Jo Kerr, Macmillan Head & Neck/Thyroid/Sarcoma Cancer CNS Peter Finnegan, Macmillan Brighton Head and Neck Buddy Pat Shields, Macmillan Head and Neck Specialist Radiographer An Innovative Approach at the Sussex Cancer Centre Benefiting Everyone Brighton Head and Neck Buddies

The Idea: To provide support to head and neck cancer patients during chemotherapy and radiotherapy This idea was initiated by members THANCS (the head and neck cancer support group) led by Jo Kerr, Macmillan Head and Neck CNS & Pat Shields, Macmillan Head and Neck Radiographer Brighton Head and Neck Buddies

The Process: What did we want to achieve? How did we achieve this? – Practicalities – Recruitment – Selection – Training – Ongoing support – Evaluation

Brighton Head and Neck Buddies Head and Neck buddies are volunteers who have experienced head and neck cancer and treatment or have cared for loved ones who have. Support by the buddies is available at the Sussex Cancer Centre Mondays (chemo day unit) & Fridays (radiotherapy) A collaboration between Macmillan Cancer Support, THANCS (head and neck cancer support group) and BSUH Sussex Cancer Centre

Brighton Head and Neck Buddies Operational since Easter volunteers recruited 31 Head and Neck cancer patients supported 49 others (family members, friends and other cancer patients)

Brighton Head and Neck Buddies Outcomes Support for patients Satisfaction for the buddies Support for staff in the Sussex Cancer Centre

Outcomes ‘’On Monday late afternoon a staff member ask for my help in getting a family member away from the patient for private talk. This was successful and in fact I was invited to be part of conversation at the end. This is a good example of joint working. ‘’ ‘’Whatever the detail of the conversations, I got the distinct impression that talking with someone who had already passed their way proved to be very positive and, I hope, informative.’’ ‘’A number of patients said they were grateful for someone to talk to and were pleased to see someone who was a long term survivor. A couple of patients indicated that they would look forward to a chat at their next treatment.’’ ‘’we had a very busy morning with 3 new H&N. as Murray commented on this will be the first group we will have a chance to see through their chemo. ‘’

Brighton Head and Neck Buddies