Pioneering new £2.8 million service for cancer patients in Edinburgh and the Lothians
A new service to ensure cancer patients are offered emotional, practical and financial support has been launched in Edinburgh and the Lothians today. Cancer patients across the area can now access all the help they need by making just one phone call.
One-to-one support
The new Lothians Macmillan Improving the Cancer Journey (ICJ) Service will see every newly diagnosed cancer patient in Edinburgh and the Lothians sent a letter offering a meeting with a dedicated one-to-one support worker. The worker will then help the patient access a wide range of support, from benefits advice and emotional support to help at home or with other practical needs. Anyone currently living with cancer can also access the service by simply calling the team to arrange an appointment.
Working in partnership
The programme is part of the Scottish Government and Macmillan Cancer Support £18 million partnership which is set to make Scotland the first country in the UK where cancer patients will be guaranteed wraparound support. The Scottish Government and Macmillan Cancer Support both invested £9 million each to ensure everyone with cancer is offered emotional, practical and financial help from a dedicated support worker.
Freeing up hospital time
This will mean cancer care teams in hospitals no longer need to help with non-medical issues, freeing them up to provide personalised care and support to those with complex medical problems. The move will also give them more time to support new patients – potentially helping ease waiting times pressures.
Guaranteed wraparound support
The ambition is to offer the support to every cancer patient in the country by 2023, making Scotland the first country in the UK to fulfil its promise on personalised care.
Patients need more than clinical care
Speaking at the launch of the service, Morag Barrow, Director of Midlothian Health and Social Care Partnership and Chair of the ICJ Programme Board said: “While good cancer care is absolutely about high quality clinical care, a cancer diagnosis is a time of worry and uncertainty, and It can be hard to know where to turn to for support or to know what services are available close to home.
Tackling the problem
“Improving the Cancer Journey (ICJ) is tackling that problem. Our team are skilled practitioners who can listen well and build relationships. They understand their communities and can help people navigate the health and social care system – on their own terms and at their own pace.
Accessing the right support
“Whether you need support to access the money you’re entitled to; the support to continue working if that’s what you want to do; the support to make sure your loved ones are okay - the ICJ team is alongside you every step of the way to help figure out a plan.
Supporting people to live well
“A real focus for us in Midlothian Health and Social Care Partnership is prevention, avoiding crises and working with people to support them to live well. The ICJ programme does just that and we’re already hearing about the positive impacts it’s having on people’s lives.”
Open for business
Sandra Bagnell, MacMillan Programme Manager for ICJ added: “ We’re open for business and we’re here for people right across the Lothians. Please don’t hesitate to reach out at any stage of your cancer journey if you need support.”
Contacting the Lothians Macmillan service
The project is open to everyone aged 16 and over living with cancer regardless of their cancer type or where they live in the Lothians. To find out more about the Lothians Macmillan Improving the Cancer Journey service call 07977 307 286 or 07929 784315 or email loth.icj@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk