Episode 36: Amplifying voices

In this episode, we’re shining a light on the National Cancer Patient Experience Survey (NCPES) — an important national initiative that gives people living with and beyond cancer the opportunity to share their views on the care they receive.

The survey, commissioned by NHS England and conducted annually, is sent to patients who have received cancer treatment as an inpatient or outpatient during a specific period (April, May & June). It asks about every stage of the cancer journey, from diagnosis, tests, and treatment, through to support after care, giving patients the chance to share what went well and what could be improved.

The feedback from tens of thousands of patients across England helps the NHS understand what matters most to those affected by cancer. It plays a vital role in shaping how services are designed and delivered, from improving communication between healthcare teams, to ensuring timely diagnosis, better emotional support, and equitable access to care.

However, in north east London, as in other parts of the country, some communities are underrepresented in the survey responses, particularly patients from Black African and Caribbean backgrounds. This means that their voices and experiences may not be fully reflected in how services are improved, which is why encouraging greater participation from all communities is so important.

In this episode, we’ll hear from directly from patients to get their views on the survey. We’ll also be joined by Sarah Koya, Patient Experience and Engagement Lead at the North East London Cancer Alliance, who will talk about how local teams use findings from the survey to identify priorities, develop targeted improvement plans, and ensure that every patient, regardless of background, receives the highest quality care and support.

Together, we’ll explore how sharing experiences helps the NHS listen, learn, and act, making sure that every cancer voice counts.

For more information about the National Cancer Patient Experience Survey, visit the cancer alliance webpage: https://www.nelcanceralliance.nhs.uk/national-cancer-patient-experience-survey 

Dawn Williams is a bowel cancer survivor, having initially been misdiagnosed at the age of 39. Her journey and subsequent side effect of neuropathy, during and after treatment, gave her the want to share her story, which she did in the form the NuDawn Diary blog. Dawn has written passionately about many issues faced by the Black community, and is a big believer and advocate in making sure our voice is heard.

Samina Hussain is an exceptional leader who is passionate about learning and development, improving health inequalities and has a wealth of experience in the public/voluntary and charity sector gained over 25 years.

Samina is the Children and Young People Transformation Lead for NHS Frimley ICB and a member of the ICB Mirror Board. She is also the founder of Sakoon Through Cancer, a charity supporting South Asian Women through Breast and women-related Cancer, which she set up after her own cancer story and life experience. Samina is passionate about women's health and is a member of the Women's Health Collective, which supports the Women's Health Strategy, with a key emphasis on addressing health inequalities.

Samina is a qualified trainer with a certificate in Education and Training (PCET), Strategic Leadership, Prince 2, and Coaching and Counselling. Her passion is self-development and self-discovery, and she empowers others to achieve a growth mindset. Samina has delivered several bespoke trainings to the Macmillan Leadership Team, Community Groups, and service providers.

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