NEW help is being provided at Airedale Hospital to patients with urological cancers.

Sue Rourke has taken-up the role of Macmillan urology care co-ordinator, based at the Steeton site.

And since her appointment in May, many patients have already benefited.

She is often the first point of contact for people after they have been referred to the hospital by their GP for tests and diagnosis in relation to suspected urological cancer, which includes prostate, testicular, penile, bladder and kidney cancers.

The post means patients have a named person they can speak to at any point.

Sue helps guide people through their treatment and is always there to answer questions and provide support.

Before taking on her role, she embarked on a specialist six-month course with Macmillan Cancer Support.

She received training regarding loss and bereavement and in communication, counselling and the different kinds of cancers, including what tests and procedures patients have to undertake.

As part of the help Sue is able to give to patients, she provides each one with a Macmillan ‘organiser’.

The pack includes information about that particular person’s cancer and the support available.

“Not all patients will read it straight away – when people are given a diagnosis in clinic it’s hard for them because they are told so much information – but eventually they might pick-up the pack and look through it,” said Sue.

“It includes information on the support groups we have, where patients can talk about their experiences and help each other. They become like a family.

“There are booklets too regarding help with finances, if they need it.”

Sue also makes holistic assessments of patients’ needs, which could involve psychological support or advice on what travel assistance is available.

“This helps identify if any patients don’t have family or friends to offer support,” she said.

“I’ve recently been supporting a patient who has bladder cancer. She’s on her own with no family close by and understandably has been very anxious about her tests and treatment.

“We’ve gone together for her CT scans and I accompanied her to the ward before she went for a biopsy.

“She has recently been in touch to say thank you. She said it had been a massive help.

“I thought that was really lovely, but that’s what I’m here for.”