The Macmillan Information and Support team are a team of eight who are based at the Macmillan Windmill Unit at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Click on the links below to learn more about our team:
Role: Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Manager
About:
Hello, I’m Helen Bright and I am the Manager of the Macmillan Information and Support Centre. I am a qualified nurse and my previous role was as a Urology Cancer Nurse Specialist.
We as a team are here to support you and your loved ones through what is a difficult time . We look forward to meeting you to help in any way we can. We are here for you.
Role: Macmillan Information and Support Centre Deputy Manager
About:
Hi, my name is Julie Summers. I am the Deputy Manager of the Macmillan Centre for Information and Support based at both Blackpool Teaching Hospitals and Fleetwood Hub. I started with Macmillan in 2018 as a community support worker.
My current role involves supporting patients with more complex concerns, facilitating the HOPE course alongside a volunteer and supporting staff and our manager Helen.
Role: Macmillan Community Cancer Care Support Worker, Blackpool
About:
Hello, my name is Nicola Ellis and I’m a Cancer Community Support Worker based in Blackpool. I joined the team in 2018 following a role as a health care assistant in Oncology and Haematology, in both clinics and on the day unit.
My role involves supporting patients and their families in the community with emotional, practical and financial concerns.
Role: Macmillan Community Support Worker (Lytham St Anne's)
About:
Hello, my name is Karen Airnes-Little and I am the Macmillan Cancer Community Support Worker based in Lytham St Annes. My role involves working in partnership with the Lytham Primary Care Network.
My role is to support patients and their families with emotional, practical, and financial concerns. I can visit patients in their home which enables them to talk in a safe space and allows me the opportunity to assess all aspects of their life or I can meet them outside of their home this is the patients choice.
I am based in Lytham Primary Care alongside the Social Prescribers. I take my referrals from our Macmillan route but also from Lytham PCN which includes GP’s, District Nurses and Enhanced Primary Care.
Role: Macmillan Community Support Worker (Fleetwood)
About: Hello, my name is Vicky and I am the Macmillan cancer community support worker based in Fleetwood. I also cover Bispham, Cleveleys, Thornton and Poulton.
I support patients and their families with emotional, practical, and financial concerns. My main base is in the Fleetwood Macmillan support centre where patients can visit me or alternatively, I can visit them at home or in the community. Together we discuss any concerns or worries they may have in a holistic way.
I receive my referrals from Health Care Professionals across the local primary care network. This can include working together with cancer care co-ordinators, social prescribers, district nurses, GP’s, cancer nurse specialists or patients can self-refer.
Role: Macmillan Information & Support Centre Administration Officer
About: Hello, my name is Sasha. I am the Macmillan Information Centre Administration Officer. A typical week for me would be spent working at both our Blackpool and Fleetwood Hubs. I manage our Look Good Feel Better Workshops and triage all patients referred to the Macmillan service every week. I am often called upon by the team for my IT skills and data collection. I create the team’s quarterly newsletter, social media posts and promotional information, I also spend time in the community creating memory boxes with families. I find my role really rewarding and enjoy the diversity of day to day life within the team.
Role: Macmillan Information & Support Centre Assistant
About:
My name is Kelly Carlyle I am the Macmillan Cancer information and support Centre Assistant at BVH
My base is at the Windmill Centre where I can be available for patients, relatives and health professionals for information, support and advice.
We provide written information which can include insurance or how to cope with treatment. I see a lot of patients and relatives for emotional support, being there to listen is a huge part of my role. I also cover the Oncology and Haematology day unit at the hospital where I support patients whilst having treatment as this can be a very anxious time. Providing support for inpatients is also a daily part of my role. I am very proud to be a member of the team at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals and enjoy my job very much
Role: Macmillan Community Cancer Support Worker
About: Hello, my name is Donna and I am a Macmillan Community Cancer Support Worker, covering the Wyre Rural Extended Network area which includes Over Wyre, Great Eccleston, Garstang and Kirkham.
My role is to support cancer patients and their families with practical and emotional support, whether that be around finances, support groups, written information or just a listening ear.
I have worked at the Trust since 2004 with my most recent roles as a health care assistant and receptionist in Oncology and Haematology
