⚡ Quick Summary
Barts Health NHS Trust, London’s second-largest cancer unit, has teamed up with Cancer Support UK to implement a groundbreaking workplace cancer support training program aimed at enhancing employee support for colleagues facing cancer diagnoses.
💡 Key Features of the Training Program
- 🔑 Course Overview: The “Communicating about Cancer” online course lasts 35-45 minutes and is tailored for Barts Health’s diverse workforce of 21,000 employees.
- 📚 Skill Development: The training equips staff with essential knowledge and skills to provide emotional and practical support to colleagues affected by cancer.
- 🌍 Accessibility: The e-learning tool will be available through the Trust’s internal education platform, ensuring all staff across its five hospitals can participate.
👩⚕️ Leadership Insights
- Andrea McDonnell, Deputy Director of Barts Health Education Academy, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “This training will empower our staff to support one another and promote overall wellbeing within our teams.”
- Mark Guymer, CEO of Cancer Support UK, highlighted the importance of emotional support in the workplace, noting that approximately one million working-age individuals are living with a cancer diagnosis.
📅 Implementation and Impact
- The training is designed to help staff navigate sensitive conversations about cancer, enhancing their communication skills and confidence.
- Participants will also receive resources to guide colleagues to additional support services, including specialist charities.
🏥 Barts Health’s Commitment to Excellence
- Barts Health NHS Trust is renowned for its innovative cancer care, treating around 6,200 patients daily and serving 2.5 million patients in East London.
- The Royal London Hospital, part of the Trust, is also home to London’s Air Ambulance service.
🔗 Additional Resources
- For more information about Cancer Support UK’s workplace training courses, visit: Cancer Support UK Workplace Training
- Contact for inquiries: training@cancersupportuk.org