PATIENT power has led to the creation of a new service to provide help and support to cancer sufferers in North Yorkshire.

Breast cancer patients at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton were asked what would help to improve their care as part of a special service pledge to give them a greater say in their treatment and care.

A key request was a local drop-in facility for women to get advice about breast health from a specialist nurse nearer to their homes.

And as a result of patients and hospital staff working together, a monthly drop-in clinic at the Duchess of Kent Hospital has been organised in the outpatients department at the hospital in Catterick Garrison.

One of the Friarage Hospital's two specialist nurses in breast care, Judith Curtis and Louise Sadler, will be on hand to provide support and advice.

They will also be answering any concerns or questions patients and women in the local community have about breast health and the fitting of bras and prosthetics.

Ms Curtis said: "I think it is really important to involve patients in developing and improving the service we provide and their comments have helped us to make real improvements at the Friarage which will benefit future patients."

She added: "The drop-in clinic at Catterick will be invaluable to local women, being nearer to home and convenient for them to drop in.

"We hope it will encourage them to be more breast aware and to take advantage of this new service should they have any concerns about their breast health."

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the country and more than 1,000 women die from the disease every month in the UK.