Western Trust hosts living with and beyond breast cancer event in Derry

PICTURED ABOVE: Left to right, Joni Donaghy, Breast Screening mammography, Deirdre Hutchman, Macmillan Support worker,  Meagan Dunlop Breast Clinical Nurse Specialist, Karen McAteer, Breast Clinical Nurse Specialist, Carolann McLaughlin, Breast Clinical Nurse Specialist, Ann Marie Wilson, Breast Screening mammography

The Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) was delighted to host a recent health and wellbeing event at the YMCA, Derry for those living with and beyond breast cancer.

The event provided patients and their families, access to expert advice from key healthcare professionals from cancer services along with information on local cancer support services across the Western Trust area.

Organiser of the event, Gemma O’Neill, Breast Clinical Nurse Specialist said: “The purpose of the event was to deliver a specialised information event for breast cancer patients to support them in their recovery from cancer and as they return to normal life. These events are well received and provide care and attention to the patients.”

Attending the event one participant said: “I found the event very helpful. There was lots of information and guidance to support a healthy lifestyle going forward, I have enjoyed meeting other people who have gone through treatment and who, like me are back at work.”

Speaking at the event, Mr McIlmunn, Consultant Breast Surgeon at the Western Trust added: “This event is offered as part of the Macmillan recovery package, which can greatly improve outcomes for people living with and beyond cancer through the provision of awareness and knowledge of services and support available across all sectors.”

Lesley Finlay, Macmillan Health and Wellbeing Campus Manager, Western Trust, said: “Today’s event showcases the Western Trust’s commitment to working in partnership with key cancer agencies from the voluntary and community sector to enhance the delivery of cancer services to support those patients who have gone through a cancer journey.”