Susan's experience: Improving access to mental health care
During the pandemic, Susan, a 62-year-old ex-charity worker was due for an operation to remove cancerous tissue. A domestic abuse survivor, Susan says she found the attitude of some of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) team managing her care unsupportive and lacking empathy.
I was made to feel it was my fault, that I had brought this on myself.
After years in a detrimental relationship, being blamed for everything by her husband, Susan said the treatment by some hospital staff was triggering.
Having been signed-off work, post diagnosis, and out of an abusive relationship, Susan requested psychological support. This was not offered by the team providing her care at QEH and nor did they tell Susan, as a cancer patient, where she could get psychological help. Susan says she was not listened to.
Susan had to proactively contact a charity for domestic abuse survivors to seek mental health support.
The difference Susan’s story made
We shared Susan’s story directly with the Macmillan Psychological Support (MAPS) Team at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust.
The action they have taken:
- Leaflets, posters and information boards of the MAPS service are now available on all cancer units at Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH).
- Greater support and training is now being offered to health care professionals by the MAPS team.
