Macmillan's face-to-face cancer support returns to North Mid
In-person support for people affected by cancer is once again available as Macmillan’s Information and Support Centre at North Middlesex University Hospital reopened its doors on Thursday.
The support centre was relaunched after having to close during the pandemic and offers a wide range of information relating to all cancers, their treatments and effects. The manager and staff can also signpost to local support groups, explain how to access complementary therapies and advise on issues such as work and travel insurance.
Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre manager and cancer specialist, May Estiva, said: “I’m really looking forward to welcoming back members of our community who have questions about cancer - you can talk in confidence to me or the team here in a relaxed and informal environment. At Macmillan, your worries are our worries and we will move mountains to help you live life as fully as you can.”
Nine out of ten people living with cancer express a need for information about their cancer, their treatment and how to manage symptoms as well the wider impact on their daily life and wellbeing. In 2019, the service had more than 3,500 contacts, supporting 1,800 people living with cancer and their carers.
Kaz Foncette from Tottenham sought support from the pod when she was diagnosed with breast cancer age 31 in 2019. She said: “I found it so helpful, the support manager was an absolute lifesaver. My world was falling apart but she would visit me at the chemo unit, give advice and direct me where I needed to go - which is what you want because you can’t soak it all in at the start. She also helped me access a Macmillan grant as I couldn’t work and was on statutory sick pay, so this was vital in giving me some independence. I was really fortunate to have someone who was like a friend. I genuinely love Macmillan!”
Macmillan and North Mid have a partnership going back more than 20 years. Macmillan has invested more than £2 million in the Trust to date, and together the organisations have collaboratively developed many services and posts to better support people affected by cancer. In light of the current pandemic, this provision is more important than ever.
Dr Nnenna Osuji, Chief Executive of North Mid, said: “It’s vital that patients who are living with cancer know the support available to them, so we are really pleased to reopen the Macmillan Support Pod in the heart of our atrium. Our local communities look to North Mid to provide them with excellent care and we know that we can make that experience better when we work in partnership with other expert organisations like Macmillan.”
The Macmillan Information and Support Centre is now located on the ground floor of the Atrium on the main building in North Middlesex University Hospital. Opening hours are Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm, except Bank Holidays. Call 0208 887 3992 or email northmid.cancerinfo@nhs.net.