Friday, February 11th, 2011

Rhodri backs Macmillan’s ‘Change Cancer Care Today’ campaign

Carmarthen East and Dinefwr AM Rhodri Glyn Thomas is backing Macmillan Cancer Support’s Change Cancer Care Today campaign.  Rhodri pledged his support to the campaign, which was launched in Cardiff with the screening of a new film featuring the experiences of a couple affected by cancer in Wales.

Macmillan Cancer Support says it wants to ensure that everyone diagnosed with cancer in Wales gets the support they need.  It is calling for a national cancer strategy that puts people at its heart.

Macmillan sets out its campaign aims in a thought provoking film entitled ‘The Journey’  It tells the story of Peter Thomas and his wife Fiona after he was diagnosed with cancer.  The film was premiered at a special screening at the Wales Millenium Centre hosted by Wales footballing legend John Hartson, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2009.

Rhodri’s support for the campaign comes at the same time Plaid Cymru launches its strategy for National Cancer Care.  Key points in Plaid’s National Cancer Care Plan include:

  1. A commitment to treat the person as well as the disease with a programme that treats cancer as a long term condition
  2. Providing all cancer patients with a specialist cancer nurse
  3. Collaboration with local authorities and service providers to ensure cancer patients get the social care and benefits they need
  4. The introduction of co-production into cancer services – where patients and health professionals work together in order to achieve the best possible outcomes
  5. Free access for patients to their medical records

 

Rhodri Glyn Thomas said:

“In Wales today there are more than 100,000 people affected by cancer and I know that many people in Carmarthenshire have personal experiences with this.  The campaign’s film illustrates the difficulties experienced by people affected by cancer and what can be done to better support them.

“The timing of the campaign has come as Plaid Cymru launches its national cancer care plan to take in to the Welsh General Election in May.

“Plaid’s approach in our cancer care plan is to focus on the wellbeing on a sufferer, not just removing the disease.  We will promote a health system that treats the whole person, body and mind.

“Macmillan’s campaign film demonstrates absolutely why a national cancer strategy is vital for Wales”

Plaid Cymru’s Health Spokesperson and Llanelli AM Helen Mary Jones said:

“Here in Wales, we need to change the way we deliver cancer services.  The plan that I am launching today focuses on the need to treat the cancer patient rather than just the disease and at how different bodies can work together in the interests of the patient. 

“A long term strategy is vital in making sure that advances continue to be made and that patients benefit from new and more effective research, treatments and support services. 

“Plaid Cymru wants to introduce a cross-government approach to cancer services that encourages the health service, social services and voluntary sector to work together to design and deliver world class cancer services.  Our national cancer plan aims to reduce cancer rates, to improve survival and to ensure that people live healthy productive lives beyond the diagnosis of cancer and are supported in their choices. 

“Once treatment for the disease has come to an end, the patient should not be left in the wilderness.  Support and advice for living with or after cancer are essential for the patient’s long-term well being. An important part of our plan is that cancer patients are made aware of what they are entitled to in terms of benefits and services.  We also need to help people to take control of their own health.  This means not just focusing on hospitals, but also helping patients to stay out of hospital by supporting them to become more knowledgeable, engaged and proactive in relation to their own health and wellbeing.   

“A national plan for cancer services will ensure that patients are getting the services they need and that people working with cancer patients have the clarity and direction they need.  It is expected that the number of people suffering with cancer will increase over the coming years and so it is even more important that our cancer services in Wales are able to meet the challenges they face.”

ENDS / DIWEDD

News Releases