In April this year, the Macmillan Cancer Centre opened at University College Hospital. Joanne from the Cancer Information Development team has been volunteering there herself and has seen what a wonderful environment it is and how much people appreciate the support they receive there. In this blog, Joanne talks about the centre and the range of support it offers.
I've been volunteering at the UCH Macmillan Cancer Centre since it opened and I've seen the number of visitors rise dramatically. Anyone can drop in for information and support, so do come along if you need this. In the first four months, there were over 25,500 visitors. That's an average of 1,500 people every week being helped to feel welcome and listened to, find their way, get their medicines, book their transport and access the information, care and support that's right for them.
It’s an impressive building with amazing space, and all of the furniture is hand-picked by patients. So much thought has gone into every aspect of it – the teenagers and young adults floor has DJ decks and games consoles, and the chemotherapy floor has trees in the centre and a really high, glass ceiling which gives the feeling of being outside.
Located on the ground floor of the UCH Macmillan Cancer Centre is the Macmillan Support and Information Service. It’s one of many information and support centres across the UK offering practical, financial and emotional support to anyone affected by cancer. It also has a library, where people can come any time to read or take away booklets.
Personalised support
The Macmillan Support and Information Service offers a welcoming, quiet ‘Living Room’ where people can speak to an expert member of staff and feel listened to, understood and informed. Their needs and preferences are at the heart of the care they receive and the information they’re given allows them to understand their illness and treatment.
Anyone affected by cancer can drop into the Living Room between 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday for personalised support, however old they are and whatever stage they’re at in their cancer journey. Bookings can also be made via telephone (020 3447 8663) and email (support&information@uclh.nhs.uk)
Expert information
The Living Room houses an abundance of cancer information which people can browse and take home, free of charge. There are booklets, leaflets and factsheets on a range of topics, including:
These publications can be ordered for free via be.macmillan and delivered to you within a few days. Information can also be produced in large print, other languages, Braille and audio for anyone who needs it.
Here’s what one person has said about how having the right information helped her during her cancer journey:
Services for patients, their families and carers
The Macmillan Support and Information Service offers additional services to UCH patients, their families and carers. These include:
Volunteers
The UCH Macmillan Cancer Centre is not only run by expert staff but also a group of dedicated volunteers. From the moment you enter the building until you leave, you can be sure that UCH volunteers are on hand to support and guide you whenever you need them.
The UCH Macmillan Cancer Centre is on Huntley Street, London, WC1E 6DH.
