Rhondda Breast Friends (RBF) launched their Charter of Rights on 26th April 08 and collected over 1,500 signatures supporting their call for improved cancer services and implementation of the Cancer Standards. This was the basis for a petition to the Welsh Assembly asking them to ensure that Cancer Standards would be implemented across Rhondda Cynon Taff and the rest of Wales as a matter of urgency.

Progress to date:

• 6.10.08 The Petitions committee wrote to the Health Minister. She responded that all LHBs had action plans in place and progress was being carefully monitored.
• 2.12.08 RBF’s response expressed disappointment that although places on Cwm Taff’s Strategy Group had now been allocated to the Cancer Focus Group, it had not met, their Cancer Plan to implement Cancer Standards still had not been provided and no consultation had taken place. Their Cancer Focus Group had shown shortfalls in patient and carer information and support that was needed to meet the promised standards.
• 22.1.09 Rhondda Cynon Taff LHB ‘s response was to provide their cancer delivery plan and update of progress to date.
• 10.2.09 The Petitions Committee agreed to ask the Minister for Health and Social Services to update the Committee on whether local health boards have met the national cancer standards, once the deadline for meeting these standards has passed, and also to inform the Health, Wellbeing and Local Government Committee of RBF’s petition…

…….WATCH THIS SPACE!

Following on from our success last year when we won an award for “Best New Voluntary Organisation of the Year,” this year we scooped the Trustee of the Year award, nominated by ex-mayor Jayne Ward.

RBF’s Charter of Rights is placed in a time capsule at ASDAs Tonypandy by member Glenys Shadbolt.