Minutes of a meeting of the Colorectal Cancer Support Group, ‘The
Bottoms-up Club’, held at the Quaker Meeting House, Newcastle, at 7.15pm on
Wednesday 16th February 2005.
The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting and apologised for the
change of date from the planned 23rd February 2005.
Apologies were received from Jeff & Lily Meigh, Julie O’Leary,
Robert White, John Hopkins, Anne Graystone.
There were 21 members present, as recorded within the register.
The minutes of the previous meeting, held on Tuesday 30th
November 2004; which had been previously circulated; were confirmed.
1)
Deanna Latham, part of the Bowel Care Nursing Team at the University
Hospital of North Staffordshire, provided additional information concerning the
‘Patients Party’ action plan, together with update on progress.
a)
Delays in
referrals by G.P.’s to specialists. Chris Hall had already commenced a series of visits and meetings
with G.P’s in order to emphasise the problems identified by the groups and to
explore ways of improving the patient’s pathway.
b)
Delays in
colonoscopy:- Current demand is outstripping supply of appointments, however, the
team were liaising with G.P’s etc. in order to deal with urgent referrals more quickly.
c)
Bowel
Preparation:- As a result of the ‘Patients Party’ feedback, a trial is being
undertaken to replace the pixolax bowel preparation procedure with other, less
severe formats, including the use of enema and fasting. Indications too date, are good, with no
adverse problems during operations, combined with swifter recovery of
patients. Improvements include the
taking of protein drinks at an early post operation stage, and shorter hospital
stays. The trials will continue to be
monitored.
d)
Car Parking:- There does not
appear to be a short-term solution to this problem. Never-the-less ways are continuously explored in order to
alleviate the matter.
e)
Ward
Environment:- New regimes are being trialled, including the use of staff to alert
cleaners etc., to potential problems.
It is hoped that this will fast-track any urgent problems.
f)
Noise Issues:- It is planned to
have an earphones only system for the television service.
g)
Staff Hygiene and
Attitude Issues:- Preliminary discussions have been undertaken with
the senior clinical nurse in developing an action plan, including hand-washing
procedures.
h)
Difficulty in
finding Ward 117:- Action to address this issue are underway.
i)
Outpatient’s
follow-up appointments:- There is an audit of year 2003, currently being
undertaken, to identify trends and areas of concern. It is hoped that this will help in finding ways of addressing the
problems of changing patient’s appointment dates and times.
j)
Surveillance
C.T.Scan:- It is planned to include written follow-up protocols within the
patients discharge information.
k)
G.P. Follow-up:- Feasibility of
hospital based follow-up care, based on nurse led clinics, to be explored.
Deanna outlined the planned national screening for 60 to 69 year olds. An overview of procedures, practices and protocols were explained.
In response to a question by Shirley Bird, Deanna explained the format
and procedures for the patients party and explained that she hoped that they
will become an annual event.
Other questions were put to Deanna and received appropriate responses.
The chairman thanked Deanna for her comprehensive report.
2)
Fund Raising. It was announced that Anne Wakefields fund
raising at Christmas produced over £100 for our group.
3)
Loud Tie Week. It was generally agreed that the event,
promoted by ‘Beating Bowel Cancer’, was not successful in this area, because of
the short notice given.
4)
Future Meeting
Dates. The chairman announced that he
had arranged with the ‘Quaker Meeting House’, Newcastle, to reserve the
following dates for our meetings during this year – Wednesdays 7.15pm. - 18th
May, 28th September, 23rd November, these dates were
agreed, by those present, as being satisfactory.
5)
Thanks to
Contributors. Letters had been sent to those
who had helped during the Christmas event.
A web-site message to Mrs. Jean Began of Ohio, had been posted.
Agenda Items.
Accounts Report. Sheila Hopkins, on behalf of John, supplied
a record of account to-date which showed a total of £837.19. in our bank
accounts.
A.G.M. The chairman announced that,
in line with the groups constitution, the annual general meeting would take
place on Wednesday 18th May 2005.
At the Quaker Meeting House, Newcastle.
Full information will be provided to members in good time.
Activities at Future
Meetings. Deanna agreed to contact Mrs.
Hall with a view to arranging a visit to our May meeting. Subject of her visit could be an update on
screening programme, and Mrs. Hall’s visit to Antarctica. Other suggested speakers included, Janet
Critchlow, Patient User Manager, for our September meeting. Chairman to contact Janet.
A.O.B.
Deanna and Lee reminded members that May has been designated Bowel
Cancer Awareness Month and that volunteers were requested in order to support
the Nursing Team in manning information centres throughout the district. These would be based, mainly in Supermarket
entrances. Those who are interested to
contact David Rowley, who will liaise with Lee.
It was suggested that a car poster be developed for the use of group
members to raise awareness and that a question and answer section be posted
onto our web-site.
A general discussion took place where various ideas were raised and
considered.
Ernie Hulme handed out leaflets covering North Staffs Cancer Users
Forum, for distribution and discussion.
Carol Booth agreed to consider acting as our representative at this
forum. She will let us know of her
decision. He also showed copies of a
dietary information leaflet for the use on non-stoma patients.
Following a request by Shirley Bird, information leaflets covering
Travel Insurance were distributed.
Ernie Hulme agreed to supply information on ‘RADAR’ keys and ‘NO
WAITING’ cards to members on request.
Shirley Bird showed a copy of a letter from an organisation called
‘Life Style’, signed by Margaret Reid a previous member of B.C.A. Ernie informed us that this organisation was
not connected to B.C.A., and should be considered as any other commercial
organisation.
Peter Taylor recounted a story, told by Lionel Blue on the radio, which
we all found amusing. Peter was thanked
for his contribution.
The chairman thanked everyone for attending, and for their individual
contributions. He expressed a wish that
all had gained something from the meeting.
Next Meeting, including A.G.M. 7.15pm on Wednesday 18th May
2005, at the Quaker Meeting House, Newcastle.