A NEW GP has been appointed to spearhead better cancer care in Worcestershire.

Dr Elizabeth Seakins has been appointed as a new Macmillan GP facilitator in Worcestershire.

Macmillan GPs lead the way in pushing for better cancer care in their area by working closely with other health and social care professionals to improve standards and raise awareness.

Dr Seakins has been working as a GP in Worcestershire for ten years having previously worked in diverse places such as the Falkland Islands and Canada. In her role as a Macmillan GP she will be working with colleagues to encourage early diagnosis of cancer patients to improve their outcomes. As well as raising the profile of cancer she is also interested in establishing links between Macmillan and military personnel affected by cancer.

Dr Seakins said: “I am looking forward to working with colleagues across Worcestershire to help ensure that people with cancer are diagnosed early to improve survival rates. To me being part of Macmillan means being part of a respected charity that is helping patients, their relatives, and healthcare professionals, to look after each other.

“I have already been working with colleagues across the West Midlands to educate GPs about the tools available to support them with the early diagnosis of cancer. I have also met with professionals from Macmillan support services in Worcestershire such as the Macmillan Information Centres and the Macmillan CAB Service, it’s great that there is such a wide range of support for people affected by cancer locally."

Monica Burchell, Macmillan development manager, said: “We want people affected by cancer to have access to the best quality care and support no matter what stage they are at in their cancer journey. No one should face cancer alone.”

If you’re facing cancer it can be a lonely and upsetting time. It’s important to know support is there for you. If you have questions about cancer, or to find out more how you can support Macmillan, visit www.macmillan.org.uk or call 0808 808 00 00.