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Cancer Patient Advisory Committee announces call for expressions of interest for members

The Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD, today announced a call for expressions of interest for membership of the Cancer Patient Advisory Committee.

The Cancer Patient Advisory Committee was established in 2019 to provide input into the development of programmes for patients with cancer.

It is primarily made up of people with direct experience of cancer treatment, either as patients or supporters of cancer patients or those who support cancer patients as part of their work.

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.” 

Committee member Michael Nowlan said: “Being a part of the Cancer Patient Advisory Committee has given me the chance to review new cancer policies and projects, afforded me the opportunity to speak directly to those creating them about my thoughts on how they could be improved, and given me the opportunity to bring the lived experience of cancer to the policy makers. I’d recommend applying for membership to anyone who wants to have their input on cancer services heard.”

The Expressions of Interest form can be found on the Department of Health website at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/677b8-cancer-patient-advisory-committee/ 

The application period will run until 10 February 2023. Further information about the Committee is available here. The full text of the National Cancer Strategy is also available.

ENDS

Notes to 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 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 cancer of patients living with the effects of cancer and will ensure that the needs of patients living in more cancer remote areas are represented.

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.