Our Patient and Public Voice (PPV) partners play a vital role in shaping cancer improvement work across the SWAG Cancer Alliance. Each PPV brings lived experience, whether as a patient, carer, or family member, which helps ensure our work remains truly patient-focused.
What does being a PPV involve?
PPVs contribute to:
- Designing and delivering personalised, patient-centred care
- Shaping local programme delivery and service transformation
- Co-producing patient information and community engagement events
- Supporting workforce development and training
- Advocating for equitable, high-quality care across all communities and cancer pathways
Their insights help define what good care looks like and highlight where improvements are needed. The forum is committed to reducing health inequalities by ensuring services reflect the diverse needs and preferences of our population.
Who can be a PPV?
You can join if you:
- Have lived experience of cancer as a patient (diagnosed or treated within the last 5 years)
- Have cared for a close family member or friend with cancer in the last 5 years
- Received care in healthcare facilities within the SWAG region
Join our PPV Group
We are actively working to grow and diversify our PPV membership to better reflect the communities we serve across the SWAG region. If you are a patient or carer interested in joining and becoming a PPV, contact us on swagca@nbt.nhs.uk.
We particularly welcome expressions of interest from individuals with protected characteristics, and from communities currently underrepresented in healthcare decision-making, including:
- People from ethnic minority backgrounds, including Black, Asian, and other minoritised ethnic groups
- Individuals who identify as LGBTQ+
- People with disabilities, including physical, sensory, cognitive, and mental health conditions
- Those from lower socio-economic backgrounds or experiencing financial hardship
- People living in rural or isolated communities
- Individuals with limited access to healthcare or who have experienced barriers to care
- People with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010, such as age, religion or belief, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity
We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive space where all voices are heard, respected, and valued.
Levels of Involvement
We offer flexible levels of involvement to suit your availability and interests:
| Level 1 | Attend open engagement opportunities like surveys or monthly forum meetings |
| Level 2 | Join workshops or events on an ad-hoc basis |
| Level 3 | Participate in working groups (e.g., early diagnosis, personalised care) |
| Level 4 | Take part in strategic decision-making groups (e.g., SWAG Cancer Alliance Board) |
Most PPVs are involved at Level 2 or 3, contributing to areas such as:
- Faster and earlier diagnosis
- Personalised care and psychological support
- Patient experience and research (e.g., genomics)
- Workforce development and Clinical Advisory Groups
Why become a PPV?
PPVs help:
- Share lived experience to inform and improve services
- Advocate for equitable care and reduce health inequalities
- Empower themselves and others through knowledge and collaboration
- Influence healthcare changes for the better
"I have been a Patient Partner for nearly 2 years now. I have a particular interest in Genomics and Clinical Trials which has been integral in my husband's cancer treatment"
Kate S
Our Commitment to You
We will:
- Create a safe, collaborative space for all PPVs
- Provide support, training, and relevant information
- Value your feedback and showcase your contributions
- Ensure equal access to engagement opportunities
Interested in Joining?
We’d love to hear from you. To express your interest or learn more, please email us at swagca@nbt.nhs.uk.
