Posted on 2nd May
A Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre (MCISS) for people affected by cancer has opened at the YMCA Community and Activity Village, Newark.
Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which manages Newark Hospital, is working in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support to provide the service in response to feedback from patients.
The development, which is an extension of the existing service at King’s Mill Hospital, Sutton, is the first of its kind nationally.
A Macmillan information library will remain at the Eastwood Centre in Newark Hospital and will signpost people to the MCISS at the YMCA Village, which already has an on-site café and a range of health and wellbeing activities.
Now people affected by cancer can easily access resources and services close to home. The centre, which is open Monday to Friday, from 8.30am to 4pm, offers drop-in services and appointments for personalised support. Advice and signposting from partners will be available to address concerns that may stem from cancer — including physical, practical, emotional, social, and financial issues.
The service is designed to provide information and support in a friendly community setting rather than a traditional hospital environment. It offers support to anyone affected by cancer.
Andrea Murphy, Macmillan Cancer information and support service lead at Sherwood Forest Hospitals, said: “We are excited that the people of Newark and surrounding areas can access support on their doorstep. The journey from Newark to our King’s Mill Macmillan Centre can feel overwhelming for people affected by cancer, especially if they feel unwell or are fed-up with attending hospital appointments.
“The YMCA is a welcoming space where several organisations will come together under one roof to support people.”
The service is recruiting ambassadors to help share information and contribute to the development of the new service. Contact the service via 01636 681681 ext 5936 or on 07553 726425, or email [email protected]
Alternatively, call the Macmillan Support Line on 0808 808 00 00 or visit macmillan.org.uk
Pictured, from left, are Sally Hill, project manager YMCA Newark and Sherwood); Andrea Murphy, SFH Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service lead); and service users Julie Brandon-Smith; Andrea Ellis; David Ellis; Naseem Akhtar; and Iain Peel.
