Maggie’s Lanarkshire will be developed next to NHS cancer services– where the bulk of people from Lanarkshire with cancer will receive treatment.  This will ensure that people undergoing treatment for cancer are within walking distance from Maggie’s and can therefore conveniently access practical information, psychological and emotional support.

Maggie’s interim cancer support facility is also already up and running at a former doctor’s residency at Wishaw General Hospital and will remain in place indefinitely, while a purpose built and uniquely designed Centre takes shape at Monklands Hospital.

Maggie’s Chief Executive, Laura Lee, 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 for Maggie’s and everyone is pleased that the interim Centre has opened its doors for people living with cancer whilst our purpose built Centre is being developed. It is of vital importance that Maggie’s Centres are located next to treatment facilities, so that people who are often tired from undergoing treatment, are only a stone’s throw away from support. A key component of Maggie’s is that we are easily accessible.”

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 at 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.
•    Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres recently opened its latest Centre in Fife and now has five existing Centres including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and the Highlands, offering emotional and psychology support and practical information to people who are either personally affected by cancer or know someone who is and would like to be of more support.  In addition to the London Centre which is currently being built, a further six Centres are planned throughout the UK in the next five years, including Lanarkshire, Oxford, Nottingham, The Cotswolds, Swansea and Newcastle.  
•    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.