A dedicated helpline designed to support patients with a cancer diagnosis during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been relaunched by East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT).
The helpline is available to anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer and has questions about their care. It was initially launched during the first phase of the pandemic, but has been reintroduced to help patients during the latest national lockdown.
All calls will be answered by experienced staff, who will answer questions wherever possible. If patients call with a clinical query, the call handler will either signpost them to their own clinical team or ask the team to contact the patient directly.
Morven Angus, ESNEFT’s lead cancer nurse, said: “We always want to do our very best for our patients, which includes supporting their wellbeing.
“We hope that this helpline will offer reassurance to anyone who is receiving or has received treatment for cancer during this difficult time and would encourage anyone with questions to get in touch.
“Please remember that we are here for you if you need us.”
The helpline is available from 9am to 4pm on Monday to Friday.
Ipswich patients should call 01473 703 008, while Colchester patients can ring 01206 745 330.
Patients who fall unwell while on chemotherapy should call the number listed on their chemotherapy alert cards, which is via the Acute Oncology Service in Ipswich and The Collingwood Centre in Colchester.
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