Join our cancer and surgery patient experience group

The group meets every other month online, using Microsoft Teams. Around 15 to 20 members attend each meeting.

Meetings will take place from 2pm to 3:30pm on:

• Monday 23 February
• Monday 27 April
• Monday 22 June
• Monday 24 August
• Monday 26 October

The group is co-chaired by:

• June Allen, head of nursing for cancer
• Margaret Medlyn, head of nursing for surgery

The group reviews a lot of written information both before and during meetings. This opportunity could be for you if you like reading reports, looking at graphs and charts and discussing what they tell us. We are looking for 2 people.

For people with experience of cancer services

We are looking for someone who:

• has used our cancer services at Guy’s and St Thomas’ in the past 18 months, or
• is a carer for someone who has used our cancer services at Guy’s and St Thomas’ in the past 18 months

For people with experience of surgical services

We are looking for someone who:

• has had surgery at Guy’s and St Thomas’ in the past 18 months, or
• is a carer for someone who has had surgery at Guy’s and St Thomas’ in the past 18 months

Key aspects of this role are to:

• attend group meetings and prepare for them by reading any documents that are circulated in advance
• bring your patient or carer perspective to discussions and decision-making
• voice opinions constructively and present views clearly
• respect and consider the views of other people
• work together as a member of the group

Support we offer to patient/carer members includes:

• a 'meet the team' session before you join the group to discuss what the group does, any questions you have and any support you may need
• a named member of staff who is also a member of the group, will be your main contact
• information for each meeting will be sent in advance, allowing you to ask questions before meetings
• advice on using Microsoft Teams
• reimbursement of reasonable expenses

In line with our Trust policy, we offer to reimburse any reasonable expenses you may incur as a member of the group. For example:

• childcare and/or other paid carer costs
• additional internet data used

The rates of expenses are capped according to Trust policy. If you need more information, please ask us.

If you would like to become a member of the group, please complete the online expression of interest form by Friday 23 January 2026.

After the closing date, we will review all the forms and we will select 2 or 3 people, who have different experiences and backgrounds as cancer and/or surgery patients and carers.

By Thursday 29 January, we will:

• email or telephone you to invite you for an informal chat with members of the team. It's a chance to ask questions and tell us what you can bring to the role. This will be on Tuesday 3 February, between 3:30pm and 5pm

or

• tell you that you have been unsuccessful, on this occasion

If you're successful and invited to join the group there is an online ‘meet the team’ session on Wednesday 18 February, 4:30pm to 5pm.

We then look forward to welcoming you to your first group meeting on Monday 23 February, 2pm to 3:30pm via Microsoft Teams.