A new service to ensure cancer patients are offered emotional, practical and financial support has been launched in East Dunbartonshire today (Wednesday 10 August).
Macmillan Cancer Support and East Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) are working with a range of organisations to help ensure cancer patients across the area can access all the help they need – by making just one phone call.
The new Macmillan Improving the Cancer Journey Service, will see every newly-diagnosed cancer patient in East Dunbartonshire sent a letter offering a meeting with a dedicated one-to-one Cancer Wellbeing Practitioner. They will then help the patient access a wide range of support – from benefits advice and emotional support, to help at home or with other practical needs. Anyone currently living with cancer can also access the service by simply calling the team to arrange an appointment.
Macmillan Cancer Support has invested £320,000 in the programme, which will see Macmillan, East Dunbartonshire HSCP and other third sector organisations working together to provide a seamless, accessible and personal support for people affected by cancer.
There are nearly 5,000 people currently living with cancer in East Dunbartonshire. While it’s good news that advances in treatment mean that more people than ever are surviving, it also means that people living with cancer are living longer, often with the long-term effects of treatment or other conditions that have a huge impact on health, wellbeing and independence. Many of them don't know where to go for help coping with the non-medical effects of the illness.
Macmillan's Head of Services in Scotland, Janice Preston, said: “Cancer has a huge impact on every aspect of people's lives and many patients tell us they don't know where to turn for help. This new service should make sure everyone in East Dunbartonshire with cancer gets the right help for them, every step of the way. We hope this service will transform cancer support in East Dunbartonshire.
“It’s thanks to the continued support from people locally, who fundraise for us and donate so generously, that we are able to fund this vital new service. With their help we are able to make a huge difference to the lives of people affected by cancer in East Dunbartonshire.”
Caroline Sinclair, East Dunbartonshire HSCP's Chief Officer, said: "We're delighted to join with Macmillan to officially launch this valuable new service, which will have a hugely-beneficial impact on the lives of local people and families.
"We want to ensure everyone in East Dunbartonshire who has been diagnosed with cancer can easily access all the support they need – as soon as they need it – to help them to live as well and as independently as possible."
The new programme is part of an £18 million partnership which is set to make Scotland the first country in the UK where cancer patients will be guaranteed wraparound support. The Scottish Government and Macmillan Cancer Support are investing £9 million each to ensure everyone with cancer is offered emotional, practical and financial help from a dedicated practitioner.
The service is open to everyone aged 16 and over living with cancer, regardless of their cancer type or where they live in East Dunbartonshire.
To find out more about the East Dunbartonshire Macmillan Improving the Cancer Journey service you can call 0141 232 8256 or email eastdunicj@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
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