Member of Parliament for Macclesfield, David Rutley, has called for additional local support for the excellent after breast cancer care, which is provided by the Macmillan Resource Centre at Macclesfield hospital.
David met with Victoria Adinkra, Macmillan breast care nurse in Macclesfield, in Parliament ahead of a Macmillan Question Time event. During the meeting, David learned about the positive steps which had been made locally in recent months, in supporting breast cancer patients after they have completed their course of treatment.
The After Treatment Support Group began in June 2015, and seeks to address concerns of patients following their illness, such as fears relating to recurrence and healthy living. The award winning local restaurant, Sutton Hall, has kindly offered to help, by providing facilities to host the support group in a secure and understanding environment. The After Treatment Group is also supported by the involvement of guest speakers enabling a programme that is diverse, relevant and meaningful to those who attend.
While the early feedback for the group has been positive, Victoria explained to David that the group can only accommodate 20 women. Her overall aim is to build on the current momentum and be able to expand the service but is limited with time and financial resources.
Following the meeting, David said, “I was very pleased to have the opportunity to discuss how the fantastic work done by Victoria and the rest of the Macmillan team in Macclesfield can be more fully supported. It is estimated that 4 million people with have received a diagnosis of cancer by 2030, which is why the Government has offered a further £10 billion, to help fight this terrible illness.
"Macclesfield is fortunate to have such a good volunteer base, with many people already giving up their own time for free to help local good causes. I would ask local people and potential volunteers who are interested in offering their time or any resources to contact either Victoria Adinkra (Victoria.adinkra@nhs.net) or Janet Parkinson -Macmillan Support and Information Manager (janet.parkinson3@nhs.net) at the Macclesfield Macmillan Centre for more information.