“When we were first told of the support group, we thought it would be like an AA meeting. However, when we attended, we realised that it was nothing like that. It’s very enjoyable, provides lots of informative info and we have been attending for over 12months.”
We imagine a lot of people have a similar idea of what a lung cancer support group might be like. So, we were delighted when Laura Fox-Hewitt from the Royal Stoke University Hospital got in touch and offered to write a blog about their support group…
“We’re delighted to be able to tell you about amazing Royal Stoke lung cancer support group. Since the Covid pandemic, our team have spent lots of time and effort to enhance our group and increase our members.
The group is held monthly, and two cancer nurse specialists attend each group to answer any patients queries and provide additional support. We like patients to know that we are there to support them throughout their journeys and are a link to our team and services. We also invite guest speakers to attend to provide specialist information, activities and support.
All patients receive information of our group in their lung cancer information packs, which are provided when a person (patient) receives a diagnosis, or by a cancer nurse specialist during their pathway.
The patients that attend the group are all at different stages of their lung cancer journey and they can bring a friend, or partner, along for a cuppa, some cake and a chat. New members are always welcomed to our friendly and sociable group.
The sessions are patient centred, with all aspects of lung cancer covered, including living with this disease. We regularly ask our patients what speakers they would like us to organise. It is their group, and we want them to benefit as much as they can from it.
We have organised a physiotherapist who has conducted very informal and interactive group sessions focussed on breathing and mobility, which the patients thoroughly enjoy and always ask us to invite this speaker at least twice per year.
We have also hosted chair-based exercise classes and singing to enhance lung and emotional wellbeing as well as a meditation group, information speakers regarding wills and benefit entitlements, nutrition/ dietician, clinical psychologist, bingo events and have a Christmas meal out or a party.
We also run fundraising coffee and cake events and will be raising money for Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation later this year.
But most importantly, here’s what some of our patients said about the group:
“This is a superb service provided for us like people who are experiencing similar problems. It is a good way for us to keep in touch with NHS staff.”
“It’s such a joy to come to group. Leadership is excellent and we are always made to feel welcome. Makes us feel that we are not alone with cancer. Thank you.”
“Enjoyable, good speakers, very informative service. Keep up the good work you all do.”
“We enjoyed all the speakers. The lung cancer nurse specialists explained new initiatives to help identify lung problems earlier. Other speakers explained things in an easy manner and were very knowledgeable.”
Click here to find out more about our support groups and how you can join your nearest group.
If you are a lung cancer nurse and would be interested in setting up a local support group, please get in touch.