Welcome back to a quick blog from Matthew McKenzie – Carer activist. What is a carer activist you may ask? Basically, I campaign to raise awareness of unpaid carers caring for someone going through long term illness. The bonus is that I have lived experience of providing unpaid care and support to someone close with mental illness.
I also provided care and support to a dear old friend who I have known for many years. He suffered from cancer in the later stages of his life and when he passed away, I was left with a gift to raise awareness from writing books.
Just last week I came across a report on how UK cancer care ‘lags behind’ other countries.
Taken from the sky news report “The latest figures for NHS England show that some 76.3% of patients urgently referred for suspected cancer in June were diagnosed or had cancer ruled out within 28 days – above the target of 75%.”
You can read the report below.
As facilitator of the London Cancer carer forum, it is depressing news to hear the UK lagging behind. While the someone living with cancer is desperate for treatment, the family or close friend are also anxiously waiting.
It is important the Department of Health and Social Care reform their 10 year plan for the NHS and be inclusive with patient and carer voices.
Going back to my books. I have just published my first book on the experience of cancer caregiving. The book focuses on the following chapters.
Chapter 1: The experience of cancer caregiving
How carers may feel when they find out that someone close has been diagnosed with cancer
Chapter 2: The battle begins
What is expected of the cancer caregiver
Chapter 3: Battling for you
Avoiding being lost in the maze
Chapter 4: Getting involved through lived experience
Inspiring cancer caregivers to get involved in shaping health services
Chapter 5: Looking back
Not caring forever, so we eventually have to look back.
The book will be promoted slowly as you never know I probably will have to adapt or change a few things. You can get hold of the book on Amazon.
A Caring Mind 