The Macmillan Information and Support Service at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust (UHMBT) and CancerCare are continuing to offer services to people affected by cancer during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.
UHMBT employs Macmillan staff to provide information and support between 9am and 4pm from Monday to Friday each week.
If the phone line is busy, callers are asked to leave a message as team members might be on another call and they will get back to you.
The UHMBT Macmillan team provides emotional and physical support, a link with the Macmillan Welfare Team for any financial support and assistance with completing benefit applications.
Macmillan colleagues can help with applications for Blue Badges (for people who meet the criteria), links with certain Citizens’ Advice Bureau (CAB) teams who will offer telephone support and advice as well as send out information directly from Macmillan to patients’ homes.
Lorraine Jones, UHMBT Macmillan Information and Support Service Manager, said: “We are here for patients and families and are offering our services throughout the coronavirus crisis.
“Anyone in need of support or advice can contact us by phone or email and we will be happy to have a chat. These are difficult times so the need for clear information and someone to talk to can be even greater for people affected by cancer.
“We have the latest specific advice and guidance on coronavirus and how it can affect people with cancer. If anyone has any questions, I would urge them to contact us and we will be happy to help.”
For anyone who wants information or is lonely and needs a chat, the Macmillan team can be contacted by using the following details:
- Telephone: 01524 519578
- Telephone (or text) 07972639424
- Email: macmillan.info@mbht.nhs.uk
During the coronavirus crisis UHMBT’s Macmillan team is promoting the fact that CancerCare is providing two brand new services across Morecambe Bay from the charity’s centres in Lancaster, Kendal and Barrow. The first is a dedicated information helpline open daily from 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday.
CancerCare’s other new service is an essential food and medical supplies delivery service for eligible clients who are self-isolating and can’t leave their homes.
CancerCare can be contacted through the following methods:
- Call: 03330 150 628 (charged at standard rate)
- Email: CancerCareCan@cancercare.org.uk
- Text: 07860 018 278