Milton Keynes Cancer Patient Partnership

Sharing the Caring for Cancer in Milton Keynes

Breast cancer charity in Milton Keynes is presented with Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service

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With our grateful thanks to the MKFM News website for the share of this article and photo.

Bosom Pals (MK) has been presented with The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in recognition of the work they have done for local breast cancer patients over the past 29 years.

The influence of Bosom Pals (MK) has contributed significantly to patient services at Milton Keynes University Hospital’s Breast Care Unit and the new Cancer Centre. Their main purpose, however, has always been to offer friendship and support to anyone affected by breast cancer.

Bosom Pals (MK) was founded in 1991 by two breast cancer patients with the help of a breast care nurse at MKUH. The group membership now stands at over 80 and includes several women with gynaecological cancers.

The award is the highest accolade a voluntary organisation can receive in the UK and was presented to Bosom Pals (MK) by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire at a small, socially-distanced ceremony at the offices of AgeUK in Milton Keynes, on Tuesday 29 September, when the MK Mayor, Cllr Andrew Geary, and Andrew Farncombe, The High Sherriff of Buckinghamshire, were also in attendance.

Jaff Newton, who joined Bosom Pals (MK) in 1992 and has been President of the group since 2012, said: “It is wonderful for our Bosom Pals (MK) group to receive this award, which is a tribute to all our members past and present.

“We are thrilled and humbled that our work has been recognised, but it would never have been possible without the amazing support and generosity of the Milton Keynes people and the unstinting service and compassion of the staff of MKUH, who have been there for us every step of the way. We cannot thank everyone enough for their support, especially in these difficult times during the pandemic. None of this would have happened were it not for the Community Foundation who so kindly thought to nominate us for the award in the first place.

“We had planned for a larger event in the heart of Milton Keynes at The Rose, Campbell Park with our members and loyal supporters but this would not have been appropriate during this very difficult time. AgeUK at the Peartree Centre came to our rescue with the offer of their large meeting room and so three members of Bosom Pals (MK) – Chair Linda Wilson, Treasurer Doreen la Bastide, and myself – were able to receive the award from HM Lord-Lieutenant in the presence of the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire and the Mayor of Milton Keynes. A full celebration will be the order of the day when circumstances allow.”

Sir Henry Aubrey-Fletcher, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, added: “Congratulations to Bosom Pals (MK) on their Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service which is a credit to all their volunteers who provide much-needed support to those diagnosed with breast and gynaecological cancer in Milton Keynes. Since the awards were created in 2002, just 46 organisations have received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in Buckinghamshire. I commend them on this remarkable achievement which is richly deserved.”

Sally Burnie, Head of Cancer Services and Lead Cancer Nurse at MKUH, said: “We are delighted that Bosom Pals (MK) has received this award for all of their support, work and contribution to cancer services and patients in Milton Keynes over the years.

“The group have made a real difference to patients with their dedication, care and compassion and they fully deserve this prestigious award.”

For more information on Bosom Pals (MK) please visit their website at bosompals-miltonkeynes.btck.co.uk.

Community Action: Milton Keynes and Macmillan – new cancer survey

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Community Action: MK are working with Macmillan to try and develop a better understanding of the experiences of BAME and faith communities in Milton Keynes in relation to cancer and cancer services. Existing research suggests that these groups tend to have more negative experiences of cancer services. We want to investigate how this applies in Milton Keynes. Community Action: MK have designed this survey to help us explore this topic.

We are looking for as many people as possible to take part. The survey is open to anyone in Milton Keynes, from any ethnic or religious background, whether or not they have had direct experience of cancer. It should take 5-10 minutes to complete.

The results will help us create a report discussing experiences of BAME and faith communities in Milton Keynes, and make some suggestions for improving support and access for these groups. Macmillan will use these suggestions in their work.

All responses are anonymous by default. There is an option to leave your email address if you would be happy to be part of additional workshops for this project or for Macmillan to contact you about further research, but this is optional.

Please note, this is not a medical questionnaire. If you or someone you know is worried about their health, we encourage you to contact a medical professional for further advice.

To take the questionnaire, click here.

More about Community Action: MK – watch this video that explains what they do:

New lottery funding for the Lighthouse Centre Northampton

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The Lighthouse Centre in nearby Northampton now has special Lottery funding to support and extend its brilliant work.
article about the lighthouse centre northamptonThe Lighthouse Centre (TLC) is an innovative complementary therapy centre offering holistic therapies for people with long term conditions or cancers in their own home. TLC is patient orientated with patient needs at the centre of any therapy or treatment that is prescribed.
Treatments include:

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New plan for amalgamating BLMK’s three CCGs: share your view by Sept. 13th 2020

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From 1 April 2021, Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes CCGs are planning to become one single NHS Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) in line with NHS England’s Long Term Plan.

This will have an impact on how they operate as commissioners, (commissioning is the process by which health and care services are planned, purchased and monitored) and how they work together in the future.

Over the next few months, they will be engaging with GP Members, their staff, local service providers, councils, other partners and patients to listen to all views before they submit their final application in September 2020.

In the meantime you have the opportunity to share your views in a questionnaire: it is now live and is open until Sunday 13 September.Click here to take the survey.

Please read the Public Engagement Document that accompanies the questionnaire. This explains what they are proposing, and why.

They really value your comments, so please let them know your views by completing the survey.

If you would like more information on the proposed changes, please email: blmkcc.feedback@nhs.net.