The views of patients, families and carers in South Gloucestershire are being sought as part of a review of a specialist women’s cancer service.

NHS Bath and North East Somerset, formerly the primary care trust, is leading a review across the local area exploring how surgical care for specialist and rare gynaecological cancers can best be provided.

The aim of the review is to identify the best way to treat women with gynaecological cancer in the future so that services are provided locally where possible and in specialist centres where necessary.

The review may affect how future surgical and specialist treatment services are provided to people in South Gloucestershire.

People with experience of gynaecological cancer services either as a patient, carer or family member are being asked their views on the following key areas:

• What is most important to patients and carers in receiving a quality service?
• Do you have any concerns about the service now?
• What do you think would improve the patient and carer experience?
• What should we be aiming for in developing our local gynaecological cancer services?

Responses should be emailed to gynaereview@banes-pct.nhs.uk
Alternatively a letter can be sent to Gynaecological review, Corporate Affairs, Trust Headquarters, Clara Cross Lane, Bath. BA2 5RP.

The review is being co-ordinated by NHS Bath and North East Somerset on behalf of Bristol, North Somerset, Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.

For more details please contact Fiona Reid on 0117 330 2451. 

Notes to editors

• National guidance set by the government specifies that special arrangements must be in place for the treatment of more complex and rare cancers
• Detailed work which will involve a close examination of this national guidance, clinical practice and patient experience is now underway
• The review will be overseen by a steering group, comprising health service representatives including clinicians and managers, supported by a service user group, comprising patients and local people and a clinical advisory group, which includes doctors and nurses
• This initial review process will run between October to March 2009 before a recommendation on the preferred option is identified
• Impact assessments will then be prepared for each council’s overview and scrutiny panels with scope for a full public consultation on the preferred option afterwards if required.

To top of page