WATCH: Highland hotline to cut cancer deaths
Life-saving help line to give telephone advice to cancer patients
A Highland hotline has been set up to prevent patients from dying after complications following cancer treatment.
One number will give patients telephone advice quickly, leading to medical treatment if it is needed urgently.
It also means every patient's experience will be monitored for six-weeks after having chemo or radiotherapy, helping NHS Highland to build up a picture of what patients' needs are in the region.
Chrissie Lane is the Macmillan consultant nurse based at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness. She told MFR News: "The introduction of the cancer treatment helpline will provide safe and equitable access to 24-hour support for patients experiencing symptoms associated with current chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment.
"People with cancer often develop new and acute problems which require an urgent response, either as a consequence of their cancer illness or the treatment itself. "Patients and carers may be unprepared for such events and uncertain where or when to seek help. By calling the helpline, patients will be assessed by trained call handlers and then either given self care advice or directed to the best possible care services. "It will allow patients to access appropriate and timely care by healthcare professionals who are familiar with their condition and specific needs. It will also further improve communication between cancer and medical teams."
The 24-hour national cancer treatment helpline number is 0800 917 7711.