Category Archives: health

Drop-in centre launched for north Norfolk cancer patients and their families

North Norfolk Cancer Support Drop-in Centre founders (from left): Jo Haywood, Judith Miller and Diane Evans. Photo: KAREN BETHELL

A drop-in group for people living with cancer has been launched at Sheringham.

With a start-up grant from a local singing group and the backing of Macmillan Cancer Support.

The drop-in was the idea of Macmillan North Norfolk fundraising team members Diane Evans, Judith Miller and Jo Haywood, who, concerned about the limited support available to cancer sufferers and their families in the area, decided to take action.

Mrs Evans, who is a founder member of Sheringham women’s social and charity group Sisters in Spirit, which has raised upwards of £10,000, hoped the new group would bridge the gap between treatment and support.

“Talking to people, one of the things we heard over and over was that they couldn’t get a Macmillan nurse,” Mrs Evans explained. “But, realistically, with so many people affected that is an impossibility, so we felt there was a real need to offer something more visible in north Norfolk.

Cuts to Norfolk adult social care, which critics say could increase homelessness, agreed – by narrowest of margins.

Cuts to Norfolk adult social care, which critics say could increase homelessness, agreed – by narrowest of margins.

Photo: John Stillwell/PA Wire

 

Millions of pounds of cuts, including for spending on independent living for young and old, have been backed by councillors – by the narrowest of margins.

The decision to cut more than £11m, including more than £5m from funding for services which support vulnerable people, was today agreed by Norfolk County Council’s adult social care committee.

But an attempt by opposition councillors to stop cuts to housing support was only blocked thanks to the casting vote of Conservative chairman Bill Borrett.

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Free hospital parking for carers of long-term patients

By Leicester Mercury

Parking charges have been scrapped for carers visiting long-term patients at the city’s three hospitals.

The main carer of someone in hospital for more than six weeks will qualify for the free pass.

Permits will apply at Leicester Royal Infirmary, Glenfield and Leicester General hospitals.

The move has been welcomed by carers and health campaigners.

The University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trusts is one of the only hospital trusts in the country to offer the concession for all types of patients.

Similar schemes operate in other hospitals but are often restricted to particular patient groups such as those being treated for cancer, kidney problems and blood related conditions.

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