Cancer and Palliative Care

Cancer and Palliative Care Awareness Week 2010

Extra support is being offered to Walsall people concerned about the risks of cancer and about the range of end-of-life care services available locally.

A four day awareness campaign is due to take place in the town centre highlighting important messages about recognising signs and symptoms of cancer and providing information about Walsall’s new Palliative Care Centre.

The event will run from Monday 2 to Thursday 5 August, hosted by NHS Walsall Community Health in partnership with NHS Walsall, Walsall Hospitals NHS Trust, and Walsall Patient Advisory Cancer Team.

Ahmed Bhula, Outreach Information and Support Officer, said: “This is a great opportunity to work in partnership to bring important health messages to the people of Walsall from the Walsall health economy.”

The Cancer and Palliative Care team at NHS Walsall Community Health will have a stand located at Townsend Square outside TJ Hughes on Park Street in the Walsall Town Centre. The staff will be on hand from 10am - 4pm to give advice and offer personal one to one support to those who may already be affected by cancer or palliative care conditions.

Construction of the Palliative Care Centre began in October 2009 as part of the implementation of a new integrated End of Life Care Strategy for the residents of Walsall. The new in-patient centre, due for completion in November 2010, will be the first dedicated hospice facility for adults within Walsall.