A TURF cutting ceremony took place at Wrexham Maelor Hospital to mark the start of work on the new Macmillan Information Centre.

The development, which is a joint venture between Macmillan Cancer Support, the Shooting Star Appeal and the North Wales NHS Trust, will create the first-ever Macmillan Information Centre in Wales.

It is being built close to the entrance to the hospital’s Shooting Star Unit, making it easily accessible to patients who may be attending for treatment, and the building costs are being met by the Shooting Star Appeal.

It will include a library of reference materials, internet access and a quiet room where patients and their families can meet the information manager in private for discrete and confidential discussions.

Yvonne Lush, cancer services manager at the hospital, said: “Macmillan has already funded six clinical nurse specialist posts at the hospital, and we are thrilled to be extending our relationship with them.

“This is a very important development for cancer services in North East Wales and I want to thank both Macmillan and the Shooting Star Appeal for their continued support.”

As well as information about their condition and treatment, patients often need guidance on lifestyle changes and ways of coping with both the physical and emotional effects of their illness.

But people with cancer may also need other help – for example, advice on finances and benefits to help them cope with the extra costs cancer can bring.

Cath Lindley, general manager for Macmillan Cancer Support in Wales, said: “Whatever stage of the cancer journey people are on, receiving the correct information at the right time about cancer is vital.”

The specialist information manager post is funded by Macmillan and will play a crucial role in providing advice and helping patients find the information they need.

Nonna Woodward, chairman Shooting Star Appeal Trustees, said: “It will bring the wealth of caring, skill and understanding that we all immediately connect with the Macmillan nurses to the heart of our community.”