Partnership Launches Personalised Cancer Support Service in Wirral

Wirral University Teaching Hospital (WUTH), alongside local partners, is part of a new integrated cancer support service aiming to reduce barriers for people accessing cancer care.

Led in partnership with One Wirral CIC and Macmillan Cancer Support in collaboration with primary care, Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, Cheshire and Merseyside ICB Wirral Place and community organisations, the service aligns with NHS England’s Core20PLUS5 approach by working to reduce health inequalities and improve outcomes for people who face barriers to care.

The Wirral Integrated Cancer Support (WICS) service was officially launched in June 2025, with the goal of ensuring everyone living with cancer in the borough can access personalised care and emotional support, regardless of background or circumstance. The support will be local to their community to make it more accessible to them.

The launch event was officially opened by Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, and also attended by Mayor of Wirral, Councillor Brian Kenny, both of whom expressed their strong support for the initiative and its role in transforming local cancer care.

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “This service isn’t just about good healthcare, it’s a statement of what we believe in: that everyone deserves dignity, compassion and support – especially when facing something as life-changing as battling cancer. I’m looking forward to seeing the positive impact it has on so many lives.”

WUTH clinical teams are supporting delivery of Holistic Needs Assessments and Personalised Care and Support Plans, helping people affected by cancer to talk about what matters most to them. This ensures care is shaped around individual needs, with clear pathways for both clinical and non-clinical support.

Janelle Holmes, Chief Executive at WUTH, said: “We are proud to be part of a service that reflects the values of personalised care. Through listening to what matters most to each person and working together with our partners, we’re creating a more connected, compassionate experience for people affected by cancer across Wirral.”

Karen Livesey, Director at One Wirral CIC, said: “This service is about connecting people with the right support at the right time, in a way that truly reflects their individual needs. By working together across communities and organisations, we can break down barriers and ensure that no one in Wirral faces cancer alone.”

The WICS programme places a strong focus on co-production with the community, working directly with people who have lived experience of cancer to shape the support available and make services more accessible to all communities across Wirral.

Gail Fitzgerald, Macmillan Integrated Personalised Care Lead Nurse at WUTH, added: “This service is a fantastic opportunity for WUTH, On