Support services for cancer patients in primary care

“There are lots of ways in which Macmillan support patients which I think GPs would welcome knowing about.”

Once referred – and it could be by anyone in the primary care team - they will get a call from the support service which offers a chat with a trained cancer nurse specialist about the diagnosis and treatment but also allows them access to help with money worries, benefits, getting back to work or energy bills. This is also a way for patients to access Macmillan grants.

“It means that if a patient has a specific need, which could be non-medical or beyond their medical expertise, the GP can just tick the right box and task admin, just like they would for anything else, and then the patient will be proactively followed up.”

Other recently developed services offered by the charity include a collaboration with BUPA to provide psychological support. It means that anyone living with cancer who is struggling emotionally can access up to six free counselling sessions “within days”.

The charity has also partnered with Big Health to provide two cancer Apps for free: Sleepio for those having difficulty sleeping and Daylight to help with anxiety.

“I think the majority of GPs and nurses don't realise that we have these services that can help with a myriad of problems - physical, mental, practical. These services are just so useful in primary care.”

For those interested in learning more about what Macmillan can offer to GPs, the charity is also hosting a one-day free primary care conference on 11 October. This is in Birmingham, with a focus on personalised care, integration and health inequalities.

Dr Owen Carter is a GP in London, with a special interest in oncology with experience of using the new referral form process. He said: “Directly referring to the Macmillan information support line from primary care is incredibly useful.

“It means my patient will receive a call back within three working days from the support line. I can be reassured that the patient receives support that can complement what I can offer during a limited, time pressured consultation.

“It’s particularly helpful once I complete a QOF Cancer Care Review; and means they can receive further support, and will be linked into wider services such as financial support or more practical help.”