What mental health support is available to local people who have received a cancer diagnosis; and what would help professionals to support their patients, carers and families in the community?
Download (PDF 145.52 KB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Wigan and Leigh organised an information event with Macmillan Information and Support Services in October 2019. They collected feedback about mental health support after a cancer diagnosis from 46 people.
The report found that patients want to accept support at different times so an individual approach would be more beneficial. Some people value face to face meetings more than the use of digital communication. Some people experienced delays in getting mental health support and communication. People thought that the integration between cancer services and primary/secondary care could be improved.
The recommendations included that there needs to be better signposting and involve link workers more. There should be greater effort made to increase awareness of referral routes and that regular meetings between primary care staff and the Macmillan team would be beneficial.