AN open debate with the man responsible for planning medical services at Noble’s Hospital is being hosted by the Isle of Man Cancer Services User Forum.
The Forum has organised the event to take place at The Empress Hotel in Douglas on Monday at 7.30pm. Noble’s Hospital medical director and consultant urologist Stephen Upsdell will be the guest speaker.
All are welcome and admission is free.
‘This is a unique opportunity to meet and discuss all aspects of cancer care on the island with one of our leading medical consultants, who is also tasked with leading the medical services into the future,’ said Julie Stokes, deputy chairman of the Forum, which is a voice for people with cancer.
The Isle of Man Cancer Service User Forum is to relaunch itself to highlight the work it can do for people living with cancer and their families in the island.
Chairman Derek Peters said: ‘It’s about reaching out to patients to find out what their experiences are, campaigning on issues, bringing people in the know to the public and communicating information.’
Julie added: ‘We are made up of people who have had all types of cancer, also carers of people with cancer. We aim to represent the voice of people affected by cancer in the Isle of Man and work with health professionals to improve services for people affected by cancer.
‘We are currently working to improve standards of treatment and care information, plus the support of patients who need to travel to the UK for cancer treatment. We also monitor waiting times. We’d like to hear the views of patients and ask people if they would like to join the forum to get in touch.’
Monday’s meeting is the first in a planned programme. It is hoped the second meeting will feature a talk by Kevin Hancock, consultant plastic surgeon from Whiston Hospital. ‘He does some private NHS work in the island and is the honorary senior lecturer in surgery for the University of Liverpool,’ said Julie. ‘He is a specialist in breast reconstruction and conventional plastic surgery for skin cancer. More information on the date and time to come.’
For more information about the forum, call 679544 and for more on Monday’s meeting, call Julie on 484950.