Evaluation of the MacMillan Liverpool University Hospitals Foundation Trust Cancer Community Support Service
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Healthwatch Sefton was commissioned by Macmillan Cancer Support to independently evaluate the Macmillan Liverpool University Hospitals Foundation Trust Cancer Community Support Service. They spoke to 24 staff and 9 patients and family members.
The feedback demonstrates the value placed on the service by those it supports and engages with, with particular emphasis on the non-medical support and information that is provided alongside the support to navigate care pathways which is provided through this partnership work between Macmillan cancer support and Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Patients and family members said that they valued the support provided by the service, particularly timeliness of the support, as prior to being put in touch with/finding out about the service, they had often been struggling to cope/ didn’t know who they could turn to. The emotional support provided by the team was also found to be a vital role which the service provides.
Staff and stakeholders said that the service bridges gaps and improves communication and coordination. There is value in having this single point of integrated cancer support, the service being perceived as being responsive and helpful, providing holistic support. Positive impacts on both staff/stakeholder’s experience and patient experience were noted, with the provision of localised knowledge and being able to utilise this, providing additionality.
The research demonstrates not only the quality of support provided by having this partnership/service in place but the qualities of the staff team.