Improving cancer care in Scotland

Macmillan are working in partnership with NHS Lothian and across the South East Cancer Network in Scotland, to improve the experience of people affected by cancer. During the project, they’ll test different programmes and projects that will support patients and carers.

They want to make sure their engagement work is inclusive and reaches all communities — particularly those who may face additional barriers to accessing support.

As part of the project, they want to hear the experiences of people affected by cancer in certain areas of Scotland. This will help them understand what areas to focus on to plan their project.

Name of project lead: Anne-Marie Barry

Job title: Patient Engagement Manager

Organisation: NHS Lothian

Email address: annemarie.barry@nhs.scot

Phone number: 07483 692 322

You can take part if you, or friend or family member, have had a diagnosis of primary breast cancer within the last five years and have completed treatment.

You also need to live in one of the following Health Board areas:

• NHS Lothian

• NHS Fife

• NHS Borders

• NHS Dumfries & Galloway

By sharing your experiences, you can help the team understand what cancer care is really like. What works well, and what could be improved. This will help them make the biggest improvements where they are needed most.

You can share your experience either by completing an online survey, or by taking part in a one-to-one conversation.

The survey takes around 10 to 15 minutes to complete, and will ask you about your experience of cancer. You can share as much or as little as you’d like to.

One-to-one conversations will take place over the phone at a time that works for you. It could last between 30 and 50 minutes – depending on how much you’d like to share.

You’ll also have the chance to join the project’s community of lived experience. As part of the community, you’ll receive opportunities for future involvement in the project.

If you’d like to take the survey, please either select either the patient experience survey, or the carer experience survey.

If you’d like to arrange a call, you can contact Anne-Marie Barry on 07483 692 322, or email her at annemarie.barry@nhs.scot.

31 December 2026