The Minister for Health, Simon Harris, today sought expressions of interest for membership of a Cancer Patient Advisory Committee.
The establishment of the Cancer Patient Advisory Committee marks a further step in the implementation of National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026” said the Minister.
“The Cancer Patient Forum was a major feature of the development of the National Cancer Strategy. This is reflected in the recommendations of the Strategy, which have a focus on providing support to patients during their cancer journey, including after their treatment has finished. The Cancer Patient Advisory Committee is now being set up in line with Recommendation 39 of the Strategy, and it will facilitate continued effective input by patients with cancer into the development of programmes.
Primarily the Committee will be made up of those who have direct experience of cancer treatment as a patient. People who have supported a family member or close friend through cancer treatment, or those who support cancer patients as part of their work, may also be considered.
Launching the call for expressions of interest, Minister Harris said
There are currently about 150,000 people living with and beyond cancer. This number will increase as cancer incidence grows, due to an increasing and an aging population combined with better treatment. The establishment of a Cancer Patient Advisory Committee will ensure the continued provision of strong, informed patient input into policy making and planning.
The Expressions of Interest form can be found on the Department of Health website at:https://health.gov.ie/blog/noticeboard/cancer-patient-advisory-committee/. The application period will run until 19th October 2018.
The full text of the National Cancer Strategy is also available on the Department website at: https://health.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/National-Cancer-Strategy-2017-2026.pdf
Notes to the Editor
National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026
The four overarching goals of the National Cancer Strategy are to:
- Reduce the Cancer Burden; · Provide Optimal Care; · Maximise Patient Involvement and Quality of Life; and · Enable and Assure Change.
The Committee will comprise 15 members, plus a Chair (Department of Health). A representative of the National Cancer Control Programme will attend meetings of the Committee. It is intended that there will be a turnover in membership during the period of the National Cancer Strategy.
The selection process will be undertaken by a group comprising representatives of the Irish Cancer Society, the HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme, the Department of Health and a member of the former Cancer Patient Forum.
The Committee will meet quarterly.