Dai Lloyd AM welcomes launch of Patient Charter
Dai Lloyd AM is encouraging people in South West Wales to know the symptoms of pancreatic cancer, and is supporting a charity’s drive to improve the care of local people with the disease.
Following on from a ComRes survey commissioned by Pancreatic Cancer UK which found that three quarters of people in Wales could not name a single symptom of pancreatic cancer (1), Dai Lloyd AM is joining the charity in its efforts to spread the word about the warning signs of the disease.
The symptoms include tummy pain that can spread to the back, significant and unexplained weight loss, yellow skin or eyes or itchy skin (jaundice), oily floating poo and indigestion. Dai Lloyd AM is joining the charity in encouraging local people to find out more about the disease by taking part in its new symptoms quiz at www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk/symptomsquiz and to share it on social media.
On Tuesday (15th November), Dai Lloyd AM also attended Pancreatic Cancer UK’s parliamentary event at Senedd, when the charity launched its Patient Charter, which informs pancreatic cancer patients about the level of care they are entitled to in Wales. Setting out the expectations all pancreatic cancer patients should have for all aspects of their care, the booklet aims to ensure patients are equipped to gain the support they need at a difficult and confusing time.
At the event, held to mark pancreatic cancer awareness month, Dai Lloyd AM was informed that there are now more than 500 new cases of pancreatic cancer diagnosed in Wales every year (2) and only 4.8% of those diagnosed live for five or more years. Patients and their families often report variations in the standard of care they receive.
Many report having had little time to take in what is happening and not knowing what to expect following their discharge from hospital, and a shocking 53% say they or their family member were not offered any support when told of their diagnosis (3).
The Charter, which can be viewed here, sets out key principles that every patient should expect:
That their case is assessed by relevant health professionals
Diagnosis and treatment options are clearly explained
Treatment is tailored to their personal situation
They are treated with compassion, dignity and respect
Their family is offered information and support
They have access to high quality, coordinated palliative care if needed.
Dai Lloyd AM said: “Pancreatic cancer is a disease which sadly affects many people in my constituency, and that’s why I am dedicating my efforts to spreading the word about the symptoms during pancreatic cancer awareness month. I’m confident that people in communities across South West Wales will rise to the challenge of finding out more about the disease this pancreatic cancer awareness month.
“But our challenge is not just to improve awareness of this disease. It is also extremely important that we work towards every patient in South West Wales receiving the best care and support possible, and the Patient Charter is a big step in the right direction to doing that.”
Alex Ford, Chief Executive of Pancreatic Cancer UK said: “We are delighted that Dai Lloyd AM has joined us in taking on this tough disease together. We are urging people in South West Wales to take part in our new symptoms quiz to learn more about the disease, and share that crucial knowledge with their loved ones. Whether you're someone personally affected, an AM, a doctor or nurse or even someone who has never heard of the disease, everyone can play a role in our vital mission to spread the word.
“It is also crucial that we improve the unacceptable variations in care for patients in Wales. By showing people with pancreatic cancer the care they should be receiving, we hope our Patient Charter will ultimately help to improve the support, treatment and information that people with the disease receive in Wales. We believe that with great commitment on so many fronts, we can see change and a better future for all people with pancreatic cancer.”
For more information about pancreatic cancer, visit www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk
