Today 221+ unveils their vision for the next 3 years and beyond. 221+ commits with this plan not only to continue to support our members with the challenges they face on a daily basis following the CervicalCheck debacle, but also to “play a meaningful role in shaping improved screening services for the wider cervical cancer community” (Liz Yeates).

Our vision: To live in a country where women have access to excellent gynaecological healthcare and are active participants in their health journey. A country where the patient voice is heard.

“Every element of this strategy is both achievable and necessary and will lead to changes that prevent the mistakes of the past from recurring, ensuring a brighter and safer future for all” (Caoimhe O-Neill-Forde).

There are four key strategic priorities for the next three years. These priorities build on the foundations already laid since the 221+ Group was founded in 2018. The new strategy will focus on member support and engagement, expanding voice and impact, supporting health promotion and education and solidifying organisational strength.

A departure from previous years is their plan to expand support to the wider cervical cancer patient community – harnessing expertise from the past six years of patient support to provide a crucial service. 221+ draws on the experiences of their own members as well as anecdotal evidence from the wider patient and healthcare practitioner community who felt that upon diagnosis, coordinated information sharing and the opportunity to engage with a community of peers was missing for gynaecological cancer patients in Ireland. Often facing similar symptoms, treatment and lifelong side effects, this group is currently underserved with no specialist support service available. The sensitivity and stigma associated with the parts of the body affected compound the issue as patients may be hesitant to ask for help around difficulties such as incontinence, sexual dysfunction and fertility struggles post treatment. This leaves patients lost, unsure what options are available and where to turn for advice. With this new strand to their strategic direction, 221+ aims to fill this gap – beginning with supporting cervical cancer patients.

Otherwise, their mission for the next three years is to continue to operate as a member-led organisation dedicated to supporting and advocating for 221+ members and women dealing with the impact of cervical cancer, ensuring their voices are embedded at all levels of decision-making. This begins with the strategic plan itself, which was developed by Mantra Strategy with the consultation of 221+ members through in-person engagement at two 221+ member conferences. The transformation of this engagement into the document shared here today was led by the voice and vision of 221+ Patient Representatives Grainne Culliton, Caoimhe O-Neill-Forde and Lyn Fenton. This strategy was also guided by the insight and advice provided by Amy Nolan and Jennifer Owens at the Irish Cancer Society and Liz Yeates at the Marie Keating Foundation within their roles on the 221+ steering committee and board.

“We are proud to present a plan that is, as with all of the work we do, led by 221+ values and 221+ member needs and aspirations” 221+ Patient Support Group

ENDS

For reference, Lily Fox 221+ Communications Coordinator: info@221plus.ie

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