Different types of Macmillan Nurse
Macmillan nurses work in the community and in hospitals, and they can help with all areas of cancer support.
Macmillan community-based nurses play a vital role in helping people with cancer to stay at home with their families. They work with community health professionals to ensure the best possible physical and emotional care is available to people with cancer at all stages of their illness.
Macmillan hospital-based nurses see people with cancer from the time they are diagnosed and right through their treatment. They liaise with district nurses, GPs and other community healthcare professionals to ensure that the right care is available for people with cancer during treatment and when they return home from hospital.
Macmillan nurses are not normally available in private hospitals. However, Macmillan is working to improve links between community nurses and private hospitals to ensure that those who receive part of their treatment within the private sector, such as surgery, are referred to community NHS support services and do not fall through the net when they are discharged.
Different types of Macmillan nurse
Some Macmillan nurses specialise in particular types of cancer, for example:
Some Macmillan nurses specialise in particular treatment, for example, Macmillan chemotherapy nurses give chemotherapy treatment to patients, and help them to cope with the side effects that may occur.
Macmillan breast care nurses
These care for women who have breast cancer. They support women from the screening and diagnosis stage helping them to make informed decisions. They give practical and emotional support and help some women come to terms with a mastectomy.
Macmillan paediatric nurses
These help children with cancer and their families. They provide support for the child and parents at home and in hospital, and help to keep children at home with their families as much as possible.
Macmillan lead cancer nurses
These are senior nurse managers, helping shape the future of cancer and palliative care services in their area. With other senior managers they develop and implement plans for cancer and palliative care services throughout their NHS Trust or network, and between hospital and home, to ensure better co-ordinated services.