Strength in partnership: Bringing myeloma education to GPs across Buckinghamshire
Healthcare professionals working daily with myeloma patients know that myeloma often hides behind vague, everyday symptoms – back pain, fatigue, recurrent infections. But these are the kinds of symptoms GPs see several times a week, with many different causes – and it makes spotting myeloma so difficult. Yet early recognition in primary care is so critical to give people the best chance to tackle their myeloma while avoiding some of the serious complications. That’s why at Myeloma UK, we’re working hard to help support GPs to spot myeloma – and we know one of the best ways to do this is by working in partnership with others.
Recently, Myeloma UK had the opportunity to do exactly that thanks to a project funded by The Clare Foundation, to improve the lives of people with myeloma in Buckinghamshire. In January, we delivered on one phase of this project – a dedicated educational session for South Bucks-based GPs – a chance to bring myeloma awareness right to the heart of primary care.
A shared commitment to better outcomes
Thanks to this single session, 42 GPs in one corner of Buckinghamshire now have a clearer understanding of myeloma and the pathways that support early diagnosis. That’s 42 clinicians better equipped to spot the signs, ask the right questions, and help patients reach specialist care sooner.
This is the power of partnership, and community – and a reminder that when we work together, we can create meaningful change for people living with myeloma.
Reaching GPs where they are
The session, for GPs based in the South Buckinghamshire area, was delivered online during GPs’ protected learning time – removing the barriers that we know often prevent busy clinicians from accessing specialist education.
The format was designed to reflect the real world challenges GPs face. The session unfolded in three parts:
- Local referral pathways: Dr Jenny Davies, Consultant Haematologist, helped ensure GPs knew exactly how and when to escalate concerns.
- A patient’s story: Mark Steward shared his lived experience and the impact of delayed diagnosis.
- Myeloma UK’s role: Rhys Owens, Myeloma UK’s Senior Clinical Practice Officer, highlighted the support we can offer patients and families from the moment myeloma is suspected, as well as our educational resources for healthcare professionals.
This combination of practical guidance, lived experience, and community support created a space where GPs could really connect with the difference early diagnosis can make. Feedback from the session was universally positive, improving knowledge and confidence of clinicians to spot the warning signs and order the all-important blood test.
One attendee commented:
“I thought Mark’s contribution was really interesting and helpful to understand his journey and highlight the delay in diagnosis that can occur. Also liked the 3-part aspect of the session, highlighting different aspects of myeloma.”
Partnerships that strengthen early diagnosis
This is only one part of the Buckinghamshire-based project. We have developed relationships with hospitals and local support groups across the county to support improvements in the quality and standards of care for people affected by myeloma. So far, Milton Keynes University Hospital has successfully achieved Clinical Service Excellence Programme (CSEP) accreditation, demonstrating their commitment to patient-centred myeloma care – with more to follow as the project continues.
But this GP education event goes beyond Buckinghamshire too – it’s about what can happen when charities, funders, clinicians, and patients come together with a shared purpose. A single community dedicated to improving early diagnosis of myeloma. The Clare Foundation’s support enabled us to reach a concentrated group of GPs in a way that was both practical and meaningful. Mark, who generously shared his story, helped turn clinical guidance into something human and memorable. And the engagement from local GPs showed how much can be achieved when education meets clinicians in easily accessible forms.
The success of this project has given us valuable insight into what works: education that is accessible, collaborative, and rooted in community partnerships.
Our work with The Clare Foundation has proved the power of strong partnerships – and there’s so much more we can do across the UK.
If you’re aware of partnership opportunities that could help us continue improving myeloma education and patient support, please get in touch. Contact us at partnerships@myeloma.org.uk.
