New post to help people with learning disabilities learn about cancer

A new post is hoping to raise awareness of cancer amongst people with learning disabilities.
Macmillan Cancer Support have funded Tracey Lloyd, a Learning Disability Nurse, who is based at Ty Bryngwyn, Prince Phillip Hospital, Llanelli, to take a closer look at strengths and needs of services for all concerned with learning disabilities and cancer.
This new initiative hopes to improve the outcome for people with learning disabilities, their families and supporters, and work with staff within primary and secondary care services to recognise the issues they face.
The project stems across Wales and is keen to educate and empower people, and help collaborative working build a healthier future.
Tracey said: “People with learning disabilities are a growing population both in number and in age. Many reports show they have higher levels of ill health and often have multiple chronic and complex health conditions.
“Although cancer is of lower incidence than the general population there are issues with late or lack of diagnosis which may account for this, such as a lower uptake of national screening programmes.
“I am very excited about my new role and I am looking forward helping to improve the experience and outcome for people with learning disabilities and their families and help create networks between primary care, cancer services and learning disability services.”
Susan Morris, General Manager for Macmillan Cancer Support in Wales, said: “Macmillan Wales is delighted to have funded the Macmillan Learning Disability Project within Hywel Dda University Health Board to help to improve the experience of people with learning disabilities who are affected by cancer across Wales.
“Tracey is one of more than 270 Macmillan professionals working in Wales to support people affected by cancer and we can only fund a project like this one thanks to the public’s support.”
Advice and support is available by contacting Tracey Lloyd on tracey.lloyd@wales.nhs.uk