UHNM Macmillan Cancer Support and Information centre

When someone is diagnosed with cancer, they may be experiencing feelings, including sadness, confusion, and fear; these emotions can come and go at different times, and it can feel like an emotional roller-coaster for both the person diagnosed with cancer, and their loved ones.

We welcome anyone whose life has been affected by cancer and recognise a diagnosis of cancer can shake not only a patient’s world, but their entire family and support network.  Our service provides a practical and holistic approach and can help you with all non-clinical aspects of life. 

Our service is free; and our support can be offered at any point - whether you’re worried about cancer and having tests; recently diagnosed and unsure of how to move forward; coming to terms with a reoccurrence of cancer, or at the end of life – we are there for you no matter where you are in your pathway.

Our staff and volunteers will allow you to share your concerns or gather information tailored to your needs. We understand you may feel forced to deal with many changes, including taking time off work or relying on family members for their support. We strive to create a warm, kind and caring environment where the centre can provide you with a quiet space to find your thoughts or explore how you are feeling. We want to ensure you do not feel alone throughout your experience of cancer and that you know where to turn to for support, should you need it.

We have a wide range of reliable high quality and up-to-date cancer information materials on display which may be available in other formats such as CDs, Braille, large print or in other languages so please do ask if any of these are more suitable. Information can help offer further insight to help you understand the journey ahead, and to find the support you need; it can help you regain some control over what is happening to you or those close to you.

Our team can signpost or refer you to various services and charities, both local and national, depending upon your individual needs - but we also understand, that sometimes just listening, is the most helpful thing we can do.

“The number of people being diagnosed with cancer is rising, and more people are surviving cancer than ever before. This means the nature of cancer care itself needs to adapt and evolve to meet the rapidly changing needs of people living with cancer” (Macmillan Cancer Support).

Please note, a cancer pathway is the patients journey from the initial suspicion of cancer through clinical investigations, cancer diagnosis, and treatment. This pathway could include the initial referral made to the hospital specialist by the patients GP (General practitioner). 

We can provide support by offering:

• Time to talk in a confidential and relaxing environment on a one-to-one basis
• Access to psychological support
• Access to benefits advice
• Links to local support services

Support for loved ones, carers, and friends:

Supporting a loved one diagnosed with cancer can be a challenging and emotional journey. It’s important to stay informed, seek support and take care of your own well-being.

For people impacted by cancer who may be trying to help during the process, it can be extremely difficult to know how they can best support. Sometimes the simplest expressions of concern are the most meaningful and sometimes, there may be times when your family member or loved one just doesn’t feel like talking. If you need to take time out on your own or when a family member is attending treatment or an appointment, our staff and volunteers are on hand, should you want to chat.

Our resources are here to help you navigate this difficult time, offering information and guidance. Staff are trained as carer champions, and are veteran aware and have lived experience to signpost you to a variety of services that can also help.

Please note: We are a non-clinical team of staff and volunteers – therefore we do not support patients with any medical related concerns or issues – however, we can liaise with nursing teams on a patient’s behalf.

Information request:

Our centre is a resource of accurate and up to date information including various types of cancer, treatment, and coping strategies, as well as local and national service that can provide specialised advice and support. If you’re unable to visit the centres, but would like information, we can send information to your home. Please call us on 01782 676333 or email: macmillancentre@uhnm.nhs.uk

All information booklets and other resources are available free of charge.

In 2023, we launched our digital signposting Cancer Information Touchscreens. The screens are available 24/7 and easily accessible for patients, families & staff, these devices offer immediate access to a wealth of information, including common issues such as financial concerns, family & relationship issues and mental health support. This round-the-clock availability ensures that patients and their families can find the help they need at any time; helping to reduce anxiety and foster a sense of empowerment.

The screens are located in the Cancer Centre, Lyme Building, outside Oncology at County Hospital (we are awaiting the re-installation of our 4th screen in the main atrium at Royal Stoke.

The UHNM Macmillan Cancer Support and Information centre feel extremely fortunate and grateful to be supported by these local, regional and national charities, who provide us with the resources, literature, hair scarves, memory boxes, gift bags, befriending letters that reach out to those who may feel alone or isolated and workshops that can help you build confidence in your self-esteem and identity after a cancer diagnosis, in order for us to pass on to our patients.

• Macmillan Cancer Support Charity
• Local Macmillan Welfare Benefit Team
• Look Good Feel Better
• The Lewis Foundation
• 4Louis
• From Me to You
• Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer
• Scamp and Dude (coming soon)
• Fresh Hair (UHNM Hair Loss and Wig Fitting service)

Fresh Hair

Certain cancer treatments can cause hair loss or thinning, this is usually temporary; however, hair loss can affect people in different ways. For many patients, hair loss can act as a visible reminder and can affect the way you engage and interact with other people, particularly, if they do not know you are going through cancer treatment.

If you decide you would like to wear a wig or would like support with how to tie and wear a scarf or bandana, the team at Fresh Hair salon, based at both Royal Stoke University Hospital and County Hospital, Stafford are committed, compassionate and happy to help. The staff are trained hairdressers and can offer a range of support with hair loss and hair removal, in a calm and relaxing environment.

Appointments are recommended, as the team may be unable to support you without an appointment. Patients can telephone or visit the centre to make their first appointment. To contact the team to find out their opening hours, please telephone:

Royal Stoke on 01782 672727 or County Hospital, Stafford on 01785 230306.

The Salon at Royal Stoke University Hospital is based on the 1st floor within the Cancer Centre.

The Salon at County Hospital, Stafford is based in the Oncology Unit on the Ground floor.

The salon recommend you make an appointment within the first 12 weeks of treatment before hair loss starts.

There is no charge for the first appointment. During your first appointment, you will be able to choose and try on up to 4 wigs; the team are there to support and guide you throughout the process with advice and their expertise. If you have chosen a style you like, you will be invited back to Fresh hair for a second appointment.

You will then attend an approval fitting to try on the wigs and chose 1 of the 4 to take away with you. If any adjustments or customisation to the wig is needed, this will be included in this appointment. If you have any questions regarding prescription cost, please speak to a member of the Fresh Hair salon. 

As the UHNM Macmillan Cancer Support and Information centre represents the national Macmillan cancer Support charity, our centres are reassessed every 3 years by Macmillan to ensure they meet the quality benchmark of a cancer support environment and is designed in collaboration with people living with cancer. The evidence-based award is called Macmillan Quality Environment Mark (MQEM). The award celebrates Macmillan Cancer Support environments that go above and beyond to create a welcoming and friendly space for patients.

County Hospital's Macmillan Cancer Information Centre achieves highest ever inspection rating (1) | University Hospitals of North Midlands (uhnm.nhs.uk)

The Local Macmillan Welfare benefit service is run by Disability Solutions. Disability Solutions are a local charity based in Hartshill, Stoke on Trent, and have been funded by the Macmillan Cancer Support Charity to provide a free service to all cancer patients who live within Staffordshire - and who need financial support.

The Disability Solutions team can help with:

• Checking which benefits you’re entitled to
• Helping you apply for benefits and grants.
• Helping you apply for a blue badge.
• Advise on housing or debt issues you may be experiencing.
• Supporting you with appeals or benefit issues that may arise.
• If eligible, you can apply for a one-off grant that can help with the extra cost of having cancer as well as blue badges.

Disability Solutions are not based in the hospital. They currently run a telephone service, although may be able to offer a face-to-face appointment.

Please contact Disability Solutions on 01782 667321 or email: macmillan@disability-solutions.net

*If your call is not answered – please leave your name, telephone contact number and a short message explaining the reason for your call. If you live outside of Staffordshire, please contact the UHNM Macmillan Cancer Support and Information Centre on 01782 676333 and we can offer signposting support that is relevant to your local area.

*The UHNM Macmillan Cancer Support and Information centre are not affiliated or connected to the local and independent Douglas Macmillan Charity based in Barlaston Road, Blurton. The Douglas Macmillan is affectionally known as Dougie Mac. The Dougie Mac provide nursing care and well-being support to adults, young adults and children living with a life limiting illness in Stoke on Trent, North Staffordshire, and surrounding villages; they also offer supportive care for their families and carers.

Many people think that Macmillan Cancer Support and the local ‘Dougie Mac’ hospice (in Blurton) are the same charity, but the Douglas Macmillan Hospice is a separate local independent charity. It provides support and nursing care for people and families affected by life limiting illnesses - including cancer - and who require palliative care. If required and agreed, your medical team may refer you into the Dougie Mac for a palliative care nurse specialist to visit or contact you at home depending upon your symptoms and needs.

Macmillan Deaf Cancer Support project

The National Macmillan Cancer Support Charity works in partnership with Self Help UK to improve access to cancer information and support for Deaf people living with cancer, as well as those caring for people with cancer.

This virtual service provides emotional and practical support in British Sign Language (BSL). The team can also signpost to other appropriate services and help establish peer support groups so that Deaf people with cancer can meet others with similar experiences.

To find out more information about any of these services or if you need this information printed in a larger font or in a different language, please contact our team who would be happy to support you. 

(If you live outside of Staffordshire, please contact the UHNM Macmillan Cancer Support and Information Centre on 01782 676333 and we can offer signposting support that is relevant to your local area).

Volunteering:

Volunteers play a vital role at the UHNM Macmillan Cancer Support and Information centre. We couldn't offer these services without people like you. If you have the time and skills to help us support people affected by cancer, please get in touch today.

Feedback:

• “The team is fantastic; they are like family – they have been able to answer all my questions and have able to point me in the direction of other services. I have been able to access things that I had no idea were available to me. I don’t know where I would be without them, and I can’t thank them enough”

• “It is like coming home; staff are always on hand to welcome you and to ensure that you have everything you need”

• “It is very private, you can sit and have a discussion with staff, and you know you won’t be seen or interrupted - it is nice to come somewhere that isn’t clinical”.

• “Hi Emma, I would just like to say thanks for your help in arranging the Blue Badge. We have received it now and because I'm on injections now to build my immune system up and it's really affecting my legs I can't walk more than 100 yards, it's coming in really useful, all your hard work is much appreciated. Thank you”

• “Thank you so much Steph, I was so glad you were here, after my appointment about my brain tumour and need for an op”

• “A space to express my emotions safely and be met compassionately. Feeling calmer after being in the centre, talking about options and my work situation has really helped”
• “Jason was amazing to talk to & explaining and listening. I came out feeling 60 % better, even though my treatment is just starting - 10/10 “

• “He’s feeling like a different man to the one who came in a few days ago after his visit. He has had some progress regarding his housing, has received a Macmillan Grant, has his Benefits Assessment in hand with DS and he is about to contact Macmillan for some counselling. All in all he is feeling very positive about the help he was given and now feels much better equipped to get back on his feet again. They said they’ll be back again at some point as they’re up here a lot and they want to thank you all in person”

• “Thank you, she was really grateful to have someone to sit with and just listen”

• “Steph was so helpful, took the time to sit with us, very kind and a credit to the service”.

• “I called in to ask for advice about financial help after my surgery and I got so much more help, advice, and shared experience. Some of my questions have been answered and some will be answered in time, this information has been invaluable”.

• “ What a great meeting, we were treated with respect and the ladies answered all our questions, with great empathy. They listened to our journey and were both incredibly informative and very kind. Great ambassadors for Macmillan Cancer support team.”

• “Following 5 operations, my cancer has now returned, I called into the Macmillan Information centre at County. I cannot find the words to express my thanks to Jason who looked into the help I could receive. I got a call from the Macmillan nurse, was referred into the Macmillan benefit team and as a result, I am now receiving attendance allowance. I have also had a home visit from the hospice nurse who outlined other benefits that are available to me, All this happened due to the help and time Jason gave me ”.

• “Jason has been fantastic, really helpful, couldn’t ask for better help”

• “The team is fantastic; they are like family. They have been able to answer all my questions and have been able to point me in the direction of other services. I have been able to access things that I had no idea were available to me. I don’t know where I would be without them, and I really can't thank them enough”.

• “Jason was amazing, very easy to talk to and put me at ease. I was distressed and upset, I felt better for talking to Jason, I was supplied with a wealth of information which was a god send. It is very frightening, over whelming and confusing. Best thing I could have ever done coming into this office”.

Donations and fundraising: 

The University Hospital of North Midlands Charity and Macmillan Cancer Support are grateful to receive any donations, no matter how big or small.  If you would like to donate to either charity – please get in touch with the UHNM Charity or the UHNM Macmillan Cancer Support and Information centre.

Any donations given to our Macmillan Cancer Support and Information centre enables us to improve our resources and provide vital information to patients and loved ones.

*Donations made to the centre must go through our UHNM Charity and can be specifically made out to the ‘UHNM Macmillan cancer Support and Information centre.

The National Macmillan Cancer Support Charity (not to be confused with the local Staffordshire Dougie Mac hospice) relies on over 98% voluntary funding by the public – this ensures they can provide vital support; including funding for nursing staff and information centres like our own.

Our UHNM Charity is a registered charity which provides millions of pounds in additional funding for University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust. This funding enables the trust to purchase state-of-the-art medical equipment and to enhance patient experience and comfort for people who are cared for at County Hospital in Stafford and at Royal Stoke University Hospital in Stoke-on-Trent. The charity also funds additional training for staff and research programmes.

To get in touch with the UHNM Charity, call: 01782 676444 

To find out more information on the UHNM Charity, please visit: www.uhnmcharity.org.uk

To find out more information on Macmillan Cancer Support Charity, please visit: www.macmillan.org.uk/donate

Location:

Our service is provided across two hospital sites, Royal Stoke University Hospital (Stoke on Trent) and County Hospital (Stafford), where you will find an easily accessible centre close to the main entrance on each site.

Click here for directions to get to UHNM. 

External Hospital Maps

Internal Hospital Maps

Royal Stoke University Hospital (UHNM)

Main Building (Ground Floor, opposite PALS)

Newcastle Road, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST4 6QG

Telephone: 01782 676333

Centre opening times: Monday-Friday

10am - 4pm

County Hospital (UHNM)

Main Building (By the front entrance and bakery)

Weston Road

Stafford

ST16 3SA

Telephone: 01785 236075

Centre opening times: Monday - Friday

10:00am - 4pm   

There are no toilet facilities in the centres, however they are near to the centre, staff can support with directions.

Getting to the UHNM Macmillan Cancer Support and Information centre at Royal Stoke University Hospital

1. The UHNM Macmillan Information and Support Centre at Royal Stoke University Hospital is located within the Main building on the Ground Floor. There is blue badge parking spaces or paid parking available. There is also a drop off point outside the Main building entrance. Parking permits for patients who are undergoing cancer treatment can also be used (*the centre can support you to obtain a parking permit if you are going through cancer treatment and do not have one)
2. Please make your way to the Main entrance of the Royal Stoke University Building.
3. Located within the Main atrium, there is a reception desk, coffee shop, waiting area, WH Smith and toilet facilities.
4. You can ask staff at the reception desk if you require help to find our office.
5. There may be UHNM Volunteers by the reception - they can assist and support you to find the centre   
6. *UHNM Volunteers wear a Yellow tabard or polo shirt and an ID badge.
7. From the main entrance, walk to the right of the atrium
8. The UHNM Macmillan Information and Support Centre is located directly opposite the PALs Office.
9.  The route has a flat surface and space for mobility aids and is accessible for all wheelchair use. It has a hearing loop and can accommodate guide and therapy dogs.
10. The centre has glass frontage.

*Please note:

·         The UHNM Macmillan Information and Support Centre is not located in the Cancer Centre.

·         We are not the local Dougie Mac charity and hospice.

·         We do not have toilets located within the centre – you will find the nearest accessible toilets in the main atrium.

·         The centre is not a charity, therefore we do not take cash, unless you want to donate, that will be used within the centre and for the purpose of those affected by cancer.

Getting to the UHNM Macmillan Cancer Support and Information centre at County University, Stafford

1. The UHNM Macmillan Information and Support Centre at County Hospital, Stafford is located within the Main building on the Ground Floor and by the main entrance.
2.  There is blue badge parking spaces or paid parking available. There is also a drop off point outside the Main building entrance. Parking permits for patients who are undergoing cancer treatment can also be used.
3. We are located beside Tina’s Bakery and opposite the WH Smith store.

The Cashiers office, Toilets, PALs office, UHNM Charity are all located nearby the main UHNM reception.

We are located within the main building of the Royal Stoke University Hospital; the centre is a 7/8 minute walk from the Cancer centre.

Many people come to see us before or after their hospital visit or treatment. If you are unable to visit the centre, we can arrange to telephone or email you to offer support.