A new state of the art Macmillan Cancer Support Centre at The Royal Oldham Hospital has officially opened its doors and welcomed its first visitors.
Actor William Ash, known for his roles in Emmerdale and Waterloo Road, was joined by Dr Zahid Chauhan, the Mayor of Oldham, to celebrate the opening of the facility that will provide accessible face to face support for people affected by cancer. The hub site will also allow thousands of more people with the opportunity to access help tailored to their needs, both onsite and through outreach services in the community.
The new centre will bring much needed cancer information and support into the heart of the community, reducing the need for people to travel to multiple locations for support which will vastly improve their patient experience, the support they receive and their quality of life.
Sarah Plant, Macmillan Information and Support Service Assistant Manager at The Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust said: “Dealing with a cancer diagnosis and treatment is an incredibly tough time and it is important that we come together as a clinical team and community to support those going through this crucial time in their live. The new hub will provide a friendly face and someone to turn to when things can be challenging.”
Shaped by local people living with cancer and the cancer workforce, the new centre at The Royal Oldham Hospital is a partnership between the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust and Macmillan Cancer Support investing £120,000 into the building.
Alison McCarthy, Macmillan Associate Director of Nursing for Cancer at the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, added: “I’m really thrilled and excited to see the new Macmillan Cancer Support Centre at The Royal Oldham Hospital now officially open. The need for such a facility in Oldham was identified many years ago, so I’m thrilled to have seen the vision and plan come to fruition.
“The Centre will benefit people living with cancer in the Oldham area and beyond. We’ve already has lots of people in the local community keen to use the new facility. So far, we’ve offered opportunities to support people both on a one-to -one basis, as well as plans to accommodate support groups and other group initiatives.
“This excellent and aesthetically pleasing environment will improve the quality of care and experience for all our patients and families who seek support for years to come.”
Service users have had plenty of positives to say about the service Macmillan has to offer at The Royal Oldham Hospital, with one person saying: “Since speaking to you, I feel that I’ve already received so much support. My benefits are getting sorted I know what’s happening with my mortgage and I’m trying things like complementary therapy to help with my anxiety. I can’t thank you enough; I didn’t know where to turn before speaking to you.”
The Macmillan Cancer Support Centre is open for both people living with and beyond cancer and their loved ones to use. One family member who’s had experience of using the service said: “I always know I can contact you and you will listen to me and help me if I need your help. It means a lot because sometimes I feel bad feeling how I feel when it isn’t me who has to go through everything, so knowing I can speak and tell you how I feel makes a difference and is helping me get through it all.”
The centre, located near the main outpatients’ entrance is open Monday to Friday, 8.30am until 4pm (excluding bank holidays). No appointment needed.
