CANCER SERVICES NORTHUMBERLAND
Breast screening in Blyth
To mark the arrival of the breast screening unit in Blyth this summer, Marine Medical Group’s Social Prescribers will be hosting afternoon tea at the CVA Hub on Wednesday 25 June, 1.30pm-3.30pm. This is a free event for anyone living or working in the Blyth community and an opportunity to chat to one of the RVI breast nurses to ask questions about screenings and appointments.
NHS cancer information
If you have any questions about cancer symptoms, diagnosis, treatment or support, the NHS website has clear information and links to further support. There is advice on reducing your risk of cancer and spotting symptoms early. You can also find out about waiting times and read about specific types of cancer in more detail.
Preparing for cancer treatment
If you’re unsure about what to expect when beginning your oncology journey, this video covers important topics such as practical guidance on what to bring to your appointments, available support services and how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
What to expect when receiving radiotherapy
It can feel quite daunting going to the radiotherapy department for the first time. Northern Radiotherapy Network has produced a video to provide patients with key information before their first visit. The video, below, shows how to get to the Northern centre for Cancer Care at the Freeman Hospital, where to park and what you expect at your appointment.
My Wellbeing Space
My Wellbeing Space is an online resource designed by patients and carers, for patients and carers. It aims to help during and after cancer treatment by providing good quality information and support whenever you need it.
Financial and legal support
Citizens Advice Northumberland
Citizens Advice Northumberland provides free, confidential and impartial advice on a range of issues including money, benefits, housing and employment. There’s a dedicated Macmillan benefits advice line to help with any queries you may have. Call 01670 339985.
Free specialist legal advice to help with issues including your job, looking after your children, paying your mortgage or rent, insurance claims, pension entitlement, debt, wills and lasting powers of attorney.
Coronavirus information for people with cancer
Macmillan Cancer Support has put together the latest guidance around COVID-19 for people with cancer and healthcare professionals.
Living with and beyond from Northumbria Healthcare
Living with and beyond is a cancer information webpage from Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. It offers information about the specific type of cancer you or your loved one may have, how Northumbria Healthcare can support you, plus practical support such as advice on financial help.
Patient transport
There are local organisations which can help if you are struggling to get to hospital appointments.
North East Ambulance Service – patient transport service for patients who have a medical condition that would prevent them from travelling to a treatment centre by any other means, or who require the skills of an ambulance care assistant during the journey.
Tynedale Hospice at Home – free transport to hospital appointments for people with a life-limiting illness registered with a GP in the Tynedale, Ponteland and West Northumberland areas.
Daft as a Brush – free transport to and from hospital for patients undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy cancer treatment. Referrals are made by the hospital where you are having treatment.
Berwick Cancer Cars – free transport to cancer-related appointments for people living in the Berwick area.
Healing Wheels North East – free transport for cancer patients in Northumberland and North Tyneside to health and wellbeing appointments.
Tynedale Hospice at Home
Tynedale Hospice at Home offers care for cancer patients throughout Tynedale, Ponteland and West Northumberland. It can provide:
- Professional needs-led end of life nursing care at home
- Discreet and friendly hospital transport service for those with a life-limiting diagnosis
- High quality pre and post bereavement services supporting patients and their families
Call: 01434 600 388 to find out more about these services.
Dragonfly Cancer Trust
Dragonfly Cancer Trust works with specialist cancer treatment centres, hospitals, hospices and families across the UK providing support for young patients with terminal cancer who receive palliative treatment. Their focus is on making memories for young people and their families by providing cash gifts, keepsakes and creative therapy.
Email: info@dragonflycancertrust.org or visit the website to find out more.
If you can’t find the information you need please get in touch with our Information and Signposting Service.
Useful links
Click on the links below to find advice and support from these support organisations
Healthwatch Northumberland
We are your local health and social care champion. We’re here to make sure your views on NHS and social care services in Northumberland are heard.
