Hello and thanks for your post

The GP has overall responsibility for a person's healthcare at home. They can assess your sister and prescribe medications to help manage her symptoms. They can also refer her to a Macmillan nurse. Their area of expertise is in the management of cancer symptoms, and they provide emotional support to the patient and family. You can read more about their role by clicking here.

We have information about support at home for patients here on our website. If she is struggling with mobility and carrying out tasks in the home then a referral to physiotherapy or an occupational therapist to equip the home with various aids. If help with personal care is needed then a social worker can assess for carers to come in and a care package can be arranged.

There are often local charities that can also provide emotional and practical support. You can search what is available locally here.

Many people also benefit from counselling. We do not provide this service as we are a research organisation. But if she would like to access counselling services it may be possible for her to receive NHS counselling, but how long the waiting list is will vary from area to area. The NHS website has information about accessing NHS counselling on their website at this link. Macmillan Cancer Support have teamed with BUPA to offer free counselling for cancer patients. You can read more about this here.

I hope this is of some use. Give us a ring if you would like to talk things over. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Kind regards,

Celene