Cancer care trailblazer

Matthias Hohmann

OLDHAM could become a cancer care role model for the country in a trailblazing scheme that gives patients one-to-one care.

Royton and Werneth are among a handful of pilot sites across England to try a new Macmillan One-to-One project,thanks to a £150,000 cash injection.

Cancer patients will benefit from a new dedicated team of health professionals providing long-term support from the time of a cancer diagnosis, through treatment, recovery and into the future.

If successful, the rest of the country will follow its lead.

One of the doctors behind the bid that brought Macmillan’s money to Oldham expressed his excitement about the challenge.

Dr Matthias Hohmann, Oldham’s clinical director for cancer said: “We can use this investment to trial this truly innovative new service that we hope will deliver huge improvements for people with cancer.

“Success could see Oldham become a cancer care role model for the whole country.”

The two-year scheme aims to boost cancer services both in GP practices and the community to support hospital-based and specialist cancer services.

Royton and Werneth were chosen for their “diverse populations,” which means services can be developed to meet the needs of a wide range of people.

The project will ensure every patient gets an annual review that looks closely at individual circumstances and provides the support they need.

Dr Hohmann is planning other improvements to the care and services people with cancer receive.


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