Simon Jupp MP praises support services and thanks volunteers during visit to FORCE Cancer Charity

East Devon’s MP Simon Jupp met with the Chief Executive Officer of FORCE Cancer Charity, Meriel Fishwick, at Ottery St Mary Hospital on the 18th of August to learn more about their services and thank volunteers for their work in supporting cancer patients and their families.

Touring the community hospital which is now home to an oncology hub established with the support of Force, Simon Jupp MP discussed the charity’s journey with its CEO which began in Exeter over 30 years ago. Focusing on care, advice and support to cancer patients and families, Force has since expanded to help thousands across the county and moved its East Devon service to Ottery St Mary in 2020.

Arriving at the site, Simon Jupp MP was welcomed by Force volunteers who provide a key meet-and-greet service at the hospital as visitors wait to access support including individual counselling and complementary therapies. Simon Jupp MP thanked them for their dedicated service to the community and has encouraged other volunteers to come forward to assist Force in their work.

The charity’s CEO also toured the chemotherapy treatment area with Simon Jupp MP who had an opportunity to meet with cancer patients and discuss their experience of accessing Force’s services. The East Devon MP was impressed by the extensive support on offer which has been achieved by the charity’s effective use of partnership work, including helping to establish an oncology hub at the hospital and providing care around this.

Simon Jupp, MP for East Devon, said; “The best care is normally the care that we receive closest to our homes and around our support networks. Force is providing just that with its community-focused service at Ottery St Mary Hospital. I saw the positive impact the charity had during conversations with cancer patients who couldn’t speak more highly of their fantastic team and volunteers - a big thanks is owed to them all and the NHS staff providing care from the hospital too which is a key community asset. If you can spare any time to help Force out and make a similar difference to people’s lives, I’d encourage you to sign up as a volunteer. I promise to continue fighting to protect our local NHS and bring more services closer to home in our own communities.”

Meriel Fishwick, Chief Executive Officer of FORCE Cancer Charity, said; “We were very pleased to be able to show Simon the great work the RDUH Cancer Services Team do at Ottery St Mary Hospital supported by FORCE Cancer Charity. Simon heard first-hand the benefits to patients of chemotherapy treatment closer to home and he listened to the rewards of being a volunteer.  Force volunteers now offer a meet and greet service 5 days a week at the hospital. Alongside chemotherapy treatment, cancer patients having treatment in Ottery St Mary can also access counselling, physio assessments and complementary therapies delivered by the Force Team.  The success of these combined services really highlights the benefits of partnership working.”