Cancer nurses launch YouTube channel for St George’s patients

Cancer nurses are reaching out to self-isolating patients with a YouTube channel.

The Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre, based at St George’s University Hospital in Tooting, is temporarily closed to visitors due to the coronavirus pandemic.

But the determined team have found an innovative and safe way to continue to support local people affected by cancer, by launching a YouTube channel offering daily well-being sessions.

Estelle Le Galliot, Macmillan Cancer Information assistant manager at the centre, said: “With the help of Voice, our patient representative group, we decided to launch a new YouTube channel focusing on well-being activities that everyone can enjoy.

“We want to help people to move, relax and sing, all in the comfort and safety of their own home.

“We reached out to our colleagues in the community to help us deliver a varied programme that would meet the needs of as many people as possible. The channel will host daily sessions including exercise classes, singing workshops and guided meditation.

“We are very excited with this new project which is an amazing example of community teamwork.”

Robyn Jenkins, Macmillan Partnership Manager for South West London, said: “Despite the incredibly difficult and unprecedented situation, it is so inspiring to see the ingenuity of the Macmillan Cancer Centre Team at St George’s.

“By launching their very own YouTube channel, they are providing vital and uplifting support to local cancer patients who depend on them – now more than ever.

“And although the centre’s doors are temporarily closed, the Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre Team is still very much here for people affected by cancer, in South London and beyond.”

Estelle and the team have called on local cancer support professionals, such as Move More Wandsworth and the Full Circle Fund, to help deliver their daily programme of wellbeing activities. A new session will be uploaded to the channel each day at 10am, Monday to Friday.