A TEAM of nurses at Worcestershire Royal Hospital treating people with head and neck cancers have expanded the range of care they can give thanks to a charity initiative.

Lead cancer nurse specialist Louise Pearson and her team at the hospital were made Macmillan Professionals last year, increasing the resources they are able to offer patients as well the scope for training.

The scheme run by Macmillan Cancer Support means the team are able to refer patients directly to support offered by the charity as well as help out with fundraising.

Louise and colleague Julie Owens as well as two speech and language therapists, three dieticians and a counsellor work alongside doctors and nurses to run regular clinics for patients both pre and post-treatment.

Louise said: "I believe the post-treatment service is very important as it is an especially difficult time for our patients when there is often a support need for nutrition and the mechanics of eating and speaking as well as emotional support.

“I find my job incredibly rewarding, particularly when helping patients through some difficult times and I have the pleasure of working with some very skilled surgeons and colleagues.”

People with head and neck cancers can often experience a range of side effects including difficulties with swallowing and speech as well as changes in appearance.

For more information on Macmillan call 0808 808 00 00 or visit macmillan.org.uk