THE challenges of living with disorders and diseases of the blood will be shared by patients and carers across the region at a special conference this week.
The North-East haematology nurses group, which was set up to improve the experiences of patients, has organised the event in Durham on Friday, November 15.
Held every two years, the conferences are tailored to what patients and carers feel they need to help them adjust to life beyond treatment.
Geographically, the group covers an area stretching from Hexham to Northallerton and across to Durham and Darlington.
Fiona Strong, a haematology clinical nurse specialist at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We organised our first event in 2008 from money donated, with the specific aim of tackling issues that were really important to our patients and carers.
"Since then it's gone from strength to strength although we wouldn't be able to hold anything on this scale without the support of our trusts and sponsors."
'Looking back, moving forward - the challenges of living with haematological conditions' will be held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Durham.
Organisations supporting the event include Macmillan, My New Hair, MPD UK, Bright Red and Leukaemia Care.
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