Julia Jessop, Programme Director of the SYBND Cancer Alliance, tells us about the ‘ambitious’ partnership’s plans to continue to put patients at the heart of decision-making
I was inspired to take this role because…
Here’s a big stat for you… one in two of us will get cancer in our lives: That’s quite a stark figure. I care about improving the care and services those affected by cancer have. I want Sheffield and our region to be the best in delivering that care. I can only do that working with some incredible colleagues, who really are a true inspiration.
My favourite thing about this role is…
Listening to patients and those affected by cancer: I believe that by really hearing people’s stories and experiences – those good ones and those that teach us where things need to improve – we will deliver better care and services. There are some great examples out there and people often want to share their views – I’d really urge that to continue as we develop ways of tuning in more to what people think and feel.
The three words that best describe my organisation are…
Partnership. Ambitious. Listening.
Sheffield City Region is a great place to work in because…
Sheffield is part of our patch – South Yorkshire, Bassetlaw and North Derbyshire – and has some truly incredible, world-class, cancer care facilities, services and colleagues. Working with them is challenging and inspiring.
Sheffield City Region is a great place to develop as an organisation because…
We all believe in getting the best results for those affected by cancer – who can argue with that? We know that there is more we can do and, more importantly, there is an appetite to improve from where we currently are. We recognise how far we’ve come but we are ambitious and listening to patients’ views, so this is about continually moving forward, responding, working together and delivering results.
The best advice I ever got was…
Those who are experiencing the service, patients, carers and frontline staff, are the ones best placed to advise on what does and doesn’t work for the: Our services and the care provided is best shaped by those who have first-hand experience.
The worst advice I ever got was…
‘This is the way we do things round here’ – Sometimes you have to challenge the norm, be radical and rock the boat a little to inspire change for the better. At the SYBND Cancer Alliance, that’s our aim and we’re consistently trying to channel efficacy and test doing things differently, in a safe environment.
The organisations that have supported me and the organisation include…
The list is long! SYBND Cancer Alliance is a partnership of all the NHS organisations including all the Clinical Commissioning Groups and Hospital Trusts, Local Authorities, voluntary and charitable sector representation. A special mention must be given to the Integrated Care System (ICS) – our umbrella organisation, which the Cancer Alliance is part of. We’re lucky as our ICS – working together as health and social care – is so advanced in developing several programmes of work and leading the way across the UK.
The main challenges facing my sector are…
We are on the right track and 2019 is the year we’ll continue to make bigger in roads, but our main challenges include reducing health inequalities – ensuring prevention, screening, treatment and the impact of cancer aren’t affected by race, age, or any of the discriminatory factors. We also need to improve our reach and listen to those traditionally not involved in cancer care.
In 5 years’ time I expect my organisation to…
We’re still developing the plans, working with partners, patients and those working with and affected by cancer to answer this. The NHS long term plan, and a world of other factors mean this is the hardest question but my short answer… To continue to put the patients at the heart of our decision making and care, striving for excellence and focusing on doing the right thing to give the best results.
