A new Macmillan Cancer Support Centre at Stepping Hill Hospital has celebrated its official opening. The centre was formally opened by Gemma Peters, Chief Executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, alongside Karen James OBE, Chief Executive of Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, and Michelle Davies, Associate Director of Nursing for Cancer.
They were joined by patients, Macmillan professionals, Trust colleagues, partners and supporters who have contributed to the development of the centre.
Also attending was local artist Ian Rayner-Smith, who has generously donated artwork which is now displayed throughout the centre and contributes to the calm and welcoming environment created for patients, families and visitors.
The Macmillan Cancer Support Centre opened its doors to patients in July and has already welcomed and provided valuable support to people affected by cancer, as well as their families and carers. People can drop in without an appointment to speak to the centre team and access information, practical and emotional support, and help to connect with other local services and organisations.
The centre can be found at Stepping Hill Hospital, between the rear entrance of the Medical and Surgical Building and Outpatients Department C, with additional signposting available across the hospital site.
Designed by architects Arcadis, the centre has been created to feel welcoming, calm and supportive, providing a dedicated space away from busy clinical environments. The design maximises natural light and incorporates elements inspired by nature to help promote comfort and wellbeing.
The centre has been developed through a partnership between Stockport NHS Foundation Trust and Macmillan Cancer Support, with additional support from Stockport NHS Charity and other partners who have helped to create and equip the new space.
As the service develops, the ambition is to extend its reach beyond the hospital through community-based activities and partnerships, helping more people access cancer information and support closer to home.
The centre is also developing a growing programme of activities and support, including coffee mornings, wellbeing sessions and complementary therapies. Citizens Advice is already providing weekly appointment slots at the centre, giving people affected by cancer access to specialist advice and practical support.
Gemma Peters, Chief Executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, said;
“Everyone affected by cancer should be able to get the support they need, close to home. This new centre will make that easier for people living in Stockport.
“We know the best cancer care supports all areas of a person’s life, beyond just the disease. By joining up clinical care with practical advice, emotional support and help for families in ways that meets them where they are, this centre will make it easier for people to find the right support at the right time.”
Michelle Davies, Associate Director of Nursing for Cancer at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, said;
“When someone is affected by cancer, the impact often extends far beyond the diagnosis itself. People may need emotional, practical and financial support, as well as information and guidance, at different points in their cancer journey.
“This new centre provides a welcoming space where people affected by cancer, their families and carers can access personalised support from a dedicated and specialist team, without needing an appointment.
“We have worked hard to create an environment that feels calm, welcoming and very different from a traditional clinical setting, and Ian Rayner Smith’s generous donation of artwork has made a wonderful contribution to that. It was a real pleasure to welcome Ian and Gemma to Stockport to formally mark the opening of a centre that is already making a difference to people affected by cancer.”
Karen James OBE, Chief Executive of Stockport NHS Foundation Trust said;
“I was delighted to be part of the official opening of our new Macmillan Cancer Support Centre and to welcome Gemma Peters and colleagues from Macmillan Cancer Support to Stockport.
“The centre is a fantastic new resource for local people, providing an accessible and welcoming place where anyone affected by cancer can find information, advice and support when they need it.
“I would like to thank all our staff, Macmillan colleagues, partners and supporters whose hard work and commitment have made the centre possible. It is wonderful to see it now open and already supporting patients, families and carers.”
