NHS WARRINGTON Clinical Commissioning Group is raising awareness of the cancer rehab programme that is available in Warrington for people affected by cancer.
The Cancer Rehab team, along with partner organisations, held an event at Orford Jubilee Neighbourhood Hub to promote cancer screening, the CCG cancer rehabilitation programme and other services available to local people affected by cancer.
In June 2014, the pilot of the cancer rehabilitation programme, ‘We’re Positive’, was launched by the CCG. Now, a year later, the CCG wants to make even more people aware of it following the overwhelmingly positive feedback the programme has received.
‘We’re Positive’, delivered by teams from LiveWire and St Rocco’s Hospice, includes two programmes that aim to offer physical and psychological support to people throughout various stages of their treatment.
The two programmes cover the patient’s journey, from receiving diagnosis and through treatment and a programme for patients who have received a terminal diagnosis.
Dr Sue Burke, Local GP and CCG Clinical Lead for Cancer said, “Knowing you have a cancer diagnosis can be frightening, we hope that by offering patients and their families support at different stages of their cancer journey, they will be given the tools to help them manage their illness, and as the name suggests, be positive about their chances of overcoming cancer.”
At the event, the group heard two particularly powerful stories from a patient and carer who both had experiences of using the cancer rehab programme.
Lynne Watson, cancer survivor said, “I had a feeling of trepidation about attending the programme at first, having felt quite isolated after being diagnosed.
“But when sharing experiences with people who were going through what I was, it really helped.
“It transformed negativity into positivity and I would really recommend the cancer rehab programme to anyone battling cancer.”
Sue Banks, carer for her terminally ill father in law Henry, found the service she and Henry received from the programme to be invaluable.
She said: “Not only did the cancer rehab programme benefit Henry in his final weeks and days, it was a godsend to me as his carer. I was finally listened to and involved in making decisions about his care.”
“It wasn’t until we attended the group at St Rocco’s hospice that we saw what the cancer rehab programme could do for us.
“Henry was treated as a person, as if he was a valued member of the family. If we needed anything, they were on the end of the phone, the emotional support we received was incredible.
Sue continued: “Henry laughed all the time, it was the most important part of the week for him. We knew that when we attended the group, it was going to be a good day. We would have gone every day if we could.
“There is nothing more important than what this group does for people like us, ordinary, everyday people living with, and battling cancer.”
There are a number of different ways local people can access the cancer rehab programme. You can be referred by your doctor or nurse, but can also self-refer by calling 0300 003 0818 or email [email protected]
For more information visit the website at: http://www.warringtonccg.nhs.uk/cancer-rehabilitation.htm
