HEALTH Minister Michelle O’Neill officially opened a Macmillan Information Point at the South West Acute Hospital.
The Western Trust, in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, has opened a friendly and welcoming Cancer Information Point which will deliver a wide range of valuable information and support for people affected by cancer, and those who have queries about cancer.
The Macmillan Information Point is managed by the Macmillan Information and Support Manager, Martha Magee and supported by trained Trust volunteers who will man the Point on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays 10 – 4pm and Fridays 10 – 1pm.
No appointment is necessary; the volunteers will direct individuals to the range of information available that best addresses their needs or signpost to the relevant local supporting services.
Welcoming the Macmillan Information Point, Health Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “I fully support this partnership working with Macmillan to enhance the experience for people living with cancer.
“I know how important it is to ensure cancer patients have ongoing support and are signposted to appropriate services. Over many years Macmillan has worked with health and social care organisations on a wide range of projects, bringing significant benefits to patients, carers and their families.
“Meeting the challenge posed by cancer is, and will continue to be, one of my highest priorities. We have made great strides in tackling cancer and have seen significant progress in the past decade. I wish to see that progress continue and my Department and I are committed to working in partnership with others to provide the best cancer services for people.”
Western Trust Acting Chairman, Niall Birthistle said: “We are delighted to work in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support to provide this important information service for patients, relatives, carers and staff in the Western Trust area.
“The provision of this, the first Macmillan Information Point in the Western Trust, located within the South West Acute Hospital is helping us to enhance the service provided. Working with Macmillan, and local service providers, we aim to ensure information and support is available to all.”
Paula Kealey, Macmillan Cancer Support Strategic Partnership Manager, outlined the importance of this latest information facility:
“I am delighted to see this Macmillan Information Point up and running in the South West Acute Hospital. This information area demonstrates the Western Trust’s commitment to ensuring that high quality information and support is available to anyone affected by cancer in the area. We would especially like to thank the Western Trust volunteers – their support is invaluable.
“This information point is part of a much wider network of Macmillan information services across the Western Trust area which underlines our commitment to ensuring that people right across Northern Ireland have access to the right information at the right time and in the right place.”
Resources such as this are vitally important to anyone who has been affected by cancer.
This is the latest information point to be opened by Macmillan in hospitals throughout Northern Ireland in a bid to ensure that no one here faces cancer alone.
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