04/04/2025
We, alongside Macmillan Cancer Support, have launched two new resources to help improve the experience for adults with learning disabilities accessing cancer services.
A cancer diagnosis for anybody can be difficult, but for someone who has a learning disability or additional need, it can be very overwhelming. The North West Cancer Centre and the Breast Screening Unit, with help from the Trust’s Learning Disability Team, have developed an easy-read story book and two short videos to support patients and to ensure they feel safe and secure when in these areas.
Una Cardin, Assistant Director for Cancer Services at the Western Trust explained:
“To mark World Cancer Day 2025, Macmillan Cancer Support funded two projects to support adults with learning disabilities navigating breast cancer screening and attending the North West Cancer Centre for cancer treatment. A collaboration between the Breast Screening Unit, Oncology and the Learning Disability Team, lead to the development of the resources. I am confident the resources will give our patients a greater insight into what to expect at breast diagnostic clinics and on a visit to the North West Cancer Centre. They will also help address any fears and concerns that may arise when attending these two facilities.”
Speaking about the video project, Marietta Connor, Breast Screening Manager said:
“With the help of Lilliput Theatre Company, we have produced two videos for women covering what to expect when attending a routine breast screening appointment and also when attending a symptomatic breast clinic appointment at Altnagelvin.
“Staff in the unit have undertaken learning disability training, ensuring routine use of the hospital passport, appropriate time allocations and reasonable adjustments for those attending with a known learning disability. Breast Screening Unit staff hope the videos will be a much more relatable way of understanding what to expect at an appointment for those with a learning disability.”
Speaking about the easy-read story book, Jacque Warwick, Macmillan Consultant Nurse, North West Cancer Centre said:
“The story book is a visual easy read aid that aspires to help all adults with a learning disability understand and prepare for their visit to the North West Cancer Centre. By providing information in a relatable story book, service users can engage and make informed choices in their care.
“Every step of the story book was created with our patients in mind. We have consulted with them throughout the creation for the book and tested it with them prior to final approval and printing.
“Feedback from our Service User Focus Group is positive, with our patients stating it will be a ‘great help’. It is envisioned that the story book will be used alongside the hospital passport and the cancer pathway for adults with a learning disability.”
There will be three Roadshows across the Western Trust area to showcase the launch of the two new resources to help improve the experience for adults with learning disabilities accessing cancer services. Details of these events as follows:-
- Omagh Leisure Complex | Tuesday 8th April | 10:30AM – 12:30PM
- Macmillan Support Centre, Altnagelvin Hospital | Friday 23rd May | 10:30AM – 12:30PM
- Westend Community Centre, Enniskillen | Friday 6th June | 10:30AM – 12:30PM
The Breast Screening Unit videos and North West Cancer Centre Story Book can be accessed here
Download and Print the Welcome Booklet
Access the welcome booklet on PageTiger
The Symptomatic Breast Clinic
Breast Screening
