Health Minister commends cancer care collaboration for young people
Date published:
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has attended a special event to celebrate the collaborative efforts in implementing a best practice and Regional Model of Care and Standards for Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) with cancer in Northern Ireland.
The event marks a major milestone in delivering Action 33 of the Northern Ireland Cancer Strategy 2022–2032 and highlights the shared commitment across the health sector, charities, and young people themselves to ensuring that those diagnosed with cancer during adolescence or young adulthood receive the highest quality, developmentally appropriate age-appropriate care. It also coincides with the conclusion of Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Awareness Month, which shines a spotlight on the unique challenges faced by young people.
The Regional Model of Care and Standards have been co-produced with healthcare professionals, partner organisations, and crucially, young people and their families, whose lived experiences have shaped a more person-centred approach to services.
Speaking at the event, Minister Nesbitt said:
“Collaboration and co-production have been embedded at the heart of the development of the minimum standards and model of care, and I am keen to see this continue as we progress with the implementation.
“This vital framework represents a significant step forward in making sure that young people receive not just excellent clinical treatment, but holistic, developmentally age-appropriate support that acknowledges the educational, emotional and social aspects of their journey.
“Adolescence and young adulthood are times of immense change and development, and a cancer diagnosis at this stage presents unique personal challenges. The new standards, shaped with the voices of young people, healthcare professionals, and charities, set out our commitment to delivering the best possible care, enhancing outcomes, and ensuring that no young person faces cancer alone.
“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to all those who are involved in this essential work. Your expertise, passion, and lived experience continues to be instrumental in shaping a service that will provide equitable, high-quality, and compassionate care for every young person in Northern Ireland.”
The event also heard powerful testimonies from young people who have been directly impacted by cancer and who played a vital role in developing the new standards by sharing their experiences and priorities for better care.
AYA cancer services in Northern Ireland will be delivered by a regional, networked service model with Principal Treatment Centres (PTCs) for both paediatric and adult services designated at the Belfast Trust. The age range for the AYA cancer service is defined as 13 to 25 years of age. This model is designed to bring the key teams and personnel together that comprise the clinical and holistic components of the pathway of care.
The goal of the service model is to enable service users to access the right care in the right place and at the right time, including clinical trials, while benefiting from co-ordinated holistic and psychosocial support.
Notes to editors:
1. Copy of AYA NI Standards for Adolescents and Young Adults (AYA) with cancer in Northern Ireland.
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