters most to those affected by cancer in Jersey."

The government said CAPS was set to meet regularly and give direct advice and opinion to the committee to ensure "patient insights remain a cornerstone of cancer service development".

Member Antonia Rubio said there was a range of different experiences and diagnoses in the group and that she wanted to help inform future changes.

She said: "I especially want to make sure children, teenagers and young adults are also considered when making decisions to improve our local cancer service.

"I feel so hopeful after meeting the other members and I was so happy that despite being the youngest member of the group, I felt heard and that my voice was really valued."

Minister for Health and Social Services Deputy Tom Binet said hearing the voices of those affected by cancer was "fundamental to building a compassionate and effective health service".