Macmillan Cancer Support (Isle of Man)
About Macmillan Cancer Support
“No one should face cancer alone. So when you need someone to turn to, we’re here. Right from the moment you’re diagnosed, through your treatment and beyond, we’re a constant source of support, giving you the energy and inspiration to help you take back control of your life.” For more information on Macmillan Cancer Support, click here.
Macmillan Cancer Support has the following services available for people on the Isle of Man:
Macmillan Cancer Information Support Service – Macmillan Cancer Support funded the setup of and continues to support the development of the Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service based in the main entrance of Noble’s Hospital. When you’re affected by cancer, having the right kind of information, at the right time, is essential. The Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service at Noble’s Hospital provides information and support to anyone affected by cancer – whether you have cancer, are a relative or friend of someone with cancer, or a health professional, the Service is here to help.
Clinical Nurse Specialists – Macmillan Cancer Support has funded and continues to support four clinical nurse specialist posts who are based at Noble’s Hospital. Two work particularly with women being treated for breast cancer, one supports people diagnosed with bowel cancer and the fourth covers oncology and other cancers. They provide expert care, support and advice from diagnosis onwards for both patients and for their families and carers.
Lead GP for Cancer Services – Your GP will provide a vital role in your care if you are diagnosed with cancer so Macmillan supported a Lead Cancer GP on island who works with her fellow GPs to improve and develop their skills in helping people who have cancer related or palliative care needs and so help ensure a first class service.
End of Life Facilitator – Macmillan also funded the post of End of Life Facilitator. This role looked at what support is available for people with cancer on island who are nearing the end of their life and was fundamental to the production of the Isle of man End of Life Strategy which aims to make sure that patients have all the support they and their family need to allow them to spend their final days being cared for in the place they choose whether this is at home, in hospital, or in the Hospice.
Consultant Medical Oncologist – This Macmillan post sees a Consultant from the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust in Merseyside visiting the Island each week and means that many more people are able to have the majority of their treatment on-island. The consultant runs clinics and supervises chemotherapy, working closely with the on-Island Medical Oncologist to cover a different day and increase the number of patients who can be seen and treated on the Island. They will also contribute to the development of cancer services on Island helping to ensure that local patients continue to get the best treatment and care.
Macmillan Histopathologist – This post provides vital capacity to deal with pathology on the Isle of Man, helping ensure people can get their diagnosis as soon as possible. This means they know how things stand, and ensures the Health Professionals looking after them can plan their treatment and care as soon as possible – so helping ensure the best possible outcome.
Macmillan MDT Coordinator – A crucial part of effective cancer care is for all patients to be supported by a “Multi Disciplinary Team” or “MDT” made up of the best Health Professionals to deal with their case. These professionals ensure the best care for the patient is identified and planned. This takes a lot of organisation and coordination, and the Macmillan MDT Coordinator plays a vital part in making sure this all runs as smoothly as possible for the patient.
Macmillan Isle of Man Cancer Programme Manager – leading an ambitious programme of work to ensure that cancer care on the Isle of Man is of the highest possible standards and meets independently set criteria. Supporting this piece of work Macmillan is planning to invest further funds in the coming 2 years and this will involve providing several new posts in addition to those listed above.
Macmillan Grants – people affected by cancer can apply for a one-off Macmillan Grant to help cover the costs of practical things. This can include things such as heating bills, extra clothing, or a much needed break. During 2014, over £6,300 was paid out to people affected by cancer on the Isle of Man. To book an appointment to complete your application form for a Macmillan grant please call the Macmillan Cancer and Information Support Service at noble’s hospital on 01624 650735.
For more information on Macmillan Grants and to check the eligibility criteria, click here.
Literature – Macmillan Cancer Support produces a wide range of information for people affected by cancer, which is available through the Macmillan Cancer Information Centre, health professionals, and direct from Macmillan Cancer Support. It covers a range of topics, including general information on cancer, finances, caring, relationships and cancer, and many more.
Macmillan Mobile Information and Support Centre – The Mobile Information and Support Centre regularly visits different locations on the Island to offer advice, support and information to people who may not be able to visit the Information Centre at Noble’s Hospital. To find out about the Macmillan Mobile Centre’s visit the Mobile Information and Support Service
Support Line – this is a free telephone support service (0808 808 00 00) available to people from the UK and the Isle of Man, which offers practical support Monday to Friday, from 9am to 8pm
Fundraising
We have a fundraising group to organise local events and raise the profile of Macmillan Cancer Support on the Island. If you would like to get involved, or form your own group, please contact Lisa Wild, Fundraising Manager for the Isle of Man on 07834 191215.
All the money raised on the Isle of Man for Macmillan Cancer Support is for the benefit of the people on the Island. These fundraising activities can help fund Macmillan health professionals; as well as providing practical, emotional, and financial help for people with cancer and their families.
Support from the MCISS
We hope you find the information that you need. If there is anything you can’t find, please contact the Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service (MCISS).
They can be found at the Main Entrance to Noble’s Hospital in Douglas, and are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4:30pm. You can contact them by phone on 01624 650735 or email them.