Macmillan funded project aims to improve the lives of people living with cancer in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin

A new project aimed at improving the experiences of people living with cancer in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin has been funded by a national cancer support charity.

The Macmillan Community Care Project, was launched in late 2021 and began in pilot GP practices from January 2022. It is a pilot scheme which involves Macmillan Community Care Co-ordinators working closely with selected general practice (GP) surgeries across the region, to improve Cancer Care Reviews (CCR’s) completed in Primary Care.

The project began as a result of a £284,000 support grant provided by Macmillan Cancer Support, and is aimed at increasing the number and quality of Cancer Care Reviews – conversations between a patient and their GP or Practice Nurse about their cancer journey -  completed within the 12-month period following diagnosis.

CCR’s are available in all GP practices and are typically done with a member of clinical staff, however this pilot scheme now adds an additional ‘non-clinical’ part to a patient’s CCR, to create a holistic review of their needs. It is done through our new team of Macmillan Community Care Co-ordinators (MCCC’s) working across selected GP practices in Shropshire in a pilot scheme.

Dr Ian Chan from NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin said: “This newly formed service allows our patients to receive real wrap-around care from their GP practice at a time when they will need our care and support the most.

“I am delighted that the project has been such a success so far and has helped so many people. I would encourage anyone living with cancer, or who is caring for a loved one, to speak with their GP practice to find out more about the Macmillan Community Care Co-ordinators (MCCC’s) and how they can help.”

MCCC’s use the Macmillan Holistic Health Needs Assessment (HNA) to offer support with non-clinical patient concerns. Taking a personalised care approach and using health coaching methods, this includes open discussions around concerns such as work, finances, transport, religion, relationships and legal advice.

Jeremy Roberts, Macmillan Community Care Project Manager at NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin said: “The project has already made a difference to the lives of people with cancer in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, and we are looking forward to continuing its growth. There has been positive feedback from patients, who have told us that having the CCR face-to-face and being given time to discuss how they are feeling and coping with concerns in person and being directed to support, is invaluable.

“We have five MCCC’s based in surgeries across the region, who all do a fantastic job at recognising a patients’ needs, offering information and support, and listening to concerns. They can assist with an array of things that may be of concern to you, such as accessing a blue badge or attendance allowance, following up medical concerns, or informing you of local support services available.

“If you or a loved one is living with cancer and you think you would benefit from speaking to a Macmillan Community Care Co-ordinator (MCCC), please speak to your GP.”

This is what one patient said about their Cancer Care Review with an MCCC.

“If you could have a permanent Macmillan Community Care Coordinator (MCCC) at the local doctors’ surgeries, it would help so many people. Seeing someone face to face really does help enormously.”

For comprehensive cancer information and support, including Macmillan’s latest guidance on the impact of coronavirus on cancer care, visit www.macmillan.org.uk. The Macmillan Support Line is open 7 days a week 8am to 8pm 0808 808 0000.