Support for cancer patients in the Northern Trust

The Northern Health and Social Care Trust are holding a series of Health and Wellbeing Events for people affected by a diagnosis of cancer.

The first event is for patients with Myeloma and will take place on Wednesday 25th September in Dunadry Hotel, Templepatrick from 9.30am – 12.30midday.

The second event is for patients with a diagnosis of breast cancer and will take place on Tuesday 22nd October in Corr’s Corner Hotel, Newtownabbey from 9.30am -12.30midday.

Both events will provide information about how to cope with the effects of cancer and its treatment. This includes a series of short talks from health professionals covering late effects of treatment, dietary advice, exercise, managing fatigue and the emotional impact of cancer on the individual and their family.

Over the break there will also be the opportunity to speak to health professionals, a wide range of charities and to other Trust staff who can all offer support to cancer patients. This includes information on financial assistance, returning to work, complementary therapies and a wide range of support groups available locally. There is also a chance for patients and their families to meet other people with similar experiences, which can provide reassurance, reduce anxiety and combat a sense of isolation.

Over the past 10 months the Northern Health and Social Care Trust have held a number of Health and Wellbeing events for cancer patients, their friends and family members.

A patient who attended a previous event commented:
“The event is a good opportunity to ask questions of professionals and to find a wealth of information in one place.
A husband attending with his wife who had breast cancer also commented:
“It gives you a much better understanding of how cancer affects someone and I found the event very useful and supportive.”

If you or a family member would like to attend one of these events please contact Moyra Mills, Macmillan Transforming Cancer Follow-Up Project Manager, on 07778637808 or by emailing moyra.mills@northerntrust.hscni.net

The events are part of the Transforming Cancer Follow-Up (TCFU) regional programme, which aims to make it easier for patients to access further support services once their hospital treatment has been completed.

The TCFU team have also developed a website to provide information for cancer patients and carers on a range of local services (both clinical and non-clinical) which can help with their physical, emotional, social and financial needs. Users can easily search for services by inputting their postcode or local Health Trust. Anyone interested should visit www.survivorship.cancerni.net.

9th September 2013