"The MacMillan cancer resource centre..."

What I liked

The MacMillan cancer resource centre must be one of the 'jewels in the crown' at Macclesfield for East Cheshire. It is staffed by highly skilled, knowledgeable and caring people from Medical staff to the person who makes a cup of tea.

My mother has been through an ordeal undergoing treatment for cancer but has found this so much easier to bear due to the attention received from the Consultant and Specialist nurses. Mum has previously been treated at The Christie which offers exceptional care but to have that in a local small unit is invaluable. She was treated by the same people and able to contact a named individual when concerned. This has made a huge difference to how we have all dealt with Mum's illness. I have been able to leave mum while she had her treatment knowing she would be fully cared for both medically and emotionally.

The staff fully understand the ups and downs of people receiving treatment and approach it appropriately. There is never a feeling of being one of many patients even though the unit can be very busy.

What could be improved

Mum had to be admitted during treatment due to febrile neutropenia and as an inpatient the care left quite a bit to be desired in comparison to the Macmillan unit. I was acutely aware of ageism and a lack of effective communication between doctors and nurses that could have prevented a great deal of distress.

As for the MacMillan centre I have nothing to recommend as it has it just right.

Anything else?

I would like to personally praise individuals but I accept this may not be the correct forum.

I believe the unit could provide invaluable educational opportunities to the other staff in the main hospital on how to treat patients admitted during the course of chemotherapy treatment.