Building a network of oncology nurses and practitioners

The South African Lymphoma Patient Group (SALPG) is delighted by the turn-out of oncology sisters, nurses and care-givers from the public sector at its most recent patient group meetings held in Johannesburg and Durban on the 29th of March.

“One of our objectives for 2008 is to increase our network of oncology nurses and care-givers from public hospitals and we are pleased that so many representatives attended the support workshops last month.

“Over the years we have built up a relatively strong network of oncology doctors and nurses in the private sector, who are a key link to patients diagnosed with blood cancer. However, we have not been as successful in encouraging the attendance of personnel from the public sector. This has in turn created challenges for us in terms of targeting and interacting with patients in that sector,” says Natalie Toner, spokesperson from the SALPG.

She continues: “We rely heavily on our contacts at oncology practices and units to direct lymphoma patients to the SALPG, which is a valuable source of support and helpful information for both patients and their families.

“The SALPG is also a beneficial resource for nurses and care-givers who want to learn more about lymphoma and, better understand the impact of the disease and treatment on patients so that they are able to provide a more knowledgeable and meaningful support to them.

“As such, continually growing and building our network of nurses and practitioners both in the private and public sector is a key priority for the SALPG.”

According to Toner, the SALPG workshop in Johannesburg particularly proved extremely productive in identifying some of the ways in which the Group could improve its interaction with oncology nurses and patients in the public sector. Plans are now underway to establish satellite patient support group meetings at the Chris Hani Baragwanath and Johannesburg Hospitals during the week, rather than over weekends, to make it more convenient for nurses, patients and their families to attend.

“We want to encourage as many lymphoma care-givers, patients and their families to come to our meetings as possible. Dealing with the trauma that usually comes with a cancer diagnosis, and the physical and psychological stress of treatment can be very overwhelming for patients as well as their families. Having the right support is a vital survival tool.

“Even after treatment, life for a lymphoma patient is a roller-coaster ride of relief and anxiety. But with knowledge and support, coping with life with, and after, lymphoma is much easier. That's why we also encourage survivors of the disease to support our objectives by sharing their stories and spreading the message that lymphoma can be beaten.

“Raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of lymphoma amongst the general public is also a key objective for the SALPG because we believe that education is the first line of defence against lymphoma.

If people know what symptoms to look out for, they will be more likely to catch the disease at an early stage, which increases the chances of recovery and improves the overall long-term prognosis,” explains Toner.

The SALPG, which is supported by Roche through an education grant, regularly hosts support group meetings, which provide an invaluable platform for lymphoma patients to meet, hear expert advice, share their stories and discuss their concerns.

For more information on the SALPG or to initiate a meeting in your area, please contact Natalie Toner on 082 827 7299 or e-mail l. Doctors who would like to voluntarily participate in these group meetings are also welcome to contact the SALPG.

For more information on lymphoma, please visit www.becanceraware.co.za