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Media release
New Information & Support Centre Opens for Cancer Patients in West Hertfordshire
Posted: December 15th 2009
Anyone affected by cancer living in West Hertfordshire will now have access to a wealth of information and support, thanks to a new service.
The new West Hertfordshire Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service was officially opened at Watford General Hospital on Monday 14 December by Claire Ward MP (left).
The service provides vital information and support and for anyone living with cancer, their relatives and friends, whether they are worried they may have the disease, during treatment or whilst adjusting to life afterwards. It gives free information and support in a relaxed and informal environment, and no appointment is necessary. Patients and their carers can also find out about financial support, counselling, support groups and other local services available.
Patients can visit the newly refurbished information centre in the foyer of Watford General Hospital, or the Cancer-i centre at Grove House on the St Albans City Hospital site. There are also plans to expand the service to a base at Hemel Hempstead Hospital.
The centre and service has been funded by Macmillan Cancer Support and developed in partnership with West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust and Grove House. It is run by Macmillan Patient Information Manager, Derryn
Borley, (right) supported by 18 trained volunteers.
Stephen Richards, Regional Director for London Macmillan Cancer Support, said: "When you're living with cancer, having the right kind of information and someone to talk when you need it is essential, as it helps you make informed choices about your treatment and care, and takes away some of the uncertainty and fear. This is exactly what this new service will do, so that cancer patients and their families in West Hertfordshire know where to turn."
Professor Thomas Hanahoe, Chairman West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust said: "We have worked very closely with Macmillan Cancer Support to provide this excellent service for our patients. We are very pleased with this centre which is a calm space where patients and their families can access information and talk to the centre volunteers in a relaxed and informal environment."
Anyone who needs information or support from the centre can ring 01923 436 326 or email wherts-tr.cancerinfo@nhs.net.
Ends
For further information please contact Eileen Whitehouse, Media Relations Manager for West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust on 01923 436 282 or Ali Birtwell, Regional Communications Manager at Macmillan Cancer Support on 020 8222 9009.
Notes to Editor
- The Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre holds a wide range of up to date, good quality booklets, leaflets, DVDs and audio materials about cancer, in English and some other languages. It also provides access to cancer-related information online.
- Macmillan Cancer Support improves the lives of people affected by cancer, providing practical, medical, emotional and financial support and pushing for better cancer care. Cancer affects us all and two million of us are living with it today in the UK. One in three of us will get cancer in our lifetime. If you have questions about living with cancer call our free CancerLine on 0808 808 2020 or visit www.macmillan.org.uk
