Demand has far exceeded supply, suggesting the need for networking with therapists outside the Centre. Nest Howells, an oncology nurse trained in reflexology, is investigating this. Counselling The Centre is managed by Judy Young, who also provides psychological counselling for patients referred to the Centre. She is supported by Libby Hirschman, formerly Macmillan Liaison Sister with Michael Sobell House, who is now providing counselling for in-patients, in particular palliative cases, in the Cancer Treatment Centre. She works closely with the staff of Michael Sobell House.
Demand clearly exceeds supply.
She conducted a project demonstrating level of need and patients appropriate for referral for counselling. Again demand far exceeds supply. A programme to set up a panel of counsellors in the Mount Vernon catchment area has been carried out. Interested counsellors have been identified, given a basic training in cancer and its treatments, and assessed for suitability for counselling cancer patients. They are supervised in their counselling practice by Judy Young.