ECSG's patient group contribute to research in Biology

The Epidemiology and Cancer Statistics Group’s (ECSG’s) Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) team facilitate a thriving support group in York for people who have blood cancer and their friends and family, the York Haematology Support Group (YHSG).

The group was invited by the Deputy Head of the Biology Department at York, David Kent, to give their views on a potential new research study, and were also given a guided tour of the research facilities.

The benefits of PPIE

PPIE is at the heart of all of ECSG’s research activities and the group has close working relationships with patients, and their relatives and friends. The visit was organised by Debra Howell, who leads ECSG’s PPIE and Carol Miller, who runs the York Haematology Support Group. ECSG routinely collaborate with the Biology Department, and this particular visit was requested by David Kent who wanted to ask patients to give their views on a potential new cancer treatment. 

Collaboration enhanced

The collaborative event was appreciated by patients, the family members they brought along, and colleagues in Biology. Patients valued the opportunity to see the research being conducted on their behalf, and staff were pleased to meet the people who might benefit most from their work in the future. The visit reinforced experience sharing, and the positive impact of working together for patient benefit.

Commenting on the visit, David Kent sent this message to the support group: "Giving up your time in such a charitable way both to share your experiences and thoughts with us, but most importantly with each other, is so very important. I'm delighted that we were able to host you and that people enjoyed the day."