The Oesophageal Patients Association

Former patients helping new patients

PATIENT SUPPORT

Increasingly it is recognised that contact with a former patient soon after diagnosis can be of real value and should be regarded as part of the treatment programme. However, we recognise that the former patients involved must be knowledgeable and responsible and the OPA is embarking on appropriate training of such volunteers.

Telephone Support Line

Our telephone support line is staffed by trained paid staff and trained volunteer staff. You can be sure if you call the support line number, you will not only receive a warm and understanding response, but the information you receive as a result will be of good quality. We never guess answers.

Regional support meetings

Informal meetings for patients and carers (family or friends) are regularly held in regional centres around the UK. Problems are aired and suggestions for overcoming them are exchanged. The essential aim is to enable new patients to meet and talk to former patients who have recovered, are back to work if not retired, and lead relatively normal lives.

If you have not already met a former patient member of the Association and would like to meet and talk with others please telephone the Support Line number 0121 704 9860, contact us by email enquiries@opa.org.uk or complete the registration form to join our Association (free of charge). Being a member will ensure you will receive newsletters and personal invitations to support meetings. Your details are always confidential to us and will not be shared with any other agency without your explicit permission.