23 August 2019

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Health Secretary Jeane Freeman visited the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre in Glasgow to launch new support for cancer patients.

The new £18 million Scottish Government and Macmillan Cancer Support partnership will make Scotland the first country in the UK to offer cancer patients guaranteed emotional, practical and financial advice.

This investment will mean cancer care teams in hospitals are able to focus solely on the provision of personalised medical care and support.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:

Dealing with the physical and emotional impact of cancer is traumatic enough without having to cope with the stress it places on other aspects of daily life for individuals and their families.

This £18 million partnership will make Scotland the first country in the UK where cancer patients will have access to dedicated practical, financial and emotional help.”

During the visit the First Minister and Health Secretary were given a tour of the recently refurbished entrance facilities at the Beatson before meeting patients and cancer support workers in the Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre.

FM @NicolaSturgeon & @JeaneF1MSP joined @MacmillanScot to announce a new £18m #TransformingCancerCare partnership which will ensure everyone with cancer in Scotland is offered emotional, practical & financial advice from a dedicated support worker ? https://t.co/4ymX8Xjiuo pic.twitter.com/ntJwwvEiKe

— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) August 23, 2019

Pamela Harrower from Dunfermline who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018 met the First Minister and explained how she has already benefitted from this support.

She said:

Having money worries should be the last thing during the most worrying time of your life. We are truly grateful for Macmillan’s support in one of our worst times, helping us move forward and live again.”

Today our CEO @lynda_thomas met with the @ScotGovFM at the Beatson to launch the #TransformingCancerCare programme in partnership with @ScotGov which will ensure everyone with cancer in Scotland is offered emotional, practical and financial help from a dedicated support worker. pic.twitter.com/SnI0ncf0UM

— Macmillan in Scotland (@MacmillanScot) August 23, 2019