Cancer support service that has helped more than 900 Oldham residents set to continue

A DEDICATED health service that has helped more than 900 Oldham residents affected by cancer is set to continue after a successful pilot scheme.

The Oldham Macmillan 1-1 Support service provides a dedicated community resource to ensure people living with and beyond cancer receive the care, information and support they need.

The team of professionals offer care and information for people’s individual physical, emotional, financial, psychological, social and spiritual needs and helps ensure they have the best quality of life possible.

The service is run by Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust and has been operating as a pilot funded by Macmillan Cancer Support since April 2013.

Now, the success of the pilot project has led to its extension, with NHS Oldham Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) deciding to commission the service on an ongoing basis.

Between September 2015 and March 2016, 100 percent of service users who completed the NHS ‘Friends and Family Test’ to give feedback, said they were either extremely likely or likely to recommend the service to friends and family, should they require similar care or support.

One patient to benefit from the support is Christine Sinclair, of Royton, who has praised the team for the help and advice they gave her after she was diagnosed with cancer.

Christine said: “The nurses were very good; they came to see me straight after I was diagnosed and were very sympathetic and helpful.

“They talked me through all sorts I would never have thought of, like benefits I was able to claim or adaptations for my home, such as a stair lift or ‘elephant’s feet’ to raise my furniture.

“They kept in constant contact with me when I was very poorly and were there any time I needed them.”

Tracy Kelly, Macmillan 1-1 Clinical Coordinator from Pennine Care, said: “When we hear from patients about how support has helped them through a very difficult stage of their lives, it is clear just how valuable the service is

“Over the three-year pilot, the service has really developed and enhanced the level of excellent cancer care already provided in Oldham.

“It’s fantastic that the work of the team, and the positive impact it has, can continue into the future.”

Dr Matthias Hohmann, Clinical Director for Cancer at NHS Oldham CCG, said: “We are very proud of our Macmillan 1-1 service. It is highly innovative, and Oldham is one of very few places in England that can support people in this way.

“We are delighted to see how many Oldham residents affected by cancer have been supported to date, and it really is great news that the team’s success has enabled us to secure long-term funding for this service which means we will be able to help more people in the future.”

Fran Mellor, Macmillan Associate Development Manager, added: “Macmillan Cancer support are pleased their partnership with Oldham CCG over the past three years has resulted in the commissioning of this excellent service.

“The support team has already made an impact on the lives of people affected by cancer. This service will enable those affected to regain control of their lives while living with and beyond a cancer diagnosis.”

People who are affected by cancer and are living in Oldham or are registered with a GP in the borough can also get in touch with the team by calling 0161 621 7684.

People can also email oldham.macmillansupport@nhs.net or write to: Macmillan 1-1 Support Team, Block 4, Southlink Business Park, Hamilton St, Oldham, OL4 1DE.