CANCER services in Comet country are generally good, according to a patient survey. The East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust carried out the study at Lister and the QEII. According to the survey, 98 per cent of patients considered their privacy to have

CANCER services in Comet country are generally good, according to a patient survey.

The East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust carried out the study at Lister and the QEII.

According to the survey, 98 per cent of patients considered their privacy to have been respected and 96 per cent their dignity, when they received their diagnosis. In three out of four cases, a specialist nurse was present when the diagnosis was given and 96 per cent of patients said they were given the opportunity to ask any questions during their cancer care.

While in the care of the Trust, 99 per cent of patients said they received useful information, but only one in five received information about available financial support.

Following the survey results, the Trust is exploring the following options:

l Increasing the number of patients who have a specialist nurse present at the time of diagnosis.

l Ensuring that if a specialist nurse is not present a patient is given a telephone number to make contact.

l Patients are offered a record or action plan of a consultation where treatment options are discussed.

l That opportunities for a dedicated patient information and support centre are actively sought with Macmillan Cancer Support and the local primary care trusts.

l A structured patient information pathway is developed to ensure patients receive all relevant information.