Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service

The Macmillan Cancer Information & Support Service (MCISS) has provided support to anyone affected by cancer for 10 years so if you, or a relative or friend, or are a carer of someone with cancer, or a health professional, we're here to help you.

MCISS has been developed as a partnership between Macmillan Cancer Support and Noble's Hospital and is based in the main reception area of Noble's Hospital. This drop-in service is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 4.30pm.

You can call in for a brief visit to browse and select literature relating to cancer, or you can drop in and chat to one of our trained volunteers for as long as you need to. If you are unable to attend Noble’s Hospital, you can always give us a call on the number below and we will post information to you.

From January 2017, an additional information drop in service commenced at the Henry Bloom Noble Library, Duke Street, Douglas. The service provides an information stand to members the general public, offering a range of cancer information, including hair loss, financial support, the emotional aspects of cancer, and also wider issues relating to health and wellbeing of those when affected by cancer. In addition to the information stand, a Volunteer from the Noble's Hospital Macmillan Cancer Information Centre will be present on the last Friday of each month, between 11am and 2pm, offering non-clinical verbal support and guidance relating to any of the booklets provided.

What the MCISS offers

• A place to talk about the issues that can affect you or your family, relatives, or friends when facing cancer.
• Provision of information relating to the wider issues of cancer, such as financial benefits, off-Island travel and travel insurance, hair loss and haircare.
• The LookAhead service, providing advice and support for people experiencing hair loss as a result of cancer treatment.
• Provision of literature including leaflets, books, and videos on specific cancer types, including wider issues encountered when living with cancer such as breathlessness and fatigue.
• Provision of literature to health care professionals who wish to learn more about a specific cancer topic.
• The development of Cancer Patient Information Pathways to support the Isle of Man Cancer Services.

Achievements

The MCISS regained a prestigious national quality award in December 2015. The Macmillan Quality Environment Mark (MQEM) was awarded in recognition of the service’s continued commitment to offering excellent services in the following areas:

• Welcoming and accessible to all
• Respectful of people's privacy and dignity
• Supportive to users' comfort and well-being
• Giving choice and control to people using the service
• Listening to the voice of the user

The award was presented to volunteers and staff by Barbara Scott, Director of Operations at Noble's Hospital.

How can we help?

• We are here for you at any stage in your treatment and care; you don't have to be a patient to make use of our service.
• Our service is free and can be used as many times as you need for information and support.
• Many of our volunteers have experienced a diagnosis of cancer in their family, giving them the experience to listen and empathise as well as assist you in accessing useful resources.
• Our volunteers have a wide range of professional healthcare backgrounds including Nursing, Social Work, and Counselling.
• Patients, relatives, and friends at times feel overwhelmed by the information they receive in the clinic. Our service exists to help those who wish to find out more information on a chosen cancer topic.

What do people ask us?

The questions you will have about living with cancer or being treated in hospital don't always come to you during your appointments. The MCISS is there for you to use when the time is right for you.

Questions you might have include the following:

• Can I find out more about the type of cancer I have?
• I'm going in to see my consultant, what should I ask?
• The things that matter most to me seem trivial. How can I bring up these questions?
• I'm worried about travelling across for treatment. Who should I talk to?
• Where can I get reliable information on the internet about my cancer?
• Do I qualify for benefits?
• Who can help me cope with my feelings? I am afraid to burden my family.
• What other support is available to people affected by cancer on the Isle of Man
• Will I always feel so tired?
• Can you provide me with information on complementary therapies?
• I'm going on holiday, but my cancer diagnosis means I'm having problems getting travel insurance. Do you know any companies that will cover me?
• I want to read more about other people's experiences of cancer, can you provide this literature?

If you would like any information in Braille, large print, or audio format, please call +44 1624 650735

How can I get involved?

For further information about the service, or to discuss volunteering, contact Tim Moughtin, Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service Manager, on +44 1624 650735 or email: tim.moughtin@gov.im.