Macmillan’s Cancer Information and Support Service in Lancashire has undergone a £48k refurbishment to help enhance the experience for people living with cancer.
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 anyone affected by cancer across Lancashire and South Cumbria.
All the 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.
Martin Bond, Centre Manager at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals’ 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.
“We are here for anything from a chat and a cup of tea, to help with a form or a referral to a support group. The centre is there for anyone - patients, family, friends, carers or professionals. One in two people will get cancer in their lifetime, so this important service is needed now more than ever.”
The Macmillan centre, which launched in 2013, has helped more than 17,000 people affected by cancer over the years providing essential practical, emotional and financial support.
The service is also appealing for new volunteers to join the team and help deliver the vital service, which makes such a difference to peoples’ lives.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, added: “The pandemic has been particularly hard for people with cancer and has caused much more anxiety.
“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 have also funded a member of staff to offer support in the community.”
Anyone affected by cancer – or is interested in volunteering - can contact the centre on 01772 523709 or email Cancerinfo.centre@lthtr.nhs.uk, Monday – Friday, 9am – 4pm (excluding Bank Holidays).
