HeadSmart seeks to cut the average time it takes to diagnose CYP brain tumours in order to prevent unnecessary deaths and disabilities. It has already reduced diagnosis times from 13 weeks to 7 but needs to reach 5 weeks. This remaining fortnight delay represents the difference between life and death for the commonest cancerous brain tumour in children. 10 children and young people are diagnosed with a brain tumour a week and 10 die a month on average.
HeadSmart is using local Public Health networks to raise awareness amongst the public and in health professionals. As a result of this talk, all the Health Visitors took posters and a display pack of symptom cards for their baby clinics for new Mums to pick up. Informing new Mums is how the campaign can be sustained.
Fiona Dodds has also asked for similar packs for the rest of the baby clinics in Dorset, so the campaign is pan-Dorset. Including the life-saving information in babies' Red Books (PCHR) was also discussed and will be taken forward for discussion at the working group in Dorset. The meningitis information could be shared on the same page. Mrs Langton-Gilks son had post-operative meningitis after his second brain operation and so is keen for both campaigns to be included.