People dealing with cancer, like many long term illnesses, can face many issues ranging from depression to money issues or even just difficulty in accessing the right information.
The centre’s cancer navigators work to guide patients through those problems. Several also offer talking therapies for those struggling to come to terms with their illness.
Donna Weston has worked there for five years and is a trained counsellor.
“We give a lot of emotional support, but from the practicality, we can refer into a lot of different services,” she said.
“We have access to occupational therapy services, emergency services within the NHS, dieticians, all sorts.”
Kerynne Robertson, who has incurable breast cancer, said the service was invaluable.
“All the navigators tend to know everybody but there is one person you can go to at any point with any worry, however small,” she said.
“That person is there for you.”
But that navigator service is now under threat.
While the centre itself is funded by NHS Cheshire and Merseyside, the cancer navigators are paid for by the umbrella organisation for the area’s GPs.
The Southport and Formby Primary Care Network (PCN) represents the 14 GP practices in the area. It has already warned the centre that the money for the navigators could stop at the end of the financial year.
PCN director Dr Rob Caudwell said the value of the service is not in doubt.
“We know they offer a great service to patients, they support practices,” he said.
“This isn’t anything to do with the quality or the value of service – it’s about funds.”
PCNs provide some central services to the member GP practices, and fund others.
In Southport and Formby’s case those include care home visits, a pharmacy support team, mental health workers and digital support.
