‘Colon-aid’ the Yeovil District Bowel Cancer Support Group
Minutes of the 7th Colorectal Cancer Patient Support Group held on Friday 16 February 2007 at St Margaret’s in Yeovil
Present
18 members attended.
Apologies
6 members offered their apologies.
Welcome
The group was pleased to welcome two new members – Debra and Colin May .
Matters Arising
Web site
Rowland reported that the web site has had hits from Russia and someone from the Czech Republic.
Toilet Facilities Survey
The toilet facilities at ASDA were recommended at today’s meeting. It was also discussed that free alcohol gel can be obtained through the Charter Healthcare Home Delivery Service.
RADAR Keys
Further to discussion at the last meeting, the details of how to obtain a RADAR key has been posted on the web site.
Patient Stories
Both Roger Sutton and Maureen Raybould have submitted their stories to be added to the web site. Rex Beable is currently writing his, it should be ready for the next meeting.
Guest Speaker
Mr Jonathan Ockrim, Consultant Surgeon from Yeovil District Hospital attended the meeting as guest speaker and gave an interesting presentation about his job at Yeovil District Hospital. Key points were as follows:
18 members attended.
Apologies
6 members offered their apologies.
Welcome
The group was pleased to welcome two new members – Debra and Colin May .
Matters Arising
Web site
Rowland reported that the web site has had hits from Russia and someone from the Czech Republic.
Toilet Facilities Survey
The toilet facilities at ASDA were recommended at today’s meeting. It was also discussed that free alcohol gel can be obtained through the Charter Healthcare Home Delivery Service.
RADAR Keys
Further to discussion at the last meeting, the details of how to obtain a RADAR key has been posted on the web site.
Patient Stories
Both Roger Sutton and Maureen Raybould have submitted their stories to be added to the web site. Rex Beable is currently writing his, it should be ready for the next meeting.
Guest Speaker
Mr Jonathan Ockrim, Consultant Surgeon from Yeovil District Hospital attended the meeting as guest speaker and gave an interesting presentation about his job at Yeovil District Hospital. Key points were as follows:
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There are 31,000 new colorectal cancers per year diagnosed in England and Wales, and approximately 15,000 deaths per year.
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The figures are high because most people present very late with their symptoms and many people do not have symptoms at all – sometimes the cancer can be present for up to 10 years before problems occur.
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