THE RIBBON has been cut on a new facility that has been officially opened to help cancer patients and their loved ones.
A civic leader, in the formof Nuneaton and Bedworth Mayor of Nuneaton and Bedworth Cllr John Haynes, was invited along to the George Eliot Hospital to do the honours and declare the Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre open for business.
A plaque was also unveiled by long time volunteer Deborah Coles and Luke Parker, son of fellow volunteer Pat Parker, who was unfortunately unable to attend.
Anyone affected by the disease including patients or members of their family can now visit the centre for advice, leaflets or emotional support.
Julie Smith, Macmillan Information and Support Centre manager at the hospital, said: "As well as a wide range of information leaflets, we can also signpost visitors to local support services, look at financial and benefits help, as well as offering emotional support and information for carers."
The centre is situated at the main entrance to the hospital, has been funded by Macmillan Cancer Support which provides practical, medical and financial support for people affected by the disease.
It will be staffed by Julie Smith and 15 fully trained volunteers, who will work to support the charity in its mission and support local people with cancer.
"We've been overwhelmed by the number of people interested in volunteering since we started recruiting at the beginning of February. Cancer is something that affects many lives and it's pleasing to see so many people wanting to make a difference," added the centre manager.
Monica Burchell, Macmillan development manager said: "Cancer is the toughest fight thatmany of us will face so it is vital that there is a team of people, like Julie, to be able to provide appropriate support.
"We know that having the right information, at the right time,makes themost enormous difference to the way in which people are able to cope with their experience of cancer, and this new centre is a great addition to the services already being provided in Nuneaton."
The Macmillan Information and Support Centre is open Mondays to Fridays from 8.30am until 4.30pm, barring bank holidays.
People wanting to volunteer or find out more about the help available are invited to contact Julie Smith on 024 7615 3201 or email her at julie.smith3@geh.nus.uk
