The Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD, today announced a call for expressions of interest for membership of the Cancer Patient Advisory Committee, to fill vacancies arising as the terms of some members come to an end.
The Cancer Patient Advisory Committee was established in 2019, in line with Recommendation 39 of the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026, which states that: “The Department of Health will establish a Cancer Patient Advisory Committee to provide input into the development of programmes for patients with cancer. Membership of this committee will reflect the diverse nature of patients living with the effects of cancer and will ensure that the needs of patients living in more remote areas are represented.”
The Committee is primarily made up of those who have direct experience of cancer treatment as a patient. People who have supported a family member or close friend through cancer treatment, or those who support cancer patients as part of their work, will also be considered.
Launching the call for expressions of interest, Minister Donnelly said, “The input of the Cancer Patient Advisory Committee into policy formulation and planning helps to ensure that our cancer services continue to serve the needs of people living with and beyond cancer to the highest possible standard. I would like to thank Committee members for their commitment and contribution to date. This has been invaluable in providing direct, effective cancer patient input into the development of programmes and services.”
Ken Loughran, a member of the Committee said “As part of the Cancer Patient Advisory Committee I have been able to provide my views on a variety of policies and initiatives that have had a real impact on cancer services in Ireland. I would encourage anyone who is interested to apply, as the Committee offers a valuable opportunity for patients to have their voice heard in policymaking and decision making. This is ultimately to the benefit of all cancer patients.”
The Expressions of Interest form can be found here. The application period will run until 10th December 2021.
Further information about the Committee is available here. The full text of the National Cancer Strategy is also available.
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Notes to the Editor:
National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026
The four overarching goals of the National Cancer Strategy are to:
- Reduce the Cancer Burden;
- Provide Optimal Care;
- Maximise Patient Involvement and Quality of Life; and
- Enable and Assure Change.
The Committee is comprised of 15 members, plus a Chair (Department of Health). A representative of the National Cancer Control Programme attends meetings of the Committee. The vacancies to be filled have arisen from an intended turnover in membership.
The selection process will be undertaken by a group comprising representatives of the Irish Cancer Society, the HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme, the Department of Health and a member of the former Cancer Patient Forum.