About Cancer Action Rotherham
Cancer Action Rotherham was previously known as the Rotherham Cancer Service User Forum it has been in existence for 14 years and was one of the first user involvement groups to be established in the country. Throughout this time members have worked with commitment and enthusiasm to give a voice to service users. We have witnessed many positive changes in cancer treatment, and over the years the Forum has influenced many of the developments of cancer care in Rotherham e.g. the planning of the chemotherapy suite, development of the Rotherham Cancer Care Centre, the acquisition of an information and support manager. The Forum has sought to represent the views of those affected by cancer at both local and national events and has aimed to raise awareness of its activities to clinical professionals, patients, carers, and the general public, working in partnership with relevant agencies to improve cancer services.
Group discussions took place on whether there needed to be a complete change of name. Since the focus for 2009 was on ‘refreshing the voice of cancer users’, it seemed appropriate to change the name, create a strap line and re-launch the newly refreshed group.
In true user group style we sought public opinion. The Forums original name plus two different names were proposed, and then during a morning spent at a local supermarket customers were chosen at random, and by using palm hand held survey equipment were asked to select a name preference. Of those surveyed 74% preferred the name Cancer Action Rotherham (CAR) Influencing Change. As a result of this the group agreed to adopt the new name immediately, and all contacts were informed of the change.
