A CANCER charity has invested a significant sum of money into the North-East for the second time this year.

Macmillan Cancer Support has allocated £225,000 to fund three chemotherapy support assistants.

The move is aimed at improving the experience of people receiving chemotherapy by preparing them for the complexities of undergoing the treatment.

The three support assistants will work with patients to monitor their medication, prevent delays and make other arrangements if treatment is not possible.

They will also act as a point of contact between the patient and consultants, making sure individuals are still fit for treatment and fully informed of what is happening with their treatment.

One of the assistants, Emma Brownbridge, is based at Hexham Hospital. Meanwhile, Sarah Close works with the oncology teams at Wansbeck and North Tyneside Hospital.

Emma explained: “Most people diagnosed with cancer are in a daze and don’t realise the complexities involved with chemotherapy treatment.

“If treatment is delayed or cancelled it can leave people feeling anxious, as well as causing unnecessary trips to hospital and wasted medication. We work with patients to manage scheduling and routinely check blood results, to ensure a seamless service.”

Earlier this year, Macmillan invested £260,000 to recruit two Macmillan specialist palliative care nurses to help bring support closer to local communities.

The nurses are based at Dene Park House in Hexham, but work throughout Northumberland.