Tag Archives: cancer care

Partnering for Better Outcomes – Reflections on My Latest Royal College of Nursing Blog

By Matthew McKenzie – Cancer Carer forum Facilitator

Partnering for Better Outcomes – Reflections on My Latest RCN Blog

Supporting someone living with cancer is a journey filled with uncertainty, responsibility, and deep emotional commitment. As many carers know, much of this work happens quietly in the background. But every so often, there’s an opportunity to shine a light on the realities carers face and the vital partnerships that make a difference.

I’m proud to share that the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) recently invited me to contribute to their blog as part of a wider piece exploring how nurses support cancer caregivers. Written by Shannon Copeland (PhD researcher at Queen’s University Belfast), Partnering for better outcomes: How nurses support cancer caregivers highlights the evolving role of informal carers and the essential collaboration between families and nursing professionals.

In the blog, I shared my lived experience as an unpaid carer, the challenges, the emotional strain, and most importantly, the difference nurses can make when they recognise and support carers as part of the care team. Simple acts such as clear communication, continuity of support, and acknowledgment of a carer’s role can transform the caregiving experience.

Nurses often stand at the intersection of patient and carer needs. When they listen, guide, and empower carers, both patients and families benefit. I’m grateful to Shannon and the RCN for giving space to these conversations, and for highlighting the importance of carer voices in cancer care.

💙 Read the full RCN blog here: Partnering for better outcomes: How nurses support cancer caregivers
https://www.rcn.org.uk/news-and-events/Blogs/partnering-for-better-outcomes

If you’re a carer, a nurse, or someone interested in improving cancer support, I encourage you to give it a read and join the discussion. Together, we can continue raising awareness of the carer journey and push for better recognition, resources, and collaboration across health and social care.

Join Voice – Amplifying the Voices of Cancer Patients and Carers at St George’s Hospital

By Matthew McKenzie – Cancer Carer group

At St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, people affected by cancer are placed at the heart of everything they do. Whether you’re a patient receiving treatment, a family member, a carer, or part of a local cancer support group, your experiences and insights are invaluable in shaping the way the hospital cancer services are delivered.

That’s why Voice exists.

See link below for more details.

Voice – Cancer patients & carers user group

What is Voice?

Voice is a dedicated patient and carer group that works closely with the Cancer Team at St George’s. It provides a vital forum for sharing experiences, ideas, and suggestions that directly influence how services are planned, developed, and improved.

By joining Voice, you’ll:

  • Represent the perspectives of patients and carers.
  • Share what works well in cancer pathways and highlight areas for improvement.
  • Help identify priorities for local cancer services.
  • Be kept informed of new cancer services and projects.
  • Take part in health and wellbeing events.
  • Have the chance to help design new services or join the core group guiding the support group.

Why carers are especially needed

Carers play a unique and vital role in the cancer journey. Their insights into the challenges and realities of supporting a loved one through treatment provide perspectives that professionals and even patients themselves may not always see.

Right now, Voice is especially looking for more carers to join, ensuring their voices are fully represented in shaping services.

How to get involved

Becoming a member of Voice is free. By joining, you’ll be part of a welcoming community committed to making cancer care better for everyone.

To find out more or sign up, contact the Macmillan Information and Support Centre:

Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of those affected by cancer.