The Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, is pleased to announce the re-launch of the Bournemouth Cancer Survivorship Programme, in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support and BH Live.

Following the success of the pilot last year, a new and improved programme is being launched to support breast and colorectal cancer survivors within Dorset. The aim of the programme is to collaboratively improve the care and support provided for patients living with and beyond cancer.

Thanks to strong team work between the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals, the Littledown Centre (operated and managed by BH Live), NHS Bournemouth and Poole, Macmillan Cancer Support, Dorset Cancer Network and Bournemouth University, the 2009 pilot, which was part of the National Cancer Survivorship Initiative, was a huge success, having a very positive impact on participants and their families.

Participants recorded excellent improvements in their health, such as healthier blood pressure, weight loss, improved fitness and a renewed sense of health and wellbeing.

John Williamson, a former cancer patient from the pilot programme said: ‘I took part in the programme and now I’m extremely grateful I participated in it because I feel on top of the world. I feel 100% fit, my appetite is back to normal, I have all the energy I need, I can garden and I can walk my dogs. I feel absolutely great.”

Dexter Perry, Consultant at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital and Chairman of the 2009 pilot project commented: “The programme aims to help survivors of cancer get back to normality by giving them the belief and support they need. “The team is thrilled at the success of the pilot and the positive impact it has had on participants. We are excited to be launching a new and improved programme to reach out to even more cancer survivors.”

Layne Hamerston, Partnerships Development Manager for BH Live said: “It is well documented that leading an active life can be extremely beneficial for health, fitness and wellbeing. Providing considerate, personalised physical activity advice and guidance appropriate to their needs and abilities, has proved extremely rewarding for previous participants and everyone involved in the delivery of the programme. We are sure the new and enhanced programme will provide cancer survivors with more opportunities to enjoy better health, fitness and wellbeing.”

The new additions to the programme include a number of ‘Living Well’ talks and workshops covering different issues including moving, eating and thinking well. Also, a number of previous participants will act as mentors and activity leaders, supporting new patients taking part in the programme, providing valuable advice gained from their own personal experiences in recovering from cancer.

Macmillan Cancer Support are pleased to support this project as they recognise the importance of activity and exercise on the health and wellbeing of cancer survivors, and those living with and beyond cancer.

The programme is available through breast and colorectal specialist care nurses at The Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.