Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has received £300,000 to fund a second year of a project aimed at supporting cancer patients with mental health difficulties. 

The East Midlands Cancer Alliance Integrated Training and Video Therapy Service (EMCAVS) offers a comprehensive, evidence-based package to support cancer patients across Nottinghamshire. The project includes remote video therapy for patients with severe mental health difficulties, as well as high-quality training and supervision to cancer care staff on psychological assessment and intervention skills. 

The service has also produced online self-management resources and introduced a novel, smart messaging intervention to reduce drop-out and prevent patient relapse. It also aims to help patients manage commonly experienced difficulties associated with cancer care, including anxiety, low mood, sleep problems and pain. 

Dr Julie Attfield, Executive Director of Mental Health Services, said: 

“We are absolutely delighted that this important service has been refunded. The service supports patients through a difficult time, which ultimately improves their quality of life.

“Equipping staff with the tools they need to be able to spot the psychological needs of patients early, to ensure they get the right support, is also incredibly important. 

“The benefits of the team have been clear to see and we are thrilled they are able to continue to provide this valuable service to patients and staff for another year.”

Data from the first year of the project demonstrated the service has been effective in reducing psychological distress and improving the quality of life for patients experiencing severe mental health difficulties. As a result of the specialised training and supervision, cancer care staff have described feeling more equipped to identify and intervene with common psychological problems. Staff also reported improvements in their own wellbeing following the training, with reduced chance of work-burnout. 

Sam Malins, Lead Clinical Psychologist for the project, said:

“The need for more psychological health provision in cancer care was a key issue identified by the East Midlands Cancer Alliance, so we were delighted to receive the funding for this project and be able to evidence the impact that this kind of service has for patients and staff. It is fantastic news that the project has been re-funded for another year.”

The NHS Long Term Plan is committed to give everyone with cancer access to personalised care so they are empowered to manage their care and the impact of their cancer maximising use of digital and community-based support, where appropriate. This project is a step towards realising this aim, allowing patients to access the support they need.

Sarah Hughes, Managing Director of the East Midlands and West Midlands Cancer Alliances, had this to say about the project:

“Cancer not only impacts physically but also mentally on those diagnosed. This project helps to address the psychological issues and looks to improve the patients’ quality of life. 

“The project demonstrates the importance of holistic support offerings which are accessible to everyone, including those with mental health difficulties. 

“I am proud we are able to support Nottinghamshire Healthcare with further funding, so they have the opportunity to help many more patients”.

Over the next year, the service will build on the work already completed, expand the training and supervision to more cancer sites, accept more patient referrals and develop a larger resource of self-help materials.