Getting the right support can make all the difference

When you’re diagnosed with cancer, having the right support makes all the difference and for most of us that means someone you can trust to help you understand your diagnosis and treatment, and guide you every step of the way.  

Macmillan specialist cancer nurses sit at the very heart of providing quality care for people with living cancer. These highly trained and experienced nurses are responsible for assessing, supporting, and providing care for patients which goes far beyond clinical treatment.

The role requires a special kind of person and we’re pleased to say that Macmillan has invested over £320,000 to fund the three specialist cancer nurse development posts here in Rotherham.  

These are nurses with an interest in moving into cancer services, who have the experience, the potential and most importantly the passion to step into this highly specialised role.  

Michelle Fletcher, Macmillan lead cancer nurse at Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We’re delighted to be working alongside Macmillan; it’s fantastic to be given investment to home-grow the specialist cancer nurses of the future.

“This unique development opportunity means that nurses can experience the specialist role of cancer nursing, test the water to make sure it is right for them while gaining a wealth of knowledge in providing the gold standard of personalised cancer care and support.”

Undoubtedly, Macmillan cancer nurse specialists are at the heart of good cancer care and we know we need more of them. This unique role makes a huge difference to people diagnosed with cancer and their families at a distressing time in their lives.

There are currently a huge number of specialist cancer nurse vacancies across Yorkshire because it’s increasingly difficult to get people with the right knowledge and skills, who are ready to step into those specialist nursing posts.

To address this challenge Macmillan have launched the ‘Macmillan Cancer Nurse Specialist Workforce Development Programme’, investing almost £4.5 million across Yorkshire and the North East of England, we’re committed to doing whatever it takes for people living with cancer to receive the specialist care they need.

Macmillan is funded almost entirely by donations and simply cannot support the growing number of people who need them without your support. You can help Macmillan raise vital funds and awareness to support specialist cancer care in Yorkshire by visiting macmillan.org.uk/get involved.

Anyone diagnosed with cancer can contact the Macmillan Support Line seven days a week on 0808 808 00 00 or visit the Macmillan website (www.macmillan.org.uk)