Macmillan Funded Project Leaves a Lasting Legacy for People Living with Cancer

Patients in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin will continue to experience better cancer support thanks to the learnings from a Macmillan funded pilot.

The 20-month project was launched in late 2021 and started in pilot GP practices from January 2022. It involved Community Care Coordinators working closely with GP surgeries across the county to improve Cancer Care Reviews. Since it began, the pilot has supported over 1,000 people living with cancer to look at the support they might need in areas such as work, finances, transport, religion, relationships, and legal advice, along with their family, partners, and carers.

The success of the pilot means that local health and care organisations continue to invest in cancer care services across the county, with more dedicated cancer care roles being introduced in General Practice through Primary Care Networks, improved communications between primary and secondary care teams, and a new training and education offer for staff.

Dr Ian Chan from NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin said “Getting the right support at the right time is very important for people diagnosed with cancer.  This project has meant that local people have received clear information and advice when they needed it and had personalised support through what is always a very challenging time.

“The feedback we have received from everyone involved has been incredibly positive, and we are pleased to see that local GP practices are using what we have learnt from this project to continue to improve the care they offer in the future.”

For cancer related information and support visit www.macmillan.org.uk. The Macmillan Support Line is open 7 days a week 8am to 8pm 0808 808 0000.