Who's who in the Community
Many health and care professionals from NHS Lanarkshire, North &
South lanarkshire Council and the Voluntary Sector are involved in cancer
care for patients. The information in this section is taken from the
Who’s Who in the Community Section of the NHS Lanarkshire web
site. We have added links to other websites to support this information.
Who's Who in the Community
Social work staff
A member of the social work department will normally carry out the Community
Care Assessment and will talk to the person you care for about their
needs. They should also involve you as the carer. However the assessment
will focus on the needs of the person you care for rather than your
needs. Your needs as a Carer can be assessed through a Carer Assessment.
When the Community Care Assessment is carried out as part of the discharge
plan it will generally be carried out by a Social Worker based in the
hospital. The Social Worker will normally review the services provided
for up to 4 weeks after leaving hospital. After this time, responsibility
for reviewing the care is handed over to the local Social Work Office.
You should contact them if the situation at home changes and you need
further advice and support.
Home Care (Home helps/Home Care Workers)
They can offer support, to the cared for person, with cooking, shopping
and personal care. Advice can be obtained from Social Work.
For
more information on Social Work Services in North Lanarkshire click
here
For
more information on Social Work Services in South Lanarkshire click
here
Occupational Therapist
They can also carry out Community Care Assessments. They have specialist
knowledge about equipment and adaptations to help the person you care
for be as independent as possible in everyday tasks such as bathing,
dressing, confidence building and linking to the Community.
For
more information on Occupational Therapy in Lanarkshire click here
Mental Health Officers
They are Social Workers with experience and training in the area of
Mental Health. They have statutory responsibilities under the current
legislation. For more information on the work of Mental Health Officers
in NHS Lanarkshire click on http://www.nhslanarkshire.co.uk/Services/Mental+Health.htm
or visit Lanarkshires mental health website elament http://www.lanarkshirementalhealth.org.uk/
General Practitioner (GP)
They will provide ongoing medical care and advice when the person has
been discharged from hospital. They will receive information from the
hospital consultant and nursing staff about the medical needs of the
person you care for; this should include a copy of the discharge letter.
They can refer the person you care for back to the hospital consultant
if required. Contact your GP if you require further medical advice.
To
find your nearest GP click here
Community Nursing Team
The community nursing team includes District Nurses, Health Visitors
and Practice Nurses and they can be contacted via the GP surgery.
The District Nursing Service provides a wide range
of support for patients and carers through all stages of illness.
Practice Nurses provide care in the GP surgery or
health centre.
Health Visitors provide advice and information on
a whole range of health related issues.
Community Psychiatric Nurse (CPN)
They are trained to work with people with mental health problems. They
offer support to patients, their families and carers and can be accessed
via the GP. To
find your nearest GP click here
Pharmacist
They can offer valuable advice on medication, such as what to do if
a dose is missed, what potential side effects might arise from particular
medication and how to help the person you care for to take their medication
if they have swallowing difficulties. They can also provide aids to
help you to remember when medicines should be taken
http://www.nhslanarkshire.co.uk/Services/Pharmacy.htm
Clinical and Counselling Psychology
Monklands/Cumbernauld District
The Department of Clinical and Counselling Psychology provides a service to people in Monklands/Cumbernauld experiencing significant psychological difficulties in the Primary Care (i.e. GP practice), Psychiatric, and Acute Hospital settings. People with cancer might be seen in any of these settings, depending upon the nature of the psychological problem.
Where the psychological issue relates specifically to a significant difficulty coping with the diagnosis of cancer, or with its treatment, referral to the Department’s Clinical Health Psychology specialty may be appropriate. This service specialises in offering psychological support and expertise to people who are having difficulty adjusting to ongoing physical health problems. Input may be in the form of direct therapeutic work with patients, or through consultation with and training of staff.
Referral to Clinical Health Psychology is usually by Monklands Hospital doctors, or by nursing staff with the consultant’s consent. Referrals from GPs or psychiatrists may also be accepted by Clinical Health Psychology if the psychological issue is appropriate. People with significant psychological difficulties that do not relate to adjustment to ongoing illness may be referred to other specialties within the department by their GP or psychiatrist. In general, people may find it helpful to consult with their GP in the first instance.
For further information please contact;
Consultant Clinical Psychologist
Clinical and Counselling Psychology,
Monklands Hospital,
Airdrie, ML6 0JS
Telephone: 01236 712564
Specialists Involved in Cancer Care
The West of Scotland Cancer Patient Information and Support website
provides an explanation of some of the specialists involved in cancer
care…go to People Involved in my care section for each cancer
type. http://www.cancerinfosupport.org.uk/
Cancer Words Explained
This section of the LCIS website also provides explanation of peoples
job titles and what they mean along with other words that are used in
cancer care.
Click here
