A member of the team at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre who began sending postcards to patients as a way of keeping in touch will be able to grow the initiative thanks to a funding boost.
Maureen Williams is a Breast Cancer Support Worker at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre - Wirral. Maureen began sending a small group of patients postcards with inspirational quotes and a hand-written note, as a personal way of keeping in touch.
Maureen, a former nurse from Little Sutton says; “Every day I was speaking to patients who told me how lonely they felt. Even though they were surrounded by family and friends, a cancer diagnosis can be very isolating; you often want to speak to someone who can relate to what you’re going through.
“I began sending some patients a simple postcard, alongside their official appointment letters. They had some inspirational or motivational quotes on them, to remind the patients how strong they are and that the team at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre is always here to support them, whenever they need it.”
Now, Maureen’s idea has received funding from Clatterbridge Cancer Charity which will allow her to have her cards properly designed and printed and sent out to even more patients.
Maureen adds: “When my colleagues heard about what I was doing with the postcards, they encouraged me to apply for funding as they recognised the benefit. Applying for the funding really took me out of my comfort zone; I had to do presentations and write a plan as to how I would take the initiative forward but I’m so glad I did it as now more patients will be able to receive one.”
Whilst only patients diagnosed with breast cancer are currently receiving the cards, Maureen hopes that eventually people living with other types of cancer will soon be able to benefit from being sent one.
Simon Bunting is Innovation Manager for The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre. Simon is responsible for championing innovations and also great ideas to benefit patients and staff within the Trust. He said: “Maureen’s idea is proof that sometimes the best initiatives are the most simple. She came to me with the postcards and I thought it was brilliant. She’s worked really hard to grow this idea and I’m delighted that more of our patients here at Clatterbridge will be boosted by these postcards.”
The postcards are funded by Clatterbridge Cancer Charity. Ian Ogilvie, Trusts and Legacy Manager for Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, adds: “Clatterbridge Cancer Charity aims to enhance patients’ experience and these postcards certainly do that. I’ve no doubt receiving one of Maureen’s cards will be of huge benefit for patients and I’d like to thank our supporters for their donations which have supported Maureen’s idea.
“It is through the generosity of the Charity’s supporters that we are able to fund these innovative ideas and we are so grateful for that.”
