KENT Cancer Care Network, which is responsible for ensuring a co-ordinated approach to patients and their care, is to establish a Patients' Forum. The forum will be a group of user representatives and local health workers interested in improving services for all people living with cancer.

Its role will include:

* Co-ordinating the views of people with cancer and their family and friends.

* Advising the NHS about cancer care in Kent from the user's point of view.

* Looking for opportunities to improve cancer services.

* Working with self-help groups

* Meeting regularly to discuss the needs of patients and carers.

* Informing the Kent Cancer Network.

The network stresses it will not be a support group or a fast track complaints system.A conference outlining the idea of the Patients' Forum and how people can be involved in the decision-making processes of the Kent Cancer Network is being held at the Tudor Park Hotel, Maidstone, on Saturday, October 13.

People wishing to receive a registration form or wanting further information should contact May Bullen, Director of Kent Cancer Nursing, The Kent Cancer Centre, Maidstone Hospital, Hermitage Lane, Maidstone, ME16 9QQ. Telephone 01622 225092.