York cancer care centre set for £2.1m redevelopment

The centre, at York Hospital, will offer advice to cancer patients from the surrounding area

People living with cancer in parts of North Yorkshire are set to benefit from a new £2.1m care centre.

Macmillan Cancer Support is funding a project to redevelop the Cancer Health and Wellbeing Support Service at York Hospital.

The charity said it would provide help to patients on issues including how to cope with treatment and how to access financial support.

It will be operated by the hospital's existing health and support service.

The new centre is a partnership between the charity and York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and will be open to people affected by cancer across the region.

Katie Pierce, Macmillan Partnership Manager, said: "The new centre at York Hospital will help those people get the support they need by providing a gold standard level of service."

'Saving light'

Angie Lunt is a patient representative who has worked closely with Macmillan and the trust to develop plans for the centre.

She was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in 2016, and also provided care for her late mother.

She said: "It is vital that the centre at York Hospital opens for the benefit of all those across the region who are affected by this terrible disease.

"While going through treatment my mum was diagnosed with lung cancer. I nursed my mum until she passed away. I had a complete breakdown.

"The Cancer Care Centre was pivotal in my recovery. It helped support me with ongoing health issues and my mental health. It was my saving light."

Tracey Doherty, Lead Cancer Nurse at York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "As a clinical team we always put the patient at the heart of everything we do.

"We work very closely with the personalised care team to provide an individual package of treatment and support for each and every patient.

"The investment in the new centre will continue this approach helping to provide the best possible outcomes for people living with cancer in the region."

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