NHS services in Bassetlaw are open and here for you, is the message being shared from local cancer care specialists, despite the increased pressures on the NHS during the coronavirus outbreak.
Aurora Wellbeing Centre in Bassetlaw, together with GPs from local surgeries in Worksop and Retford, and cancer nurse specialists in the area, have produced a video to encouraging anyone with concerns not to ignore the signs or symptoms of cancer, but to get in touch with their GP surgery or cancer clinic for help and support.
Local cancer support services, including Aurora in Worksop, remain operational via telephone and online support services, and are encouraging people affected by cancer and experiencing difficulties, to get in touch and access the support that is still available.
Debra Fores, centre manager at Aurora Wellbeing Centre in Worksop said: “Now more than ever people affected by a cancer diagnosis need our help and support to deal with increased levels of anxiety and worry and the impact of Covid-19. We are aware that the number of people visiting their GP for cancer related issues is down, and we urge people to make contact and follow up any concerns they have.”
GP practices have advised that despite the pressures on services during the coronavirus outbreak, the NHS along with local cancer support services, remain open to care for patients in Bassetlaw – this includes GP practices and hospital clinics.
Dr Eric Kelly, a local GP in Bassetlaw and Chair of NHS Bassetlaw Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) explains that the NHS is still here to help you: “It is very important that patients and the public are aware that the majority of NHS services continue to operate as usual and we want to reassure people that accessing NHS services for non-coronavirus medical issues is highly important, and that includes cancer related issues and symptoms.
“The health needs of our patients is of paramount importance and it is vital that patients continue to seek advice from health and care professionals such as GPs, nurses and pharmacists, as well as emotional and practical support from organisations like Aurora.”
GP practices across Bassetlaw remain open, but the ways in which they are providing care and services has changed in line with national guidance and measures to keep patients and staff safe.
Anyone with a health concern should contact their local practice where they will be assessed, either online or by telephone. If a patient needs to be seen in person and doesn’t have symptoms of Coronavirus, they can be seen in a safe environment. This is particularly important for patients that have more urgent health issues, such as suspected cancer symptoms.
Anyone that has been affected by a cancer diagnosis, including family, friends, carers, or those who are socially isolated or vulnerable are please encouraged to contact Aurora via the telephone support service on 01909 470985. Help and support including emotional and practical help is ongoing, confidential Health Needs Assessments with one of our Wellbeing Practitioner are available, either by telephone or video calls. People are encouraged to get in touch Monday to Friday, from 9.00am to 5.00pm.
Patients are reminded that there is also the NHS 111 service and also the online coronavirus service if you need more urgent medical help and advice.
For further information, please visit Aurora Wellbeing Centre Bassetlaw website via https://www.aurorawellbeing.org.uk/worksop/ for the latest information on services and support Follow us on Facebook @AuroraWellbeingCentreBassetlaw and Twitter @AuroraCentres.
The Aurora charity shop is now open for business Monday to Friday, 10.00am until 2.00pm, with all social distancing measures in place for a safe shopping experience. Lot’s of bargains to be had!