The progress made so far in helping people with health problems live at home longer and the range of support available to people who have undergone treatment for cancer will be outlined at am information event in Clackmannanshire on 6^th September 2017.

Members of the Clackmannanshire and Stirling Health and Social Care Partnership will highlight the work underway to help avoid people being admitted to hospital and support those who do require inpatient care to return home as soon as possible. They will also give an update on the work of the Partnership, which has been up and running for a year, and outline their future plans for Clackmannanshire.

Local people can also hear about the one-to-one support service which Macmillan provide to cancer patients and their families. The service helps patients following treatment for cancer and NHS Forth Valley was the first NHS Board in Scotland to trial the one-to-one support service.

The meeting, which is organised by NHS Forth Valley’s Public Partnership Forum,  takes place in Sauchie Community Hall, Mar Place, Sauchie on Wednesday September 6^th 2017 at 7.00pm

Dr Susie Porteous, Macmillan Consultant Clinical Psychologist for NHS Forth Valley, said: “We know from patients that cancer poses many challenges. When someone has been diagnosed with cancer they have to adjust to many changes and this means that patients and those close to them often experience strong emotions and worries. When treatment finishes and the practicalities of treatment are over, people can be surprised if they don’t feel ‘back to normal.

“Similarly, people who are living with active cancer may be coping with physical problems and overwhelming emotions. The aim of the project is to help people living with and beyond cancer to make sense of their experience and to let them know about resources which are available to help them to manage any ongoing concerns.”

The pilot in Forth Valley has meant  cancer patients not only have access to a team of cancer specialists, but also a dedicated follow up team who can answer questions and provide information, advice and support on topics such as psychological wellbeing, managing tiredness, healthy lifestyle and getting the most out of their appointments.

Clackmannanshire faces a number of key issues including an ageing population and a growing number of people with long term, complex health needs. It also has areas where people are poorer and face difficulties finding employment which the Health and Social Care Partnership is working with local organisations and community groups to address.

Anyone who wishes to attend or requires crèche facilities or an interpreter should contact Jessie-Anne Malcolm, NHS Forth Valley’s Public Partnership Forum Co-ordinator, on 01324 614660 or email Jessie.malcolm@nhs.net