Newbury Cancer Care holds educational seminar at Donnington Valley Hotel

More than 70 medical professionals attended an educational seminar organised by Newbury Cancer Care.

Cancer now affects nearly one in two people and needs to be a focus for the next government, was one of the main takeaways from the seminar hosted at Donnington Valley Hotel on June 11.

Mary Miller, consultant in Palliative Medicine Oxford and clinical lead for National Audit of Care at the End of Life, opened the seminar covering the difficult subjects of end-of-life care and ‘good deaths,’ and left the audience encouraged by the progress being made in these areas.

And in his presentation, Simon Stevens, former NHS chief executive and current chair of Cancer Research UK, outlined how the NHS had developed over nearly eight decades and explained the significant challenges and changing health needs confronting it under the current economic and social climate.

Lord Stevens — who was educated at St Bartholomew’s School in Newbury — emphasised how new scientific research is leading to breakthroughs in diagnosing and treating cancer.

He also thanked healthcare professionals, including those in the room.

Earlier in the day, Lord Stevens visited West Berkshire Community Hospital, which he said he felt was one of the best community hospitals in the country.

CEO of My Cancer My Choices, Claire Rhodes, also explained why many people undergoing cancer treatment turn to alternative therapy treatments undertaken alongside their traditional treatments.

And national clinical director for cancer at NHS England, Peter Johnson, and consultant clinical oncologist at Royal Berkshire Hospital, Joss Adams, described encouraging results for cancer survival and lung cancer treatments respectively.

BBC Radio 3 presenter and writer, Fiona Talkington, spoke about her personal challenge of living with the constant neuropathic pain, which resulted from her otherwise successful cancer treatment.

“Delegates sat transfixed by Fiona’s candour and the manner by which she went about explaining something that can’t really be explained,” said NCC chair, Dave Ormrod.

Summarising the event, Mr Ormrod briefly described the charity’s role in providing education and information on cancer care to professionals in the region.

He also praised the speakers and thanked everyone for their attendance and engagement.