Two new Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service pods have been rolled out at Barrow and Kendal hospitals.
Macmillan Cancer Support, in partnership with University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT), have extended the service, based at Royal Lancaster Infirmary (RLI), to help more people affected by cancer in Lancaster, Morecambe and South Cumbria.
The pods, which can be accessed for information resources seven days a week, will provide vital practical cancer information and support to help people deal with the impact of cancer on their health, but also on things such as work, family life and finances.
They are both located near to the main entrances at Furness General Hospital and Westmorland Hospital and volunteers are currently being trained to help ensure the pods will eventually be staffed at various times during the week.
Lorraine Jones, Service Manager, said: “The pods have been launched to meet the growing information needs of cancer patients, and those affected by cancer, across North Lancashire and South Cumbria. Up until now, there was no service, but we are aiming to ensure that anyone affected by cancer has access to the right information and support they need throughout their cancer journey, so that they can make the best decisions for themselves about their treatment and their lives.”
Macmillan’s Cancer Information and Support Service launched at RLI’s Medical Unit 1 in mid-February this year, and it was accessed by more than 340 people up until the end of September.
The service aims to signpost anyone with a cancer diagnosis, or who is concerned about cancer, to other local support services and provides a facility to help people to live with and beyond cancer.
Lorraine added: “The new pods will provide anyone affected by cancer whether it’s a patient, carer or family member, as well as clinicians and health care professional, with a wide range of information to support them. It could be about a cancer diagnosis, treatment, financial benefits, living with cancer or signposting to local services. We are here to support them when they need it most.”
Foluke Ajayi, Chief Operating Officer, UHMBT, said: “These two new facilities, as well as the facility which opened at the RLI earlier this year, will provide an area for people affected by cancer and their families in Morecambe Bay to seek advice and support during what can be an extremely distressing and emotional time.
“The facilities will be a real asset to people across South Cumbria and North Lancashire for years to come.”
Anyone interested in volunteering and supporting the service at Furness General Hospital or Royal Lancaster Hospital can find out more here: http://jobs.uhmb.nhs.uk/job_li...
Macmillan’s Information and Support Centre at Royal Lancaster Infirmary is open from 8.30am – 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, (except Bank Holidays). No appointments are needed. For further information, phone 01524 519578 or email [email protected]