A CANCER survivor who campaigned for radiotherapy in Worcester will be the voice of patients in hospitals.

Paul Crawford has been appointed patient representative for Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust. He will take part in board and committee meetings, helping to make sure patient issues are a top priority and that their views are taken into consideration.

After being treated for throat cancer by the trust, 71-year-old Mr Crawford decided to become a volunteer and he has worked with the trust for a number of years. He is a member of Worcestershire LINK, which helps local people influence or change the way their local NHS and social care services are planned and delivered. He is also an active participant in the Worcestershire Oncology Project Board, working closely with the team to provide Worcestershire’s first radiotherapy centre.

Mr Crawford, of Highfield Close, Droitwich, had to travel to Cheltenham for his own radiotherapy treatment, so he is passionate about the radiotherapy project, because he knows what a difference it will make to patients.

As a patient representative, he will contribute to the strategic direction of the trust and comment on decisions from the patient’s viewpoint.

Mr Crawford is picking up the role from Pat Fisher, who was previously very involved with the trust as a patient representative until she passed away in January.

Her contributions were ‘much appreciated’ by the trust and she was presented with a special award at the last staff celebration event.

Mr Crawford said: “I feel honoured to be selected as a patient representative, and will try to continue the good work achieved by Pat. “My main priority is to encourage the board to always consider the patient’s perspective, and to offer patient views during discussions. My commitment will be to ensure the safest, gold star medical services for Worcestershire patients.”

Chairman Harry Turner said “It’s fantastic that Paul is able to join us as a patient representative. “His involvement with the board will help us make the organisation more transparent and accountable to patients and the public. His role will be as a patient ambassador to the board, and his contribution will further promote the importance of patient views in our decision making processes.

“Paul will bring a wealth of experience following his years volunteering with the trust, and I look forward to hearing his thoughts and involving him in our decision making processes.”