The Public Health Department within NHS Orkney have recently launched the new Improving the Cancer Journey (ICJ) Service, which is here to support anyone living in Orkney that has been affected by cancer.
The ICJ service understands that cancer does not just affect physical wellbeing, it can affect many different aspects of someone’s life and the lives of those around them. It can be difficult to know what support is out there and where to access it. The Improving the Cancer Journey Service, in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, will support people to access non-clinical services within Orkney. Non-clinical issues may include:
- Supporting someone to access local teams that can help with money or housing worries and benefits
- Addressing caring or work responsibilities
- Connecting with those that can support with addressing physical concerns
- Accessing complimentary therapies
- Helping with emotional concerns, connecting with wellbeing support and services
- Accessing information to answer questions or concerns about cancer and treatment
When someone affected by cancer accesses the ICJ service, they will be offered a Holistic Needs Assessment, which helps to determine what means most to the person. The key areas addressed within a Holistic Needs Assessment are financial, practical, physical, emotional and spiritual.
Based on this assessment and meaningful conversations with the Link Worker, a support plan will be created to ensure the person affected by cancer is offered all the support they need.
The ICJ service is now officially live and accepting referrals.
If you have any questions or would like to organise a meeting with the ICJ team to learn more about the service, email: ork.icj@nhs.scot or phone: 01856 888084 (Public Health Department).
