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Macmillan Specialist Care at Home in Hull launch: February 4 2015.

The official launch took place at The Royal Station Hotel in Hull. From left; Lynda Whincup, Director of Operational Services City Health Partnership CIC; Nicole Woodyatt, Programme Manager for Macmillan Specialist Care at Home; Councillor Mary Glew, Lord Mayor of Kingston upon Hull; Angie Orr, Senior Operations Manager for End of Life Care at City Health Care Partnership CIC and Lady Halifax, President of Macmillan Cancer Support.

A new approach that improves care for people affected by cancer and other life limiting conditions at the end of their life has been officially launched in Hull.

City Health Care Partnership CIC is working with Macmillan Cancer Support in Hull to trial a model called Macmillan Specialist Care at Home[i] which has been rolled out in six locations across the UK[ii].  

The official launch in Hull comes just days after new analysis from Macmillan  revealed  people with terminal cancer who don’t receive any kind of health or social care at home in their last few months of life are more than twice as likely to die in hospital than at home. This is despite most people with cancer wanting to die at home[iii]

Pam Brazier, 61, from Hull is among those to benefit from Macmillan Specialist Care at Home since patients began being seen last year. Her husband, Tony, was terminally ill following his second diagnosis of throat cancer, but was able to spend his final seven weeks at home.

Pam said: “Tony wanted to die at home - he’d been in and out of hospital for so long I think he just had enough of it. He wanted to be surrounded by his home comforts. The Macmillan team helped make that happen and I cannot praise them enough.

“If I hadn’t had that support, I wouldn’t have coped and Tony would have spent his last days in hospital. The team were like friends and they always said they weren’t just there for Tony, they were there for me as the carer too, and that made such a difference. Even after Tony died, they have stayed in touch and continued to support me.”

Tony died at home on 11 August 2014 aged 67. The couple had been married since 1984, and have one daughter, Jolene, now 31.

Based on a Swedish model of advanced home care, Macmillan Specialist Care at Home in Hull is led by a community-based speciality doctor working with a team of highly skilled nurses, palliative care pharmacists and other professionals to provide flexible and personalised care.  The team work closely with Hull GPs to support and empower them to deliver high quality palliative and end of life care. People affected by cancer and other life limiting conditions are referred for specialist care at the earliest opportunity and offered as much medical treatment and support in the home as possible. The team also collaborates with a range of local health and social care organisations to join up and co-ordinate the right support for the individual and their family.  

The programme in Hull will run until 2016, at which point an external evaluation undertaken by academics at Nottingham University’s Sue Ryder Centre will inform future plans, drawing on the expertise of local hospices in its delivery.

Nicole Woodyatt, Programme Manager for Macmillan Specialist Care at Home, said: “This is a great example of how services can work closer together to support people and families in Hull. It is inspiring to see the determination everyone brings to this project.”

Angie Orr, Senior Operations Manager for End of Life Care at City Health Care Partnership CIC, said: “We are very proud to be one of the six national partners working with Macmillan Cancer Support to deliver this innovative approach to specialist and end of life care at home. Improving the quality of care for patients whose preference is to die at home is something we work extremely hard to achieve.”

Partners in this new approach are:

Hull Clinical Commissioning Group

Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals

Hull City Council

Hull Churches

Dove House Hospice

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[i] The Macmillan Specialist Care at Home approach originated with the Midhurst Macmillan Specialist Palliative Care service in Sussex, where it was shown that people with cancer and others with complex care needs had a high quality experience of care. More people were able to be cared for and die in their preferred place; emergency admissions and patient stays in hospital were reduced; and the total cost to the health and social care system of caring for people in the last year of life was reduced by 20 per cent. This was found to be the case in an evaluation consisting of two elements: an economic evaluation carried out by Monitor Company Group and a qualitative service evaluation carried out by the Universities of Huddersfield and Sheffield.

More about Macmillan Specialist Care at Home here: http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Aboutus/Healthandsocialcareprofessionals/Macmillansprogrammesandservices/Specialist-care-at-home.aspx

[ii] The six innovation centres are: City Healthcare Partnership CIC (Hull); Earl Mountbatten Hospice (Isle of Wight); West Norfolk Clinical Commissioning Group; Birmingham and Solihull Clinical Commissioning Groups; Mary Stevens Hospice and partners (Dudley, West Midlands); and the North London Hospice (Barnet, Enfield and Haringey, London).

[iii] “Terminal cancer patients with no care at home are more than twice as likely to die in hospital”, Macmillan Cancer Support, January 30 2015.

http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Aboutus/News/Latest_News/Terminalcancerpatientswithnocareathomearemorethantwiceaslikelytodieinhospital.aspx

Macmillan social workers in Northumberland

End of life care for people in Northumberland is set to benefit from a ground-breaking new specialist team for the county.

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has successfully won Macmillan funding to recruit a team of four Macmillan social workers, who will support people with cancer and a range of life-limiting or long-term conditions. The new team will also provide ongoing support to family and friends.

The specially trained social workers will give people with complex care needs who are nearing the end of their life specialist help to access the specific care and support they need. This will include health and social care plans tailored to the individual’s own wishes; helping people get timely, joined-up community support; arranging and coordinating hospital discharges; and supporting carers.

The goal is to improve the quality of life for the patient, their family and friends.

Daljit Lally, executive director of Wellbeing and Community Health Services, said: “We are delighted to be working with Macmillan to create this ground-breaking new team. People nearing the end of their life can have complex and wide ranging care and support needs. By helping to coordinate access to health and social care in the community in a way that respects that person’s individual choices, the Macmillan social worker can help reduce their anxiety and stress and ultimately improve their quality of life.

“We have a real commitment to ensuring people have the best possible service and this includes helping them to have their say in where and how they are cared for.”

Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust delivers community services in Northumberland and North Tyneside and adult social care services in Northumberland in partnership with Northumberland County Council.

Northumberland County Councillor Susan Dungworth, policy board member for adult care and public health, said: “People living with cancer should be provided with support every step of the way. Cancer patients encounter numerous social and emotional challenges that affect their daily lives and they, and their carers, need support from professionals who understand the social aspect of living with cancer.

“Bringing four specially trained social workers to assist with cancer care in the county will be a very welcome addition to the Macmillan team.”

The Macmillan social workers will form part of a range of Macmillan support available to people living in Northumberland, including nurses across the county, allied health professionals, benefits advisers, information and support services and a bereavement service.

Karen Stenlund, Macmillan Development Manager in the North East, said: “Macmillan knows that people living with cancer and their carers have social care needs as well as health needs. They tell us they need emotional and practical support and financial help and advice throughout their cancer journey. These new Macmillan social workers will be a great source of support for people affected by cancer in Northumberland.”

Coping with cancer in York

A new specialist Macmillan counsellor is helping people at York Hospital cope with the psychological impact of cancer.

Abigail Manzira, pictured, is a Specialist Macmillan Cancer Counsellor who helps people who have finished cancer treatment and are struggling to cope. 

Abigail said: “The people I see have finished their cancer treatment, which might have included chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, or all three. They might be surrounded by friends and family celebrating the end of treatment and being clear of cancer, but they won’t necessarily feel like celebrating. I see a lot of people who go through the process of regular appointments at hospital and maintain a ‘fighting spirit’, putting their emotions on hold. It’s when treatment stops that people might struggle coming to terms with what has happened. Cancer is probably the biggest psychological fight they have ever faced.”

The new counsellor role has been funded by Macmillan Cancer Support and provided in partnership with York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Abigail is based within the Cancer Psychology Team in Psychological Medicine Services and sees patients on a one-to-one basis in hospital. Earlier this year, research by Macmillan revealed almost one in four (24%) of people living with cancer in North Yorkshire - an estimated 5,700 - are suffering from loneliness as a result of their cancer.

Abigail said: “Patients can feel incredibly isolated after they finish treatment as they’re no longer having regular hospital appointments. Many people can struggle that they’re no longer able to do what they used to do - that could be work, for example. I’m there to provide talking therapy. It’s not about trying to mask what has happened; it’s about giving people the confidence to cope and self-manage and be able to move forward with their lives.”

Patients, who are referred via their GP or nurse, typically see Abigail for fortnightly one hour sessions for up to 12 weeks, depending on how they feel. As part of Abigail’s role, she is also putting together a research document, looking further into the emotional issues people in North Yorkshire face having finished cancer treatment.

To help more people living with cancer, Macmillan relies on public donations. To find out ways you can give, call Harry Baines, Macmillan Fundraising Manager for North Yorkshire on 07473 541337 or email hbaines@macmillan.org.uk

Macmillan warns lung cancer awareness is key

Janette Hughes, a Macmillan lung cancer nurse specialist based in Middlesbrough

Macmillan Cancer Support is urging the public to be signs and symptoms aware, and play their part in fighting the UK’s most lethal cancer for lung cancer awareness month this November. 

Over 35,000 people in the UK die from lung cancer every year, but the charity says it doesn’t have to be a death sentence.

Janette Hughes, Macmillan lung cancer nurse specialist based at The James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, said: “119 people receive a diagnosis of lung cancer every day in the UK, and whilst the survival rates are poor, the important thing to remember is that if caught early enough it is treatable.

“77% of lung cancer patients have said they are unaware of the signs and symptoms, and that means many are being diagnosed too late for curative treatment. It’s really vital that more people are educated – getting people to their GP’s when symptoms occur could mean earlier diagnosis and a better prognosis.”

There are some common symptoms often displayed by patients with lung cancer. These symptoms can all be caused by other illnesses too, but if they occur for three weeks or more it’s always advisable to speak to your GP about them:

· a continuing cough, or change in a long-standing cough

· becoming breathless and wheezy

· coughing up bloodstained phlegm (sputum)

· chest or shoulder pain

· weight loss

· a chest infection that doesn’t get better

· a hoarse voice

· a dull ache or sharp pain when you cough or take a deep breath

· difficulty swallowing

· feeling extremely tired (fatigue) and lethargic

· the ends of fingers becoming larger or looking more rounded (clubbing)

· swelling of lymph nodes (glands) in the neck area

Janette added: “There is also a misconception that lung cancer only affects smokers but this isn’t the case – in fact more than one in ten cases are not linked to smoking at all. It’s important for everyone to know the facts.”

Carol Perrin from Middlesbrough remembers the shock her family felt when her mother, Joan Wanless, 74, was diagnosed with lung cancer.

Mother-of-four Joan, was found to have a tumour on her left lung having gone to see her doctor with a persistent cough. Following her diagnosis, in October 2013, she was admitted to the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough for surgery to remove part of her lung in January 2014. Ten months later, scans show she is still cancer free.

Carol, 49, said: "When mam got ill, she knew something wasn't right. She was coughing and was losing weight. The main thing to get across is that people shouldn't be frightened about going to see the doctor. If you have any doubts about your health, you should get checked out. If mam hadn't done that, she wouldn't be here today. You have got a fighting chance if lung cancer can be found early.

"Mam has had her health issues but it was a huge shock when she was diagnosed. You hear the words lung cancer and you think that's the end but it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. They were able to treat her and the support she has had has been incredible. The best advice she had was to 'live your life', and that's exactly what she is doing."

Joan, a grandmother of eight who lives in Middlesbrough, has received emotional support from Macmillan nurses since her diagnosis, helping her come to terms with her cancer and moving on with her life.

Cancer is the toughest fight many people will ever face, and the feelings of isolation and loneliness that so many people experience make it even harder. But you don’t have to go through it alone. If you have any worries or questions about lung cancer, visit www.macmillan.org.uk or call Macmillan free on 0808 808 00 00.

Cancer Buddy is Doncaster Council ‘Employee of the year’

Ally Henshaw, breast cancer survivor and the creator of ‘Cancer Buddies’ was last night awarded Doncaster Council ‘Employee of the year’.  Ally was awarded this prestigious honour for her work on the Doncaster Cancer Buddies scheme, a befriending service which offers emotional and practical support for local people affected by cancer. 

People affected by cancer and carers are matched with a ‘buddy’ who has been through a similar cancer experience.  Ally set up the project after her own cancer experience and said:

“ Friends and family are great but they’re scared about what’s happening to you.  From the moment I was diagnosed with cancer I knew I needed to talk to someone who had been through the same experience – that’s how we came up with the idea for Cancer Buddies.

“To be acknowledged by my employers like this is a such an honour, I’m so proud that my idea has been brought to life and that I am able to make a real difference to local people affected by cancer” 

Ally was able to realise her idea with the support of the ‘Doncaster Cancer Survivorship’ project of which Ally plays an integral role on the steering group.  Since April this year Cancer Buddies has received 75 referrals, has 41 active clients and 32 trained buddies ready to give support.  

Ally set up Cancer Buddies with funding from Macmillan Cancer Support and a commitment from her employers Doncaster Council which enables her to run the service.   

Macmillan Cancer Support have invested £800,000 to improve cancer survivorship services in Doncaster over the last two years.

If you would like to find out more about how to become a cancer buddy or other voluntary opportunities with the Doncaster Cancer Survivorship project visit the Living Well volunteer open day on 3 November at St John’s Information & Support Centre, Tickhill Road, Balby, DN4 8JS (1-3pm).  Email stjohnsinfo@rdash.nhs for more information.

£9m cancer centre officially opened

Christine Talbot from ITV Calendar cuts the ribbon

A £9million centre for cancer and haematology patients at Harrogate District Hospital has been officially opened.

The Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre is a new outpatient oncology and information centre, providing a state-of-the-art facility for people affected by cancer in North Yorkshire.

The build has been made possible thanks to a £3.5million donation by Sir Robert Ogden. This figure was matched by Macmillan Cancer Support, while Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust provided £2million. The centre was built to replace an outpatient haematology and chemotherapy unit at the hospital, which wasn’t large enough to meet a growing need. The centre also means many patients in Harrogate no longer have to travel to Leeds or York for treatment.

Lady Halifax, President of Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “This beautiful and innovative new centre makes an enormous difference to local people affected by cancer and their families. Not only do they benefit from not having to travel longer distances to Leeds or York, but they’re also receiving the very latest in cancer treatment, in an incredibly calm and relaxing, state-of-the-art centre. It’s an inspirational place to be. The official opening is an exciting and significant day for Macmillan, and the culmination of a successful partnership with Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust and Sir Robert Ogden.”

Lady Halifax meets some of the team based at the Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre

Lady Halifax was on hand to unveil a plaque at the centre, while Christine Talbot from ITV Calendar shared her own experiences of cancer before cutting the ribbon.

The new centre includes a treatment area, which has 14 chairs for patients to receive chemotherapy, and separate surgical areas for procedures such as blood tests. There is also space for six clinic rooms, two rooms for counselling and a staff room. By the main entrance is the supportive care, health and wellbeing area, where services include patient information and support, complementary therapies and welfare benefits advice.

Sir Robert Ogden said: “I am delighted that the people of North Yorkshire now have a new cancer treatment and resource centre. I am proud to have been closely involved in the project and I am certain that the Harrogate Centre will prove to be as successful as the earlier centre I funded with Macmillan at St James’s Hospital Leeds”.

Sir Robert Ogden speaks to staff at the centre

Construction of the centre began in autumn 2012 and was completed by the end of 2013. Staff and services moved across in March 2014. The design of the centre was heavily influenced by patient representatives and delivers Macmillan’s quality environment standards – a benchmark for cancer patient experience.

Sandra Dodson, Chairman of Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are delighted to officially be opening this fabulous facility, which is already giving significant benefits to the quality of care that we can provide to cancer patients and their families. Within the Centre, in addition to high quality clinical care, we are now able to offer additional support services, including the Welfare and Benefits Service, which has already helped patients to claim £1million in benefits since launching less than a year ago. An expanded range of complementary therapies and facilities, a hairdressing service for patients whose hair is re-growing after cancer treatment and a wide range of support group and advice meetings are among the other services that are now helping us to offer a more rounded package of care to cancer patients.”

The centre has been praised for its calm and relaxing atmosphere

Dr Ros Tolcher, Chief Executive, added: “Our highly trained and dedicated staff are already receiving some fantastic feedback from patients who are telling us how much better the Centre is than the previous facility, allowing them to feel more relaxed which can only help with their treatment. We take great care to listen to the views of our service users and we are proud we have come third nationally, and first in Yorkshire, in a league table measuring patient experience across England, based on research commissioned by NHS England. We were only able to build the Centre thanks to the tremendous generosity of Sir Robert Ogden and Macmillan Cancer Support, to whom we are extremely grateful.”