The project
People affected by pancreatic cancer have valuable knowledge about what works well and what could be improved. We are building a wider network of patients and carers who want to use their experiences to help improve cancer services across Greater Manchester. Participants can choose to be involved in a range of activities, including reviewing patient information, providing feedback on service developments, joining discussion groups, contributing to quality improvement work and helping ensure that decisions are informed by lived experience.
What are you going to do?
NHS Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance will invite people affected by pancreatic cancer to join a patient and carer involvement network called the Greater Manchester Cancer Voices Community. Members will be contacted about opportunities that match their interests and availability. Activities may include attending virtual meetings, sharing experiences through surveys or discussion groups, reviewing information for patients and carers, and helping NHS teams design, improve and evaluate services. Participation is flexible, and people can choose which opportunities they would like to be involved in.
Why is this research important?
People with lived experience of pancreatic cancer can offer insights that healthcare professionals may not see. By involving patients and carers in service improvement, we can better understand what matters most to those affected by the disease. Their feedback can help improve communication, information, support, care pathways and access to services. Ultimately, this ensures that future developments are shaped by the people who use them, helping to improve experiences and outcomes for patients and families.
How to get involved
This opportunity is aimed at any patients/carers/families with lived experience of pancreatic (or other HPB cancers) who have been diagnosed and/or treated in Greater Manchester.
Opportunities are flexible and will include face-to-face and virtual opportunities so participants can choose what suits them. NHS Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance offer to reimburse all travel expenses incurred travelling to in-person meetings and have a policy to cover this.
Incentives for involvement including joining a wider network of volunteers in Greater Manchester with lived experience of cancer. NHS Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance host quarterly in-person and virtual events for patient and carer volunteers. They offer a comprehensive induction process. NHS Greater Manchester Cancer Alliance are in regular communication with our volunteers via monthly newsletters, emails, the option to join a Whatsapp channel. They also offer support through a dedicated PPIE team.
No scientific background or prior experience is needed to take part in this opportunity.
Next steps
If you are interested in joining the committee or would like more information, please email the Naomi Roussak (gmcancer.voices@nhs.net) quoting the involvement reference ‘PCUK RIN Participation’.
