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Macmillan information and support units

In each Hospital site there are Macmillan Information and Support services. These are run by a centre manager and a team of trained volunteers. They are here to provide practical and emotional support to anyone who is worried about or directly affected by cancer. Whilst this is not a clinical service the units are able to signpost you to clinical services and any other local or national services which would be helpful to you. The units carry a large number of booklets such as information about your cancer type, treatments, and side effects and how to live well during and following your treatment. The service is open Monday to Friday. The Macmillan Information Units can be contacted by telephone:

Worcester Royal Hospital – Main Reception and Oncology Centre

Main Reception; 01905 733837

Oncology: 01905 760674

Alexandra Hospital

01527 503030 ext. 44238

Kidderminster Hospital

01562 513273

Emotional support

Being told you have cancer can lead to a range of different emotions. It is important that you are able to speak to someone about how you are feeling. You may have a good support network of family and friends but sometimes it is helpful to speak to someone you don’t know. Macmillan Information and Support Units are there to provide a listening ear and confidential support.

This service is available Monday to Friday.

At the weekend the National Macmillan Support Line is available on 0808 808 0000. There is a psychology and counselling service for cancer patients within the Trust. A referral can be made to this service if appropriate.

Financial support

A cancer diagnosis can impact on your finances as you may not be able to work and you may have extra costs such as travelling to hospital appointments. There are a number of ways we may be able to help. Worcestershire Macmillan Citizens Advice Service is available to all cancer patients and their carers for guidance and you can self-refer.

The CAB service is contactable on 01905 725946 (Monday to Friday) or you can email them on macmillan@cabwhabac.org.uk.

The Macmillan Information Units have booklets on work, finances and benefits and can also refer you into the Macmillan CAB service if you wish.

All cancer patients are entitled to concessionary parking on each hospital site. Please ask at the Macmillan Information Units. When you have a cancer diagnosis you are entitled to free prescriptions. Please ask your GP about this.

Carers support

A carer can be anyone who provides physical, practical or emotional care. It can be a family member or a friend. Being a carer can be extremely rewarding but it can also lead to challenges. It is important to talk about any concerns you may have. The staff at the Macmillan Information Units are there to offer emotional support and can signpost you to local services, such as Worcestershire Association of Carers who can be contacted on 0300 012 4272 (Monday to Friday) and 9am to 12pm on Saturdays.

It may be useful to talk to Worcestershire Macmillan CAB as you may be entitled to carer’s benefits and other financial support.

Support Groups

Accessing support can be a useful way of helping you cope with your cancer diagnosis. It can be beneficial to talk to people who have been through similar experiences. There are a wide range of local support groups in Worcestershire and also National support groups. The Macmillan Information Units and your Clinical Nurse Specialist have information about support groups and can signpost you to the most appropriate support for you and your loved ones.

Shine Cancer Support

Shine West Mids are here for you in the difficult times and you can join them virtually for local meet ups. You can also find out about al the national workshops they are running too.

Email mailto:westmids@shinecancersupport.org for more information.

If there’s a problem

We trust that your care and treatment will be positive but if you have any problems please let your Clinical Nurse Specialist or the staff on the ward know as soon as possible. Some problems can be solved by talking through the issues but if you feel you wish to talk to somebody not directly involved with your care, you can contact a member of the Patient Services team who are there to listen to your concerns and help sort out problems on the patient’s behalf.

The Patient Services team can be contacted on 0300 123 1733.

The Patient Advice and Liaison service (PALS) can be contacted on 0300 123 1732 between 8.30am and 4pm Monday to Friday.