Health Information and Advice

PATIENTS WITH CANCER

The Lothian Improving the Cancer Journey (ICJ) Service is a Macmillan-funded, Link Worker service.  ICJ aims to support people with a cancer diagnosis and their family or carers, focusing on non-clinical issues.

 Here are some of the things they can offer support with;

  • Money or housing issues
  • Work
  • Caring responsibilities
  • Physical concerns
  • Emotional concerns

Before meeting with a link worker, the person will be asked to complete a Holistic Needs Assessment (HNA) to identify their main concerns.  This can also be done with a Link Worker’s help.  Link workers will then have a supportive conversation with the person about ‘what matters most to them’ and areas where they would like extra support or advice. Link workers will be able to sign-post or refer to appropriate local services and supports. The Link Worker and the person will co-create a care plan based on their conversation. This will be owned by the person and can be shared with GPs and other health professionals with consent. 

Contact details:  

Contact ICJ via: Tel no: 0131 537 1500

Email: loth.icj@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk

A professional can refer you to this service or patients can contact us themselves.

The team will be in touch with the person within 3 days and an appointment will be offered within 5-10 days.

The service is available to anyone 16 years of age and over that is affected by cancer (including family members and carers).

Macmillan Counselling Support - Free Specialist Counselling

Through Bupa, Macmillan are offering up to 6 free counselling sessions for people struggling emotionally because they are living with cancer. People can access specialist support remotely within days if they qualify to use the service.  These sessions are led by a qualified therapist, and can help you understand, manage and overcome difficult feelings you may have right now.

Contact the service free on 0808 808 00 00 and ask about the Bupa service. They are open, 7 days a week, 8am-8pm.

Please see more information  HERE

MENOPAUSE INFORMATION

Websites


NHS - www.nhs.uk/conditions/menopause
Menopause Matters – www.menopausematters.com
Menopause & Me - www.menopauseandme.co.uk
Women’s Health Concern - www.womens-health-concern.org
Patient UK - patient.info/womens-health/menopause
The Menopause Charity - www.themenopausecharity.org
The Associations of UK Dieticians - www.bda.uk.com/resource/menopause-diet.html

Media
Squeezy app (pelvic floor health advice and exercises) - www.squeezyapp.com
Balance app(symptom tracking and advice) - www.balance-menopause.com/balance-app
“The Truth About The Menopause” – available on BBC IPlayer and Youtube

Books
‘Living Well Through the Menopause’ by Myra Hunter & Melanie Smith
‘Managing Hot Flushes and Night Sweats’ by Myra Hunter
‘Menopause’ by Dr Louise Newson

Screening checkpoint ahead poster

HEALTH SCREENING

Health screening is a way of finding out if someone has a higher chance of having a health problem.  Attending recommended screenings is one of the most important things you can do for your health.

Please see  NHS Lothian Health Screening


The NHS Lothian website links provide an easy read with sign language, videos and other things to help you understand health screening information. We want health screening information to be accessible.

The website provides information on: