PATIENT power has led to the creation of a service to provide help and support for cancer sufferers.

Breast cancer patients at the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton, were asked for suggestions to improve their care as part of a service pledge to give them a greater say in treatment and care. A key request was a local drop-in facility where women could receive advice about breast health from a specialist nurse nearer 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.

Two specialist nurses from the Friarage Hospital, 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 that will benefit future patients."

"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.

More than 1,000 women die from the disease every month in the UK.

The first Catterick session will be this month, which has been designated as breast cancer awareness month.

It will be held on October 15 from 10am to noon and patients and women in the local community are being invited to drop in to see the nurses in a welcoming and supportive local setting.

For further information about the clinic, contact Judith Curtis or Louise Sadler at the Friarage Hospital on 01609-764622.