Residents living with cancer received vital information and support at the 'Next Steps' event, organised by Northampton General Hospital in partnership with Macmillan and Delapré Abbey. The event focused on providing guidance for patients nearing the end of their treatment and transitioning to the University of Northamptonshire’s (UHN’s) remote monitoring support service.
The remote monitoring service offers personalised follow-ups from the clinical team, ensuring patients have ongoing reassurance and access to support for any questions or concerns they may have after treatment. The event, held on October 13, was well-received by attendees.
Neil Holliday, 80, who attended following radiotherapy for prostate cancer, commented: “There can be some anxiety when you come to the end of your treatment, so it is reassuring to know that Macmillan and Northampton General Hospital continue to provide support through their remote monitoring service and sessions such as Next Steps. The event covered a range of information and there was something for everyone to take away.”
Rachel Cox, Macmillan Information and Support Centre Lead at Northampton General Hospital, highlighted the importance of continued support: “Even after treatment, people can feel the effects of cancer, whether this is financially, emotionally or physically. Alongside the hospital’s remote monitoring service, these Next Steps sessions provide information on the range of ongoing support that is available. It is a forum where patients can listen to experts and obtain the advice they need.”
The event featured separate sessions tailored to prostate, breast, and colorectal cancer patients, with presentations from clinical nurse specialists, hospital clinicians, and local providers such as the We CAN-Move cancer exercise referral programme. Delapré Abbey kindly hosted the event free of charge in their library and adjoining function room.
Yasmin Keenan, Wellbeing Manager at Delapré Abbey, stated: “We were delighted to provide space for Macmillan and Northampton General Hospital’s Next Steps event. The care and support their teams offer to people following cancer treatment is so valuable. We were pleased to play a small part in helping them bring that guidance and reassurance to our local community.”
Further Macmillan events, including yoga and weekly wellbeing walks for those affected by cancer, are also held at Delapré Abbey. For more information, individuals can contact the Macmillan Information and Support Centre on 01604 544211, visit the centre, or check the events page.
