Abstract: Explores the subjective experiences of patients, patients' family/whanau members, and health-care professionals (HCP) when bad news was delivered to patients about their cancer within the surgical departments of MidCentral District Health Board. Gathers and compares multiple perspectives and makes recommendations for practice that align with the goals of those involved in the project. Utilises a qualitative approach with the epistemological and methodological basis informed by interpretative phenomenological analysis. Collects data through semi-structured interviews with 10 patients, 6 family members, 5 surgeons and 6 nurses.