Patient Education Programme

Leeds Cancer Support: Welcome (SUBTITLES)

Hello, my name is Karen Henry, and I’m the Lead Cancer Nurse here at Leeds Teaching Hospitals.

Over the past few years, our teams have developed patient education programs for those nearing the end of their cancer treatment. These programs gave patients the chance to come into the hospital, meet with their specialist nursing team, and ask questions about their treatment. It was also an opportunity for patients to connect with others who had been through similar experiences.

However, with the arrival of COVID, we are no longer able to provide these group sessions in the same way. To adapt, we’ve created a series of short videos covering the key topics we would normally discuss, including physical activity, nutrition, emotional well-being, and available support services.

We are asking you to view these videos at home, after which you will be invited to join a virtual meeting. This meeting will include up to six other patients and a member of your specialist nursing team. It will give you a chance to ask any questions you might have about the videos or any other aspects of your cancer treatment.

During the meeting, the specialist nurse will also provide information on changes to look out for in your body, other symptoms you should be aware of, and how to access hospital-based care if needed. A member of Leeds Cancer Support will also be present to share information about local services available to you.

I’m sorry that we have had to reduce the number of people coming into the hospital, but it’s important that we continue to keep everyone safe during these uncertain times. We look forward to the day when we can resume delivering our services in a more face-to-face way.

Please take care of yourselves, and I wish you all the best for the future.