Fulwood’s Macmillan information centre has benefited from a £48,000 Lancashire makeover scheme.
AdvertisementThe refurbishment will help enhance the experience for people living with cancer who use Macmillan’s Cancer Information and Support Service.
The service, which has three sites based at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, two at Royal Preston Hospital and one at Chorley and South Ribble Hospital, supports those affected by cancer across Lancashire and South Cumbria.
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Martin Bond, Centre Manager at Rosemere Cancer Centre, said: “We are so pleased this work has been carried out and are grateful for the support of Macmillan and Lancashire Teaching Hospitals and everyone else who has helped make this happen.
“The three sites are much brighter and warmer places for people to visit, and we can now go on and deliver an even better people-centred service for our patients and anyone affected by cancer.”
Bond said the service also offers a chat and a cup of tea, help with a form or a referral to a support group.
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One in two people will get cancer in their lifetime, so the centre is open to all, inducing patients, family, friends, carers or professionals.
All sites have been given a fresh makeover, while the main hub based at Royal Preston’s Rosemere Cancer Centre has added a new quiet room, which offers a safe space for people to talk in confidence and away from any disturbances.
The Macmillan Centre, launched in 2013, has helped more than 17,000 people affected by cancer, providing essential practical, emotional and financial support.
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The service is also appealing for new volunteers to join and help deliver the service.
Where practical under Covid restrictions, the team will start to offer the service in community settings, such as GP practices, faith settings and community venues, so that people with cancer can access help and support closer to home.
Anne Tomlinson, Macmillan Lead Cancer Nurse and End of Life lead at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, said: “The pandemic has been particularly hard for people with cancer and has caused much more anxiety.
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“We are very grateful to Macmillan for funding this much-needed refurbishment, and we can now offer pleasant, calm and private spaces for people with cancer and their carers to access the support and information they need.
“Macmillan has also funded a member of staff to offer support in the community.”
For more information or to volunteer, contact the centre on 01772 523709 or email Cancerinfo.centre@lthtr.nhs.uk
Opening hours are Monday – Friday, 9am – 4pm (excluding Bank Holidays).
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