A WELFARE rights officer has lifted the lid on how people living with cancer and their families have become hidden victims of the pandemic.

Jacqueline Coyle works with Macmillan Cancer Support in conjunction with the NHS and local health and social care partnership.

She and her team provide crucial financial and practical support to cancer patients and their families and the service has maintained its support during lockdown.

Jacqueline said: "Between July and September we supported just under 100 people, and their families, affected by cancer in Inverclyde.

"Almost half were sadly terminally ill.

"We secured £532,000 in welfare and benefits support."

Jacqueline, who is based at the oncology/haematology ward at IRH, says there have been delays in people getting assessments and then being referred for treatment because of the pandemic.

She said: "It’s been a very difficult time for people and their families affected by cancer - or indeed for anyone with any health issues - during this pandemic.

"We are listening to very difficult situations several times a day and trying to find a way for people to remain hopeful that financially they will get through the very difficult times they are having to endure .

"The additional pressures of the pandemic and all that brings, as well as restrictions on having contact with family and friends, is certainly causing a great deal of distress."

Another hurdle Jacqueline's service has had to overcome since last spring is being unable to see people face to face, but they have adapted to the situation.

She said: "Our work is taking longer than usual as we cannot meet face to face and people are finding it more difficult to absorb information and advice due to this.

"But we continue to carry out our assessments whilst home working and offer ongoing support for people and their families

"As we all know, we need to adhere to the measures in place so that we can remain safe as possible.

"It has been a challenge but also a pleasure assisting clients who need support.

"The fact we are here and can support clients through a difficult time will hopefully bring some comfort."

Jacqueline and her team help people living with cancer with day-to-day concerns, such as what benefits they may be entitled to, so that they can fully focus on their health and treatment.

She said: "The support we offer at the Macmillan Cancer Support Benefits Service in Inverclyde is vital to help and advise people facing the financial concerns that a cancer diagnosis often brings.

"We've found that the effects of the pandemic have caused additional worries about how to manage money in relation to heating homes, buying food and keeping up with paying rent and mortgages.

"To support people living with cancer as much as we can, we look into any relevant sources of support available, including statutory funding as well as charitable grants which are sometimes available depending on circumstances.”

Fuel poverty is a major issue for some patients and Jacqueline works closely with Energy Action Scotland to ensure that people get the help they need.

She said: "When people are off sick, it costs more to heat their home, it is massive issue.

"Energy Action Scotland can also provide white goods free of charge."

The Macmillan service also works with other organisations, including the DWP and local government agencies, as well as charities such as Ardgowan Hospice.

*Cancer patients looking for support or further information can call Jacqueline on 01475 715365 (option 3 and 6) or email jacqueline.coyle@inverclyde.gov.uk