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A survey of more than 6,700 cancer patients in Wales has revealed that 93% said they had a positive experience during their treatment.

The second Wales Cancer Patient Experience Survey was published on Wednesday (05/07/17). It was conducted on behalf of the Welsh government and Macmillan Cancer Support and has been designed to measure and understand patient experience of cancer care and treatment in Wales, to help drive improvement at the national and local level.

The survey shows that, overall, patients report high levels of patient satisfaction of cancer care – as well as improvements in the allocation of a key worker and experience among lung cancer patients.

A total of 93% of respondents rate their overall experience as 7/10 or more –and 97% of respondents who had a choice of treatments said that their treatment options were explained to them.

A total of 90% of respondents rate the overall administration of their care as “good” or “very good”, while 86% of respondents report that they were given the name and contact details of their Key Worker.

The survey highlights areas for continued focus, such as information quality, offer of a written care plan and experience in certain cancers, such as sarcoma and brain cancer.

The findings of the survey will help support ongoing efforts to deliver more person-centred cancer care as part of the Cancer Delivery Plan for Wales.

Welcoming the survey, Health Secretary Vaughan Gething said:

“I would like to thank the more than 6,700 individuals who took the time to respond to the survey – from their effort, we can now start to paint a picture of cancer services in Wales and give health boards and trusts important detail on how we can all do better, both policy makers and those delivering services directly to people affected by cancer.

“It is a tremendous testament to the dedication, skill and compassion of those delivering cancer care that 93% of respondents rated their care seven or more out of ten – this is exceptional and is only possible due to the quality and dedication of healthcare professionals across Wales.

“While it would be very easy to focus on only the positive outcomes of this survey, it is vital that we do not lose sight of areas where we can do better.

“We will not rest until all these issues are addressed – we have a new cancer plan, a new cancer network and new commitment to person-centred cancer care.

“We will continue to work with key partners, such the cancer alliance and cancer network, to support progress in these areas.”

Head of Services for Macmillan Cancer Support in Wales, Susan Morris, added:

“Macmillan was pleased to carry out the Wales Cancer Patient Experience Survey with the Welsh government for the second time, as it gives us an in-depth insight into what people with cancer think about their care.

“The survey asked people about their experience from when they suspected they had cancer through to their diagnosis, treatment and end of care – and we would like to thank the 6,714 people who took the time to answer questions about this.

“Macmillan believes having a good experience of care is as important as having excellent medical treatment – and these results show us what is working well in cancer care in Wales and where improvements are needed.”

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Duncan Lewis Clinical Negligence Solicitors can advise NHS patients who have suffered injury as a result of cancer misdiagnosis on how to make a no win no fee claim for compensation.

Cancer misdiagnosis claims have to be made within three years of the date when it became evident that negligence had occurred – children can make clinical negligence claims for cancer misdiagnosis up to the age of 21.

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