More people than ever are living with and beyond cancer, but not everyone is living well. People may be dealing with side-effects from their treatment, have other health concerns, or even face a recurrence of the cancer.
Currently, traditional approaches for people who have been or are being treated for cancer, are to follow up in hospital outpatient settings. At the end of 2010, 7,006 people in North Somerset were living up to 20 years after a cancer diagnosis, it is expected that by 2030 this number will rise to 13,610. By using the traditional method this will increase the pressure on available resources within the NHS and will not meet the needs of those living with and beyond cancer, and this is where the Living Well with and Beyond Cancer / Personalised Care and Support project and Macmillan Cancer Support Team can make a difference.
One of the key areas of the project, benefiting every patient who is diagnosed with cancer, is a holistic needs assessment (HNA). The HNA seeks to understand the patient’s physical, practical, emotional, spiritual and social needs. This assessment takes place at the point of diagnosis and at the end of treatment – and at any point during treatment if required. This ensures that all issues and concerns are identified and used to inform a care and support plan.
Nikki Shephard, Macmillan Living Well With and Beyond Cancer / Personalised Care & Support Project Manager, said: “The Living Well With and Beyond Cancer / Personalised care and Support project at Weston General Hospital aims to take a holistic approach to patient-centred care: supporting patients to live well, with and beyond cancer, putting them more in control of their recovery and therefore improving their life experience.
“The Macmillan Cancer Support Team facilitates health and wellbeing events that support and empower patients to take an active part in their treatment to improve their experiences, as well as giving advice and guidance on how to live well, including how to regain confidence, use relaxation techniques, coping with anger, anxiety, depression and uncertainty, handling stressful situations, planning for the future, and eating well and moving more.”
National cancer charity Macmillan Cancer Support helped to fund the team who can be found at the Macmillan Cancer Support Centre on the first floor of Weston General Hospital. They provide general information and support to patients, helping them make informed choices about their cancer care and treatment and can sign post people to local services – most importantly though, they listen. The team is there to support anyone who needs it, when they need it. Sometimes just lending an ear or a shoulder can make the word of difference, to the patient or their family, friends, carers.
Maggie Crowe, Macmillan Partnership Manager said “Cancer can affect your life in so many unexpected ways, financially, emotionally as well as physically. We’re proud to work in partnership with Weston Area Health NHS Trust and to have funded the first Macmillan Support Worker at the hospital in 2015. There are now five Macmillan Support Workers who offer vital support to local people and their families every step of the way through their treatment and beyond, helping them to live life as fully as possible.”
More information can be found at www.waht.nhs.uk or you can contact the Macmillan Cancer Support Centre on 01934 881078/9, email wnt-tr.macmillancancersupportworkers@nhs.net or speak to your cancer support worker.