A NEW physiotherapy service has been launched by St Luke’s Hospice aimed at helping cancer sufferers to be as independent and mobile as possible.

The service offers a range of treatments to people with cancer, and other life limiting diseases, from the point of their diagnosis.

The physiotherapists assess patients and help find ways of coping with the symptoms such as mobility or chest conditions. Carers and patients; families are also supported as part of the service.

The team at the hospice in Basildon is made up of two physiotherapists, Paula Henderson and Gill Drew-Griffiths, and a physio’s assistant, Annie Sheringham.

Deb Hickey, St. Luke’s Hospice head of care services, said: “This is a community service that offers day help and home assistance. We want to encourage people to stay at home if they wan’t to be there. We can do joint visits with specialists if that is what patients need."

Since being launched on January 7, the service is already having an impact. Targets for patient referrals have already been exceeded with 185 referrals resulting in more than 300 appointments.

The service is also being extended into new specialist clinics and groups in the community. The service is funded by Macmillan Cancer Support, which has been given a grant of £198,712. However, the funding only lasts for two years meaning St Luke’s will have to support the service after that.

Michelle Bath, development manager for Essex at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “Over the past ten years, Macmillan Cancer Support and St Luke’s Hospice have worked together to develop a range of services for people affected by cancer. By providing one to one assessment and support, the service helps people affected by cancer to self manage and remain independent for as long as possible.”