Call for cancer patients to get easier access to benefits

Macmillan Cancer Support says many sufferers are not even aware of the benefits they could be claiming.

The charity released figures showing its own benefits advisers had been responsible for helping cancer patients in Scotland to access 100 million over the past seven years. However, it said every year 8m worth of benefits go unclaimed, and urged those affected by cancer-related illnesses to contact specialist advisors.

The charity is already targeting parliamentary candidates with the Change Cancer Care Today campaign, and will urge the new Scottish Parliament to introduce a Scotland-wide plan for individuals, showing cancer sufferers how to claim financial support they are entitled to.

Among those who have already used the Edinburgh Macmillan Welfare Rights Partnership, which they operate with the city council, is Morris Sinclair, from Clovenstone, who is currently recovering from a neck operation to remove cancerous cells.

The 59-year-old first met a Macmillan welfare rights officer at the Western General by chance while he was under going tests for a separate condition, and found he needed support during his illness.

He had been left on incapacity benefit after leaving his customer support job due to ill health and was struggling financially.

He said: "I met Helen Sinclair two years ago at the Western by chance before I was diagnosed with cancer last August. After undergoing a few weeks of high dose radiotherapy and chemotherapy I was in a really bad way.

"I couldn't speak at all at times due to the damage and it's very difficult to get by when you can't work. I also couldn't get around very easily.

"I remembered Helen had mentioned the service her charity offered and I got in touch. They were able to get me 220 for a new fridge freezer through the Macmillan Hardship Grant, because mine had packed in, and were there for support whenever you needed to speak to someone."

Mr Sinclair, who is now recovering at home and hopeful for the future, hopes to join the Macmillan team.

He added: "It's a fantastic service and they are never too busy to speak to you. They helped me find out what I was entitled to. I'd like to be there for people in the same situation when I recover."

Elspeth Atkinson, Macmillan's director for Scotland, said: "The stress of money worries can impact on a patient's health and the additional money can make a huge difference.

"While these services have been incredibly successful, we know that some people are still not aware of the help available.

"We believe a personalised care and support plan which highlights the services available to patients would go a long way to helping people."

To find out more about The City of Edinburgh Macmillan Welfare Rights Partnership telephone 0131-225 1255 or e-mail [email protected].