Dr Alasdair McDonnell MP MLA, took time out from his busy schedule this week in Stormont to find out about the work that Macmillan’s benefits advisers do to help people with the financial costs of a cancer diagnosis.

Dr Alasdair McDonnell MP for South Belfast and a former GP, said:

“The second biggest concern for people when they get a cancer diagnosis is the worry and stress about paying their bills.

“Over 90% of cancer patients’ households suffer a degree of financial hardship as a direct result of cancer.

“Despite this reality a 2005 National Audit Office report found that 77% of cancer patients are not given financial support information.

“This situation is not acceptable. Everyone affected by cancer should be given information about what financial help is available, how to access that help, and their rights under the Disability Discrimination Act.

“The advisers I met provide a vital service to help cancer patients - this should be standard in South Belfast and throughout Northern Ireland”

Heather Monteverde from Macmillan said: “We were so pleased that Dr Alasdair McDonnell took time out to meet our advisers – it is a vital service that all cancer patients should have access to”.

Ends

27-01-10