Finding a lump in the breast can be a frightening experience for women, which is why the NHS in Leeds is asking patients in Leeds to help design appropriate breast services at an event on Monday 26 March at The Village Hotel in Headingley.
The NHS clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) in Leeds, including NHS Leeds South and East are working with Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and Brainbox Research to find out what local women think of current services and what they’d like to see in the future.
At the event attendees will be asked to consider what they would do if they found a lump in their breast and what services they would expect to be in place to support them. The event will also look at what services should be in place for any women who are diagnosed with breast cancer after being referred for a test by their GP.
To help develop appropriate and culturally sensitive services that meet the needs of patients both now and in the future, the NHS is inviting anyone with an interest in breast services to come to the event. Women do not need to have experienced the service to be able to provide their views.
Dr Sarah Forbes, a local GP and Clinical Lead for Cancer at NHS Leeds North CCG, said:
“We want to hear from women from all walks of life about what they would like to see in the future to help support women who have found a lump in their breast. By working with patients we can develop services that most closely reflect their needs.
“For the large majority of women there will be nothing to worry about. However every year around 7% of women in Leeds referred by their GP for a test will be told that they have cancer. This means we need to ensure that we have the right services in place from initial GP referral, to treatment and follow up care.”
The review of local breast diagnostic services will also take into account the views of health and care professionals so that services continue to meet the latest clinical guidance. The work being undertaken is part of a drive to improve cancer services in Leeds under the direction of the Leeds Integrated Cancer Services group made up of key partners from health, social care and academics in Leeds.
Anyone interested in attending the event should contact Brainbox Research on (0113) 238 0157 or email hello@brainboxresearch.com to book a place. Travel expenses will be paid for.
