Improving access to psychological and social support services for head and neck cancer patients

Improving access to psychological and social support services 
for cancer patients

Patients are now able to access improved cancer psychological and social support 
services as progress continues with implementation of the Budget 2014 workforce initiative. 

The regional lead psychologists have been appointed in each of the six regional cancer 
centres, and the recruitment of additional psychologists and social workers across the country is almost complete.

Awareness of the expanded service is growing and already there has been positive feedback.

On 5 May 2016, Health Minister Dr Jonathan Coleman opened the first Cancer Psychological and Social Support Forum which centred on workforce support and focussed on:

·        Enhancing understanding of the roles and how the initiative fits within the Faster cancer 
     treatment programme

·   Promoting integration between existing and new psychological and social support workers

·   Developing and strengthening networking with cancer supportive care colleagues and 
     stakeholders. 

For many of the workforce this was also the first opportunity they had to meet face to face with their colleagues. 

Sapere Research Group will be undertaking an external evaluation of the initiative. The 
evaluation will help the Ministry of Health, District Health Boards, and Regional Cancer Networks understand whether the service objectives of the initiative are being met, and what impact the roles of psychologists and social workers have on patient outcomes. Identification of possible improvements and recommendations for any changes to the service will be sought as well. 

[DOVE HOUSE] August Newsletter

Dove House

For those of you in the Auckland area. You might like to take advantage of the fabulous facilities at Dove House. All the news and upcoming events are in this newsletter. Click the link below to view.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_BwbD5A0mb0MW8taVhuRG5ucFFqV19BZXZXTVBLZXVCVWRz/view?usp=sharing

http://dovehospice.org.nz/

Saving the best for last! An app for clinicians to help them provide care for patients.

This is the best yet! An app your doc downloads to their phone. It does all of this...

A Patient Guide to the Head and Neck Cancer Survivorship Care Guidelines.

The American Cancer Society created Head and Neck Cancer Survivorship Care Guidelines. These are designed to guide health professionals in their care for head and neck cancer patients. However, the ACS helpfully, produced a short guide for patients. You can read it here.


http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.3322/caac.21344/epdf

World Head and Neck Cancer Day - 27th July 2016

From Australia

As World Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Day for 2016 is fast approaching (Wednesday 27^th July), I thought you might like to know what is happening to create more awareness for Head and Neck Cancer in Australia.

4,631 Australians will be diagnosed with Head and Neck Cancer in 2016.  More men than women are diagnose each year ( 3,427, men and 1,204 women)

Head and Neck Cancer is the 6^th biggest cancer worldwide and most people know nothing about it, its causes it or symptoms.

Like any life threatening illness, a head and neck cancer diagnosis sets off a wide range of medical, psychological and social challenges, not only when the diagnosis is given but also during and post treatment.

2016 World Head and Neck Cancer awareness Day

List of Events 

Adelaide:

·        Queen Elizabeth Hospital - Adelaide

July 27^th, 2^nd International Head and Neck Cancer Day Dinner

–       Ayers House

Raise funds for Head and Neck Cancer Support

Brisbane:

·        Cancer Council Queensland - Brisbane

Sat 23^rd July 9am to 1.30pm “Living with Head and Neck Cancer”

Auditorium, CCQ Brisbane Gregory Terrace Bowen Hills – Bookings Essential 13 11 20

·        PA Hospital – Brisbane

Wednesday 27^th July 12.30 – 5pm

Free Screening Clinic for Head and Neck Cancers

Register on 07 3176 7877

Gold Coast:

·        Cancer Council Queensland – Southport

Friday 15^th July 10am to 12 Noon “Living with Head and Neck Cancer”

CCQ 1 Short St Southport– Bookings Essential 13 11 20

Sunshine Coast:

·        Cancer Council Queensland – Nambour

Wednesday 27^th July 9.30am to 12.30pm “Understanding Head and Neck Cancers”

Red Cross Meeting Room, 21 Price St Nambour– Bookings Essential13 11 20

Central Coast NSW:

·        Central Coast Health/Cancer Council NSW – Erina

Thursday 21^st July 10am –to 12.30pm “2016 Interactive Community Discussion”

Erina Fair Community Room, Room 2 – Bookings Essential 02 4320 9823

Newcastle NSW:

·        Calvary Mater Hospital – Newcastle

Wednesday 27^th July

Information Stand and Display

·        Calvary Mater Hospital – Newcastle

Wednesday 27^th July TBA

Forum Level 2, Room 2064

Other Countries:

·        Leicester Hospital - UK

Wednesday 27th July

Awareness Event

Connect, Support and Advocate with the Head and Neck Cancer Survivors' Network

Head and neck cancer increasing in New Zealand. A new support and Advocacy group  is now working to help people and their families. The  Head and Neck Cancer Survivor’s Support Network is an incorporated society. 

The Network is establishing a presence nationwide through a newsletter,  blog and monthly meetings. It has  a Facebook group to connect people around New Zealand.

The Network spokesperson Maureen Jansen says head and neck cancer survivors in the Auckland area formed the Network.  It was these people who recognised the increasing need for connection, support and advocacy.

"More and more people are diagnosed, especially young men,’’ says Maureen. "In the past heavy smoking and drinking were cited as the main triggers for head and neck cancer. Now it’s the HPV virus that’s the main cause.’’

The HPV virus is the one that causes cervical cancer in women. The Network is keen to see the existing free vaccination  regime for girls extended to boys as well.

Last year (2015) men and women over 500 in New Zealand were diagnosed with head and neck cancer. This year that number will rise.

"Even if initial radiation and chemotherapy treatment is successful there are likely to be  many ongoing effects", says Maureen.

"Radiotherapy can wreak havoc on survivors' teeth and salivary glands.  Advocating for subsidised dental care is of the Network's top priorities."

As Maureen says, head and neck cancer "Can rip your life apart. Eating is such a social ability that losing the ability to eat is devastating.  It takes a lot of courage to go back in to society with a scarred face and missing teeth.  Losing speech is also isolating.’’

Maureen says the Auckland patients who  form the basis of the network are typical survivors. Many have speech and eating challenges. The memories of acute radiation side effects are still raw. There a lot of scars. Some members have significant disfigurements from surgery. Some members have undergone laryngectomies. They now  speak through an artificial voicebox or electro-larynx.

The Network's motto is `strength through sharing’.  The mission is to `connect, support and advocate’.

"We have a databank of medical information, gleaned over the years from our meetings. We can make this available to patients and their families. Most importantly we can provide someone for patients or family to talk to,’’ she says. 

Incorporated Society

We are now an incorporated society thanks to Diana's efforts.

The Head and Neck Cancer Survivors' Support Network INC. 

On another note, I am adding a cartoon from the Listener (who I am sure won't mind considering our small readership) pertaining to a situation many of us may have been through.