Work starts at the new Macmillan Information Centre at Wrexham Maelor Hospital
Work has started on the new Macmillan Information Centre at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.
This exciting development, which is a joint venture between Macmillan Cancer Support, the Shooting Star Appeal and the North Wales NHS Trust, will create the first ever Macmillan Information Centre in Wales.
One in three of us will develop cancer, and nearly all of us will know a relative, friend or colleague who is affected by the disease. Providing patients, their families and their carers with easy access to information and support is a crucial part of the care and support package that people affected by cancer need.
Yvonne Lush, Cancer Services Manager at the hospital, said:
'Macmillan has already funded a number of clinical nurse specialist posts at the Hospital, and we are thrilled to be extending our relationship with them. This is a very important development for cancer services in North East Wales and I want to thank both Macmillan and the Shooting Star Appeal for their continued support.'
As well as information about their condition and treatment, patients often need guidance on lifestyle changes and ways of coping with both the physical and emotional effects of their illness.
But people with cancer may also need other help - for example advice on finances and benefits to help them cope with the extra costs that cancer can bring.
Cath Lindley, General Manager for Macmillan Cancer Support in Wales, said:
'We are delighted that the first ever Macmillan Information Centre in Wales is to be based at the Shooting Star Unit in Wrexham. Whatever stage of the cancer journey people are on, receiving the correct information at the right time about cancer is vital. We are very much looking forward to working in partnership with the Shooting Star Appeal and the North Wales NHS Trust to ensure people living with cancer in North East Wales receive information and support of the highest quality."'
The Information Centre is being built close to the entrance to the Hospital's Shooting Star Unit, making it easily accessible to patients who may be attending for treatment, and the building costs are being met by the Shooting Star Appeal.
The Centre will include a library of reference materials, internet access and a quiet room where patients and their families can meet with the Information Manager in private for discreet and confidential discussions. The specialist Information Manager post is funded by Macmillan and will play a crucial role in providing advice and helping patients find the information they need.