Today, the First Minister of Scotland, Cabinet Secretary for Health & Sport and the CEO of Macmillan announced a new £18million partnership that will support cancer patients across Scotland to have a dedicated Support Worker through the Transforming Cancer Care programme.
In response, CEO of Cancer Support Scotland, Rob Murray said:
“We welcome the joint investment of £18m into the Transforming Cancer Care Programme. This is a remarkable partnership which highlights the enormous contribution the Third Sector can make to a holistic health care system.
“This is a very welcome addition for those affected by cancer. Individuals will now receive access to highly skilled support workers who will create a personalised plan of support as well as referring people onto local benefit and counselling services.
“We would however continue to call on the Cabinet Secretary for Health & Sport to review the investment levels into grassroots counselling services.
“Given the Scottish Government has paused the Cancer Strategy to review its impact and ongoing relevance, this is an ideal opportunity to ensure those affected by cancer are receiving timely access to local counselling services.”
Cancer Support Scotland’s vision is for people affected by cancer and their families to have their whole wellbeing supported by highly skilled volunteers and staff. Our services are accessible to help those diagnosed with cancer, as well as to support close family members and carers. We understand the impact cancer has on their lives and each person has unique requirements. That is why we offer free, individually-tailored services by our specially trained and experienced staff at our Centre in the heart of the Gartnavel Campus in Glasgow and from Outreach Centres throughout Scotland.