ORMSKIRK GP, Dr Simon Frampton, has been appointed to lead a local Macmillan programme which will support patients, families and carers who are currently living with and beyond cancer in West Lancashire.

The Macmillan programme is a joint initiative by NHS West Lancashire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust and Macmillan Cancer Support, and aims to ensure that those living with and beyond cancer get the care and support they need to lead as healthy and active a lifestyle as possible, for as long as possible. The new programme will encompass emotional, social and physical needs alongside the delivery of clinical care, the implementation of which will be led by Macmillan GP, Dr Simon Frampton, and Macmillan project manager, Jen Burns.

As part of the new programme, a Macmillan cancer information and support centre will be opening in an as yet, to be confirmed community venue in 2016 and will provide practical and financial advice and emotional support to patients, families and carers. The centre will provide a drop in service and will be accessible to everyone from across West Lancashire. Although it is envisaged that the main centre will be located in Skelmersdale, pop up Macmillan information stands will be available at other locations across West Lancashire.



One element of the service that is already up and running and proving popular among people affected by cancer in West Lancashire is ‘Move More’ - a physical activity programme. Move More, which is based in the physiotherapy department at Ormskirk Hospital and is aimed at people living with cancer or those who have been treated. They are individually assessed and offered a personal, tailored activity plan through either a group session, a home programme and/or be signposted to local health walks, clubs, and leisure centre activities.



Dr Simon Frampton, a partner at Ormskirk Medical Practice for 25 years, said:



‘‘This programme is an excellent opportunity for West Lancashire and will provide great benefits to patients, families and carers.



“We recognise that emotional and social support is equally as important as the clinical treatment and care that people receive, and this therefore remains at the core of what we hope to deliver through this service.



“Similarly we recognise the important role our local GPs play in supporting those living with and beyond cancer, so a big part of this programme is working closely with primary care colleagues to enhance education around cancer”.



Jen Burns, Macmillan project manager, adds:



“More than 2,650 people are currently living with cancer in West Lancashire, a figure that will continue to grow as more than half of people with a cancer diagnosis now survive.



“Simon’s appointment marks a significant step forward with this programme and we look forward to working together with local residents, patients, carers and clinicians to make a real improvement to the provision of cancer information and support across West Lancashire”.



If you would like further information regarding this service and/or would be interested in volunteering at the support centre, please contact myview@westlancashireccg.nhs.uk<mail...hireccg.nhs.uk> or 01695 588 203.



If you live in West Lancashire and are affected by cancer, you can find out about ‘Move More’ from Melanie Reardon (Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist) on 01695 656 268 via email soh-tr.odgh-physio@nhs.net or contact your GP.