This is an unprecedented time for us all and we know that so many of you must be feeling unsettled.
We don’t have all the answers but we do want to let you know that we are still here for you. That is our priority.
We are fully committed to providing high quality information and support for you and we are working closely with our Trust and Macmillan to ensure that this is what we continue to do.
The Trust website has a page about cancer and coronavirus – with information about attending appointments and contact phone numbers for any queries: https://www.cht.nhs.uk/services/clinical-services/oncology/cancer-and-coronavirus-covid-19/.
Macmillan also have a page on their website about cancer and coronavirus: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/get-help/physical-help/cancer-and-coronavirus
In line with Government guidance this week around reducing social contact due to the coronavirus, we have unfortunately cancelled all of our Health and Wellbeing Events and support groups until further notice. This includes First Steps, Thinking Ahead and our end of treatment Health and Wellbeing Event on 30th March, as well as our Macmillan Health Walk, Singing Group and Coffee Support Group. Our Cancer Patient Focus Group on 2nd April is also cancelled.
However, we are emailing to let you know that we are still here to support you over the phone and by email. If you need emotional , practical or financial support or just want to talk – perhaps now even more than usual – then please know we are available for you. We may have a reduced presence in our Macmillan Centres at HRI and CRH over the coming weeks, but Mandy and I are available via our work mobiles. Our contact numbers are:
- HRI: 01484 343614
- Helen’s Mobile: 07795 497663
- CRH: 01422 222709
- Mandy’s Mobile: 07554 415564
Email: cancer.information@nhs.net
Macmillan’s national Support Line remains open on 0808 808 00 00 – 8am til 8pm everyday – again for emotional, practical and financial support as well as information. Another means of support for yourselves and family members at this time is the Macmillan Online community where you can be in touch with other patients and family members and ask any questions etc:
Link to Online Community: https://community.macmillan.org.uk/?_ga=2.252831244.462372609.1584349399-1619585442.1582284853
And there is also Macmillan’s new at diagnosis campaign and offer of information and support. This will generate information via email or booklets posted to your home address, which may be useful if you were self isolating:
Link to Macmillan at Diagnosis: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/diagnosed-with-cancer.html?origin=hp-diagnosis-2020-bottom
The updated Macmillan website also has a huge amount of information which may be of use to you: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support
We are also looking at other ways to keep patients in touch with one another – maybe by WhatsApp groups. We are also looking to update our trust website and potentially add some videos etc and will keep updating our Facebook page.
We send you all our very best wishes at this difficult time. We are all in this together and we remain here for you. Please do take care of yourselves and each other.
Helen and Mandy, Macmillan Cancer Information & Support Service, Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust
- Macmillan Unit – Calderdale Royal Hospital – 01422 222709
- Greenlea Unit – Huddersfield Royal Infirmary – 01484 343614
- Mobile – 07554415564
Find us on Facebook facebook.com/Macmillan-Information-Support-Service-at-Calderdale-Huddersfield-2384220825159295