A project led by the cancer services team at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT) has been recognised as a finalist for the ‘Contribution to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award’ at the North East Public Health Conference.
The initiative, ‘Improving the Uptake of Cancer Information and Support by Veterans’, focuses on addressing the unique needs of veterans, a group that can face significant barriers when accessing healthcare.
Although the project did not win the award, the team is proud of their achievements in raising awareness and engaging with veterans to better understand and support their health needs.
Collaboration at the Heart of Success
The project has brought together a wide range of partners, including:
- Secondary and primary care teams
- The Social Prescribing Link Worker team
- Joining the Dots
- Healthwatch County Durham
- Members of the armed forces community
Through this collaboration, the team has conducted stakeholder engagement events, hosted workshops with veterans, and delivered training for healthcare staff on the psychology of veterans.
These efforts aim to build a deeper understanding of veterans’ experiences and break down barriers to accessing cancer care and support.
Next Steps
The project continues to evolve, with plans to redesign cancer information resources based on feedback gathered during the workshops. Additionally, the team will develop videos and podcasts to encourage veterans to seek support early. The resources will aim to empower veterans to visit their GP promptly with concerning symptoms and feel confident accessing cancer care and support services.
Jo Meynell, Macmillan Personalised Care and Health Inequalities Lead at CDDFT, shared her thoughts on the project’s recognition:
“Although the project didn’t win this time, the team are very proud of their work to date. This initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of tailoring healthcare to meet the diverse needs of our community.”
By addressing health inequalities and focusing on the unique challenges faced by veterans, the project exemplifies the commitment of CDDFT to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in healthcare.
