A TEAM of health workers from Hereford have been 'adopted' by a leading cancer support charity.

The adoption means the cancer nurses and dietician, who are based at Hereford County Hospital, meet the high standards of care and support provided by Macmillan Cancer Support – and means they can be badged as Macmillan.

A total of 25 health workers have been adopted by the charity and 20 attended a celebration event in the Mayor of Hereford's parlour.

Sandra Parry, a palliative care nurse specialist who lives in Hereford, said: "We’re thrilled to have been adopted by Macmillan. It means we’ll be supported with specialist training and have access to grants to help us increase our expertise and raise the bar of the care we’re able to deliver to our patients.

"Being a Macmillan nurse makes us instantly recognisable as experienced nurses in the field – it’s a respected title, as health and social care workers, patients and relatives all know what a Macmillan nurse is."

The Mayor of Hereford, Councillor Jim Kenyon, praised the care that the staff provide to cancer sufferers.

Sarah Rosser, the dietitian who has been adopted, added that it has given her an identity that patients recognise.

The team will be able to access the extensive training and development the charity provides – exactly the same support as any other Macmillan nurse – but will continue to be funded by Wye Valley NHS Trust.

They were joined by two Macmillan welfare rights advisers from Herefordshire Citizens Advice, who help people affected by cancer with financial advice.

To help support Macmillan in Herefordshire, call 0300 1000 200.