Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust. Macmillan Cancer Information Service for Worcestershire. Nicola Perks, Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Facilitator ( Kidderminster).

The County of Worcestershire.

Population of Worcestershire. 552,900 people live in the county. 96.5% of population are white ( British, Irish and other) Asian Pakistani's make up 0.54% of population and are the largest ethnic group. Ethnic minorities include groups from; Chinese, Pakistan,Indian,Italian and Polish origins. The population of Worcestershire is generally older than the national average and aging at a faster rate. Source 2001 census.

Information from The Cancer Reform Strategy Cancer currently affects one in three people in the UK. It is predicted that by 2020,one in two people will be at risk of developing cancer. There are over 2 million cancer survivors in the UK today.

Why is information important ?  Empowers Patients.  Enables Patients to make informed decisions.  May reduce anxieties.  Promotes confidence in the service.  May reduce unnecessary GP/ Hospital visits.

The Information Centres. Worcestershire Royal Hospital Band 7 (37.5 hrs) Band 6 (22.5hrs) Kidderminster Hospital The Alexandra Hospital, Redditch.

Service Provision. The Information Centre (Pod) at WRH opened in May At present it opens 2 days per week with the facilitator and when possible 2 further days with volunteer cover. Since opening we have had 200+ contacts. The future plan is for the Pod to be open Monday to Friday with a manager and volunteers. The Information Unit at Kidderminster opened in November It also opens for 2 days per week with the facilitator and a further 2 days per week with volunteers. There have been over 100 contacts since opening. Future Plan is to open 4 days per week with Facilitator and volunteers. The Information Unit at The Alexandra Hospital, Redditch will open summer 2010.

Common Enquiries. Financial Enquiries Symptom Control Information and support for carers Psychological support. Family Support Practical assistance End of Life issues Survivorship Concerns about cancer/ screening

The Advantages of an Information Service. Meeting the information needs of the County. Provision of a one stop Information Service for all to access. Ensures that information is up to date and accurate. Can provide face to face contact within the centres or anonymity with telephone or queries. Offers information on a wide range of subjects in different formats. Signposting individuals to support and services both nationally and locally. Provides a less hectic environment for people to discuss their concerns and explore their individual needs.

Meeting the Public. The Information Pod and Unit are open to the Public. Where Possible, they are greeted by a volunteer, who will signpost them to the information they need, or steer them to the facilitator /manager as appropriate. Both areas provide a quiet space, where patients may speak to someone quietly and confidentially. No patient records are kept. Information is only shared with others, with the patients consent. Information is available for patients,family,friends,carers and the worried well.

….. And the Future ? The service will adapt to meet future challenges and the changing needs of the community. Identify gaps in in local provision and where possible address these. Continue to provide the already high standards offered by the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust. Implementation of Information Prescriptions. Working with PCT and Cancer Networks to reach wider communities.  Promotion of Cancer awareness days and events.  Continue to share good practice and network with information Managers across the UK.