Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres is now providing free-of-charge emotional and practical support to people affected by cancer across Lanarkshire following the official opening of an interim facility at Wishaw General Hospital.

VIPs from the region attended the opening, including, local Olympian and Maggie’s supporter, Yvonne Murray, Maggie’s Lanarkshire Patron, Bridgit McConnell and Head of NHS Lanarkshire Cancer Services, Judith Hope.

People visiting the facility will be able to access a range of support, including nutrition advice, relaxation classes, benefits advice, group or one-to-one therapy sessions with a qualified psychologist, the chance to discuss concerns with cancer specialists, browse a library of materials and the opportunity to simply relax in a comforting space with a cup of tea.

The premises – once a doctor’s residence – has undergone a refurbishment to create a homely and welcoming environment and is open on a drop-in-basis to people with cancer, their friends, families and carers. It is conveniently located at Wishaw General Hospital, where the bulk of people from across Lanarkshire are currently treated for cancer.

Maggie’s Lanarkshire’s Centre Head, Lorrie Forsyth, said: “We are delighted that we are now able to provide cancer support for people across Lanarkshire.  People from across the county fundraised very hard to make Maggie’s Lanarkshire a reality. We welcome anyone affected by any type of cancer through our doors and offer a service that complements the treatment that people are receiving within the NHS.  The facility is an uplifting and warm environment that is unlike the clinical hospital waiting rooms.  The five successful Centres across Scotland and rapid expansion of such a young charity is testament to the great need for Maggie’s Centres. Maggie’s Lanarkshire’s interim facility will make a huge difference to people across the region affected by cancer by helping to equip them with the tools to build a life beyond the disease.”

The interim facility will remain in place indefinitely, while a purpose built and uniquely designed Centre takes shape at Monklands Hospital.  The permanent Centre is to be located at Monklands Hospital, because NHS Lanarkshire is moving cancer treatment from Wishaw General to Monklands.  It is a key component of Maggie’s to be located next to cancer treatment facilities so that people, often weakened by treatment, are within walking distance from emotional and practical support.

For further information on services available at Maggie’s Lanarkshire’s interim facility, call Lorrie Forsyth on 01698 358392 or email Lorrie.Forsyth@maggiescentres.org.

…ENDS…

For more media information contact Tricia Williams on 0141 341 5678 or email tricia@maggiescentres.org.


Notes to Editors:
•    Over 1 in 3 people will develop cancer in their lifetime and medical advances mean that more people are living longer with a cancer diagnosis.  Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres aim to equip people with the tools to build a life beyond cancer.
•    There are currently five Maggie’s Centres – Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Highlands and Fife. 
•    Maggie’s Centres work closely with the cancer units at the NHS hospitals where they have Centres to ensure that the information and support it provides complements the treatment given in the hospital.
•    Maggie’s expands south of the border with the opening of Maggie’s London in April 2008, which is the first of a network of six Centres across England and Wales by 2012.