1. Cancer Information Service

2. UHNT/UHH
The Cancer Information Centre at University Hospital of North Tees, opened in April 2016, with its official opening in June 2016.
Opening times Open Monday – Friday 9.30am – 4.30pm
Information centre at University Hospital of Hartlepool opened July 2016.
Open Wednesday’s 9.30am – 4.30pm
The centre is staffed by 2 Macmillan Cancer Support Professionals.
Alan Chandler – Macmillan Information and Survivorship Manager
Louise Harland – Macmillan Cancer Support Worker.
A team of volunteers are also based within the centre at UHNT and UHH.

3. What do we do All support is free to access
We provide advice, information and support to anyone who is affected by cancer. Contacts in May and by October 2017 we had 292
We update Macmillan information throughout the hospital. May booklets were distributed and by October were distributed
Provide membership at the cancer patient and carer group
Survivorship activities and support groups including “craft and chat” and “walk and talk” groups
Headwear service in both UHNT and UHH
In-reach service on ward 38 for patients who are unable to contact the centre
Outreach service in Stockton Central Library
Working with clinical nurse specialist to implement the recovery package
Look good feel better Masterclass sessions
Financial support and advice

4. Group Support Craft and Chat Walk and talk Weekly session
Friday 12-2pm
Quilting
Knitting
Paper craft
Crochet
Card making
Weekly session
Thursday am
Community based walk supported through SBC
Accessible for all
Macmillan professional to talk to

5. Group Support cont
The Look Good Feel Better Masterclass is a one off session for women who are having or have just finished their cancer treatment.
Specialist make up technicians provide advice and support with the application of makeup and skin care.
The session occurs on a quarterly basis
The cancer patient and carer group provides an opportunity to share experiences of cancer and help shape and improve cancer services within the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust

6. Headwear service
A free headwear service is available at both University Hospital of North Tees and University Hospital of Hartlepool.
UHH – Mondays 11am - 3pm
UHNT – Wednesdays 11am - 3pm
A free item of headwear is given to each patient who needs it, headwear ranges include bandanas hats and scarves

7. Working in partnership
The centre currently works closely with clinical nurse specialists to provide service users with support and information through a referral process.
Support the clinical nurse specialists to implement the recovery package including the holistic needs assessment.
The centre also works in partnership with other outside organisations who can provide advice and support including;
Pension Wise – advice and information for over 55’s in relation to accessing pensions
Citizens Advice Bureau
West View Advice and Resource Centre
Working in partnership with University of Teesside to provide a training session to PWP (psychological well-being practitioner) students

8. Financial Support and Advice
Monday
Wednesday
Susan from Citizens Advice Bureau in Stockton
Advice and Information regarding;
Debt
Employment
Housing
Basic welfare benefits
Julie from West View Advice and Resource Centre
Advice and Information regarding;
Specialist welfare benefits including representation at appeal tribunals
Access to Macmillan grants

9. Future plans
The centre is currently in the process of implementing new services including;
A gardening group, a plot of land has been secured within the trust grounds to provide a weekly session where service users can plant seeds and shrubs as well a relaxing space to enjoy.
Extension of the in-reach service to other wards
Extension of the outreach service to Billingham and Thornaby Central Libraries
The centre currently has funding until March Alternative funding sources are currently being explored in order to ensure the service continues.

10. Contact Information
Alan Chandler –
Louise Harland –