The new Macmillan Cancer Information Centre, funded jointly by Macmillan Cancer Support and The Princess Alexandra Hospital Charity, was officially opened at The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) earlier today (18 November).
There are more than 3 million people living with cancer in the United Kingdom which is set to rise to 4 million by 2030. Here in the East of England there are more than 265,000 people living with and beyond cancer.
For many people when they get a diagnosis of cancer, the emotional and financial impacts can be extremely overwhelming. How do they tell their family? How will they cope financially if they are unable to work? Will they lose their hair? Will there be an impact on their body image? Will they be able to cope with the treatment?
The new Macmillan Cancer Information Centre, which is based inside The Williams Day Unit on the main hospital site, will provide essential support and guidance to people affected by cancer and is there not only to support patients who may be receiving treatment at the hospital, but for anyone living in the area who may need information or advice following a cancer diagnosis. This is also vital to supporting patients with their independence and empowering them to manage some of the impacts of living with cancer.
It is an open door for patients, family, friends or carers; anyone who needs guidance and advice about the range of support that is available for people with a cancer diagnosis both before, during and after their treatment.
Other organisations who will be offering support services within the centre include Cancer Hair Care – who offer hair loss support; Helen Rollason Cancer Charity – who will be offering complementary therapies and Citizen Advice Bureau who offer support with welfare and benefit enquiries.
Lisa Reid, Macmillan personalised care lead and recovery package manager, has been at the forefront of the development of the new centre for the hospital, she said: “I am delighted we have officially opened the new Macmillan Cancer Information Centre here at The Princess Alexandra Hospital today. We work very closely with our community partners, and a wide range of charities to ensure people with a cancer diagnosis and their families have access to the support services they need, and this new facility will really enhance the support we are able to provide.
“We want to spread the word that the new centre is open to anyone that needs information about cancer support services whether they are a patient, a relative, friend or carer. You don’t have to be receiving treatment here at the hospital either, the door is open to anyone. Thank you to our patients with cancer and their families who have donated to Macmillan and The Princess Alexandra Hospital Charity for helping to make this happen.”
Tom Burton, director of finance at PAHT, said: “I am delighted we have officially opened the new Macmillan Cancer Information Centre here at the hospital today. We put our patients at the heart of all we do and this new centre will ensure our patients with a cancer diagnosis – and their family, friends and carers – have easy access to guidance and support to help them on their journey.
“Thank you to Macmillan Cancer Support, The Princess Alexandra Hospital Charity, and our patients who have fundraised for the Williams Day Unit, for helping to make this happen; and a heartfelt thank you to all of our colleagues here at the hospital, and those in partner organisations, who have worked together to bring this to fruition.”
Sarah Macleay, Macmillan partnership quality lead, said: “We know that being diagnosed with cancer can affect so many different areas of your life, from relationships to finance. Every cancer experience is different and we want to make sure people get the support that’s right for them, when they need it most. With cancer information, emotional and financial support all under one roof, this fantastic new centre brings us one step closer to making this happen.”
For further information, and to contact the Macmillan Cancer Information Centre at The Princess Alexandra Hospital, telephone 07484 431267.