Wales’s first head and neck cancer recovery programme has been held for Hywel Dda University Health Board (UHB) patients and family members.
Over the course of three free sessions, the Holistic Acute Recovery Programme (HARP) gives patients recovering from treatment for a cancer of the head and neck access to advice, guidance and support on a range of issues from diet to oral hygiene; relaxation to counselling; and the welfare services available to them.
The plan is to roll HARP out across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire in turn or via the use of telemedicine (video link).
Clinical Nurse Specialists for Head and Neck Cancer, Anwen Butten and Karen Howarth have been instrumental in setting up HARP: “The treatment for people with a cancer of the head and neck can be extremely tough, both physically and mentally.
“We recognised a gap in the service for our patients following their treatment where we could provide additional holistic support to help them on the road to recovery.
“We hope HARP will provide our patients and their family members, with the support they need to help them self manage the long term side effects of their treatment.”
The Head and Neck Cancer Recovery Programme sessions are delivered by staff from the Old Mill Foundation, Macmillan and Tenovus, as well as Hywel Dda UHB staff.
For the latest news and updates from Hywel Dda University Health Board visit www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk
