What is a Macmillan Cancer Support Worker?
Macmillan Cancer Support Workers (CSWs) are part of the cancer care team at Musgrove Park Hospital and work alongside Clinical Nurse Specialists, Consultants and other health professionals. They support people who have just been given a cancer diagnosis, who are currently going through treatment as well as patients who are living with or beyond cancer. Macmillan CSWs are not clinically trained but can support with all non-medical needs.
After a cancer diagnosis Macmillan CSWs work with patients and carers to identify and address any non-clinical worries or concerns helping them to live well.
Macmillan CSWs provide support face to face, over the telephone or via email.
Macmillan CSWs can provide a Holistic Needs Assessment (HNA) providing patients with an opportunity to identify any thoughts or concerns they have and not just their medical needs.
Macmillan CSWs can also signpost patients to help and support such as:
- Who their cancer specialists are
- Where to get help with financial concerns
- Advice on transport options
- Links to community services and voluntary organisations
- Emotional wellbeing
You can find some useful information about charities who offer support depending on your cancer diagnosis on our Useful links page, and there are local Support groups on this page Local Support Groups
You can contact your Macmillan CSW using our joint email livingwithandbeyond@somersetft.nhs.uk or the numbers below:
Cancer site | Cancer Support Worker Name | Cancer Support Worker contact number |
Breast | Kate Western | 01823 344454 |
Uro-oncology | Patricia Cotes-James / Alexandra Farrant | 01823 342427 |
Gynaecology | Jacky Stone | 01823 343296 |
Colorectal | Chris Finch | 01823 344838 |
Upper GI | Zoe Evans | 01823 343528 |
Head & Neck | Dani Clarke-Trott Cracknell | 07826 513896 |
Lung | Tara Cross | 01823 343697 |
Haematology | Joanna Chapple | 01823 342283 / 07584 641544 |
Skin | Claire Lloyd and Zoe Evans | 01823 342621 |
Please be aware that your Cancer Support Worker may not work full time hours