How Macmillan Unit has been supporting cancer patients during the pandemic

The unit has been running for seven years and has information centres at both the Macmillan Unit at Calderdale Royal Hospital and the Greenlea Unit at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.

The Macmillan team had to adapt quickly when lockdown restrictions were first put in place in March, but they have successfully managed to continue supporting people affected by cancer throughout the pandemic.

Helen Jones, Macmillan Information Centre Manager explained: “Like many work places, we were faced with the sudden closure of the Macmillan Centres in both of our hospitals in March, but we continued to work remotely offering much needed telephone and video calls to support patients and families as we knew that cancer didn’t go away.

“We’ve been really busy throughout this period and people have been telling us they’re extremely anxious about shielding, finances, cancer treatment and issues around work, as well as dealing with the fact they’re isolated from their family and friends.”

Helen and her colleagues at Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust have set up a new course for people recently diagnosed with cancer and their families, called First Steps. First Steps aims to help people support themselves by giving reliable information such as an introduction to treatment, who you may meet, diet, physical activity, sleep, managing fatigue and emotional support.

First Steps also includes information about different services which can help to support you throughout the cancer journey. The course is now running remotely due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Helen continued: “First Steps is unique in that it’s been designed by cancer patients for cancer patients; the people who fully understand the world-shattering impact of hearing a

cancer diagnosis first-hand.

“First Steps is like a book club; information and videos are viewed in advance on the hospital website or sent in the post., People can send in questions and then we come together as a small online group to discuss the issues and answer any questions..

“We’ve had fantastic feedback from people who have attended the course - they found being able to talk about their issues, ask questions, find out key information and know how to access support at the start of the cancer journey, made a real difference and , gave them back some level of control.”

Adele Burrough is the Macmillan Fundraising Manager, she said: “Before Covid-19, many patients told Macmillan being diagnosed with cancer and going through treatment was the scariest thing that they could imagine

“These anxieties and concerns have not gone away during the pandemic – they’ve been made worse - meaning Macmillan needs support from people in Calderdale more than ever to provide the vital support people living with cancer rely on

“Macmillan is doing everything we can to offer medical, emotional and financial support to people living with cancer and our work is almost entirely funded by donations.

“We’re encouraging people to sign up for this year’s Coffee Morning and join in however they can do safely. Every penny raised by Coffee Morning helps Macmillan to provide this support.”