A NEW group has been set up to support patients with lung cancer and their carers at Airedale Hospital.

It is the brainwave of Claire Waddington and Sharon Longden, clinical nurse specialists at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, to help members meet other patients with the same condition and health professionals.

They meet monthly in the lounge area of the education centre on site and there is a speaker at each session. So far there have been talks about diet and nutrition, complimentary therapies, and the latest was a speaker from Bradford and Airedale Cancer Support talking about financial benefits and advice.

The next group will meet Tuesday, July 1, 10am to 12 noon and there will be a talk on managing anxiety including coping strategies and emotional wellbeing.

Claire said: “We set up the group with help from McmillanCancer Support and Bradford and Airedale Cancer Support following a pilot last year when we received feedback that it would be useful.

“The idea is for patients to be able to share their experiences with people in a similar position to themselves and meet a range of healthcare professionals giving people the chance to speak to others diagnosed with lung cancer can make a big difference to how they’re feeling and it can help to get answers to any important questions."

For more information contact (01535) 294535 or e-mail claire.waddington@anhst.nhs.uk

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