The Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service supports patients living in Oldham, Bury, Heywood, Middleton, and Rochdale. The service aims to provide a valuable resource to the community, offering a wide range of services to support people affected by cancer. We are based at the Royal Oldham Hospital, but we also provide support at Rochdale Infirmary and Fairfield Hospital when required.
If you or your family are affected by cancer, we can offer high quality information and support as well as referrals to other services (such as benefits advisers, social workers or local councils) to help you cope with the practical, emotional & financial effects of cancer.
We provide ward visits to patients in the hospital who need support as well as a telephone and email support service. No referral is necessary but if you are an inpatient, you can ask the ward staff or your nurse specialist to contact us to arrange a visit.
Support that’s built around you
Being diagnosed with cancer can feel overwhelming and frightening. You may be worried about how treatment will affect your family, work or finances. The NHS is committed to making sure you receive care and support that is right for you. This approach is called personalised cancer care. It means your care will meet your individual needs and focus on what matters most to you.
Personalised care is about you and what’s important in your life. Instead of being told what your care should look like, you work in partnership with your healthcare team to create a plan based on your strengths, interests and goals.
Who Will Support You
Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs)
CNSs play a key role throughout your cancer journey. They are central to delivering personalised care and supporting patient satisfaction. Within the Northern Care Alliance, CNSs work across four hospital sites, providing expert guidance, continuity and support.
Macmillan Cancer Care Coordinators (CCCs)
CCCs work alongside CNSs to improve your experience of care. They take on non-complex tasks so that specialist nurses can focus on more complex needs. They help improve the patient pathway, support timely diagnosis and enhance personalised care.
Personalised Care and Support Planning
Your Support Plan
You’ll work with health and social care professionals to create a support plan that reflects your needs and what matters most to you. To find out more about personal health budgets and eligibility, you can read NHS website
Holistic Needs Assessment (HNA)
Soon after your diagnosis, a CNS or CCC will talk with you about your needs. This conversation is called a Holistic Needs Assessment (HNA). It’s your opportunity to share what’s important to you and what kind of help would make a difference.
The assessment looks at all areas of your life, including:
- Physical needs (such as pain or fatigue)
- Practical needs (such as transport or household tasks)
- Emotional needs (such as stress or low mood)
- Social needs (such as staying connected with others)
You can complete the HNA in person, over the phone, or online via a link sent to your email or phone.
Once completed, your CNS or CCC will review it with you. Together, you’ll create a personalised care plan that includes the information, support and services you need.
Watch the animation: Your Wellbeing: Making Your Support Plan Happen (Captions) on Vimeo. Making Your Support Plan Happen
Treatment Summary
When you finish treatment, you’ll receive a Treatment Summary. This is a clear record of your care and what happens next.
It includes:
- Your diagnosis
- Treatments and support you’ve received
- Future appointments or follow-up checks
- Possible long-term effects
- Signs and symptoms to look out for
- Who to contact if you have questions or concerns
Your GP will also receive a copy so they can continue supporting you.
Health and Wellbeing Information & Support
There are many people and services available to help you during and after cancer treatment. Support may include:
- Emotional well-being: Help with feelings such as sadness, fear or anger
- Managing side effects: Advice on coping with treatment-related symptoms
- Physical recovery: Support to rebuild strength and confidence
- Money and work: Guidance on finances, benefits and returning to work
- Healthy living: Tips on eating well, staying active and looking after yourself
You can speak to your CNS, a Macmillan Cancer Care Coordinator, or visit a cancer information centre to find the right support.
Cancer Care Review
A Cancer Care Review is carried out by your GP, Practice Nurse or a Macmillan Cancer Care Coordinator.
- Within the first three months of your diagnosis, your GP should contact you to check how you’re coping.
- Between 6 and 12 months, you’ll have a more detailed review.
This review may cover:
- How you’re feeling and any concerns
- Any additional support you may need
- Your medications
- Referrals to other services, such as counselling or specialist support
If you’ve received a Treatment Summary, your GP will use it during this review.
You can contact your GP or nurse at any time if you have questions or worries — even after treatment has finished.
Quality of Life Survey
Around 18 months after your diagnosis, Public Health England will send you a Quality of Life survey. This helps identify any ongoing needs you may have, including emotional, physical, social or financial concerns.
Completing the survey can help you and your GP or nurse decide what further support would be helpful.
Personalised Stratified Follow‑Up (PSFU)
PSFU is an important part of modern cancer care. It ensures people receive the right level of support after treatment, while allowing healthcare teams to focus on those who need more complex care.
With PSFU, once you finish primary treatment, you will receive:
- Information about signs and symptoms that may suggest your cancer has returned
- Rapid re-access to your cancer team if you’re worried about symptoms or treatment side effects
- Regular surveillance tests or scans (depending on your cancer type), with quicker access to results
- Ongoing personalised care and support to help you manage your health and wellbeing
At the Northern Care Alliance, PSFU pathways are in place for colorectal, gynaecology, prostate, kidney and lung cancers.
We are here to support all people affected by cancer, including patients, family & friends, carers, and health professionals. We can offer information, support and referrals on a wide range of services, including:
- Benefits advice
- Cancer information materials
- Cancer information materials in other languages
- Carer support
- Counselling
- Emotional support
- Financial support
- Advice and support with housing concerns
- Macmillan Grants (one off, means tested grants to help with the cost of cancer)
- Practical support
- Health and wellbeing advice and support
- Information and advice on fuel and energy bills
- Self Help & Support Groups
- Signposting and referrals to other services
- Transport services
- Volunteering activities
- Information about becoming a volunteer cancer patient representative (using your experience to improve the services and care we provide)
You will have the opportunity to talk to someone in confidence, discuss what you are going through and have your voice heard. We understand how much things can change when you are affected by cancer and can offer support and information regarding practical, emotional, and financial challenges. We can put you in touch with support services, support groups and social events in your area.
You do not need a referral to access our service. We are available for drop in or telephone support Monday – Friday, 8.30am - 4pm (excluding bank holidays)
Macmillan Cancer Information & Support Centre, Main Entrance, Royal Oldham Hospital, Rochdale Road, Oldham, OL12 2JH