05 February 2024

A ‘gold standard’ centre designed to provide vital information and support for people living with cancer will be developed at York Hospital thanks to a new partnership between Macmillan Cancer Support and York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

The estimated £2.1m project will be funded by Macmillan and see the redevelopment of the hospital’s current Cancer Care Centre. It will be operated by the existing Cancer Health & Wellbeing Support Service and will provide information and support on a range of issues, from coping with treatment and care, to getting financial support. It will be open to people affected by cancer across the region.

Angie Lunt, a patient representative who has worked closely with Macmillan and the Trust to develop plans for the centre, has lived experience of breast cancer and provided care for her late mother.

She said: “It is vital that the centre at York Hospital opens for the benefit of all those across the region who are affected by this terrible disease.

“In 2016 I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. While going through treatment my mum was diagnosed with lung cancer. I nursed my mum until she passed away. I had a complete breakdown.

“The Cancer Care Centre was pivotal in my recovery. It helped support me with ongoing health issues and my mental health. It was my saving light.

“I used the centre frequently. I was able to sit quietly on my own or join in with other patients and carers.  It was an absolute sanctuary to me. 

“I can’t stress how important these centres are there is a place for everyone which does wonders for mental health and general wellbeing. We need this safe, welcoming place for anyone affected by cancer now and in the future.”

Katie Pierce and Bianca Cipriano, Macmillan Partnership Managers who have been working closely with the trust and patient groups on the redevelopment, said: “Nine in 10 people living with cancer have a need for information about their diagnosis and nearly six in 10 express emotional concerns. The new centre at York Hospital will help those people get the support they need by providing a gold standard level of service.

“We are proud and excited to work in partnership with the trust on the redevelopment.”

Colm Gough, Macmillan Personalised Cancer Care Lead at the Trust, who leads the team that will operate the new look centre at York Hospital, said: “We have been working hard to develop a cancer support offer that continues to place the patient and their close friends and family at the heart of it.

“This significant investment by Macmillan will help ensure anyone affected by cancer or in need of information and support will be able to access the help they need.

“The plans for the redesign of the existing Cancer Care Centre align with our ongoing work to redevelop our cancer care and support service. We’re really excited about what we are going to be able to offer people in these purpose-built surroundings.”

Karen Priestman, Assistant Chief Operating Officer at York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are delighted with our partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, and we’re excited about the potential of the centre. This is a fantastic investment that will better serve the region and specifically the lives of all those affected by cancer.”

Tracey Doherty, Lead Cancer Nurse at York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “As a clinical team we always put the patient at the heart of everything we do. We work very closely with the personalised care team to provide an individual package of treatment and support for each and every patient. The investment in the new centre will continue this approach helping to provide the best possible outcomes for people living with cancer in the region.”