Macmillan Cancer Support has launched a £240,000 service at Velindre Cancer Centre, to help people to get the right support during their treatment.
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The team of five cancer navigators based at Velindre, will act as a first point of contact and advice for anyone being treated, or following treatment, at the hospital.
The service has been designed by Macmillan in partnership with Velindre Cancer Centre to ensure patients are being supported fully throughout their cancer treatment and receiving the care that they need.
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As well as answering any general queries relating to information and appointments, the navigators will work closely with the clinical team to address any questions about diagnosis or treatment.
The team are also able to signpost people to other sources of support to help them through their cancer treatment.
Macmillan has invested more than £240,000 in the service, which operates as part of a highly-skilled holistic clinical team dedicated to supporting each individual patient.
The service is also designed to free up the time of clinical staff, so they can prioritise specialist care for patients, rather than addressing general enquiries.
Catherine Thomas, Macmillan Cancer Navigator at Velindre Cancer Centre, said:
“As a team we are here to support and advise patients in the first instance and to signpost or bring in the clinical team when needed.
“We can answer questions regarding appointments, cancer treatment, accessing local support services, or we can just be a helpful voice at the end of the line.
“Each navigator will use approved tools to provide personalised support and consider what is best for that person as an individual.
“Together with the clinical team, we hope to ensure that each patient is receiving the care that they need.”
Richard Pugh, Head of Services for Macmillan Wales, said: “Macmillan is pleased to have developed this £240,000 service with Velindre Cancer Centre to support people with cancer who are receiving treatment at the centre.
“The navigators are there to act as a first point of contact, and to support individuals to find their best way through their cancer treatment during this difficult time.
“We hope that this service will ensure that each patient at Velindre receives the care that they need, from the right person, at the time that they need it.”
If you are having treatment at Velindre Cancer Centre and would like to speak to the navigator team, please call 029 2061 5888 from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm, and ask to be put through to them.
