Major online support hub launched to help Northants cancer patients

A great new resource to support the needs of people diagnosed with cancer has been produced by the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire NHS Group.

From December 6 a new YouTube channel called the Northants Cancer Information Hub has gone live.
https://www.youtube.com/c/thenorthantscancerinformationhub

It provides easy access to a wealth of information to those living with cancer before, during, and after their treatment.

It includes a large number of pre-recorded presentations from healthcare professionals at Northampton and Kettering General Hospitals and covers a wide range of subjects from how to prepare for surgery through to recuperating after chemotherapy and radiotherapy. 

Macmillan Lead Cancer Nurse at Northampton General Hospital, Liz Summers, said: “The Hub contains a number of innovative support resources.

“We have a number of previously recorded live question and answer sessions with our healthcare teams for specific tumour sites.

“We also have some videos for people to watch if they are preparing for surgery. We believe the hub gives cancer patients and their loved ones the information they need before, during and after treatment and can be accessed 24/7.”

Kettering General Hospital’s Clinical Lead for Cancer, Prof Andrew Chilton, said: “Anyone who gets the bad news of a cancer diagnosis will find it really difficult.

“Sometimes the consultation can feel like white noise and the journey ahead just feels overwhelming. People are left with a sense that they wished they’d asked questions and come out feeling there’s certain information that is just missing. 

“And that is where the Northants Cancer Information Hub can help because it not only covers the physical aspects of recovery but also help to manage worries and concerns that come with a diagnosis of cancer.”

Macmillan Head of Nursing for Cancer at Kettering General Hospital, Ruth Giles, said: “The aim is to give people the tools they need to help them to look after themselves in between their hospital consultations and treatment sessions.

“It enables them to access presentations covering topics from how to get help with finances through to managing fatigue.  As these resources are online, they are accessible at any time and people can subscribe to get updates when new content is available.

“It is particularly important during the current COVID-19 pandemic where access to face-to-face support is more difficult.”

The new Hub builds on almost four years of work done as part of a ‘Living with Cancer’ programme at NGH and KGH supported by Macmillan Cancer Support involving dozens of clinicians from both hospitals.

There is already a Macmillan Cancer Information Support Centre at Northampton General Hospital. Macmillan Cancer Support is also working with Kettering General Hospital to build a new onsite cancer support centre to support the 24,000 people living with cancer in the county.