£18 million funding for cancer support workers in Scotland

A new £18 million partnership will make Scotland the first country in the UK to offer cancer patients guaranteed emotional, practical and financial advice.

Alongside Macmillan Cancer Support, who are matching all funding, the Scottish Government is investing £9 million to ensure everyone diagnosed with cancer has a dedicated support worker through the Transforming Cancer Care programme. This will enable cancer care teams in hospitals to focus solely on the provision of personalised medical care and support.

The ambition is to offer support to every cancer patient in the country by 2023, making Scotland the first country in the UK to fulfil its promise on personalised care.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Dealing with the physical and emotional impact of cancer is traumatic enough without having to cope with the stress it places on other aspects of daily life for individuals and their families. This £18 million partnership will make Scotland the first country in the UK where cancer patients will have access to dedicated practical, financial and emotional help.

“The programme will help fulfil the Scottish Government’s ambitions to ensure everyone with cancer is offered a personal care plan and access to the support they need, making it easier for people to continue their personal and professional lives for as long as possible whilst under-going cancer treatment.”

Janice Preston, head of Macmillan Services in Scotland, added: “Cancer doesn’t just affect people physically, it can hit every aspect of life. Too often people don’t know where to turn for help. Medical professionals do all they can, but they just don’t have the time or knowledge to support people properly with problems like not being able to afford to pay their rent, or find the energy to make themselves meals.

“Macmillan has been testing the effect of offering one-to-one support from diagnosis onwards. The impact it has had in Glasgow and other areas in the country has been incredible. We’re delighted to be partnering with the Scottish Government to spread this support across Scotland as quickly as possible. Our ambition is to have it available to every cancer patient in Scotland within four years, making Scotland the first place in the UK where everyone with cancer will be guaranteed assessment and tailored care from diagnosis onwards.”