A service that will see a cancer nurse providing one-to-one care in a community setting or within patient’s homes will be trialled in west Suffolk next month.

The region-wide pilot, which is being joint funded by Macmillan Cancer Support and the former Anglia Cancer Network (now Strategic Clinical Network) will run for two years from August 1.

According to documents to be discussed at this week’s West Suffolk Clinical Commissioning meeting, the scheme is part of a project to test a new model of community cancer care.

The service will be based in three GP surgery localities – Hardwicke House in Stour Street, Sudbury; Siam Surgery in Siam Place, Sudbury and Long Melford practices.

The team, which consists of a cancer nurse specialist and support worker, will be hosted by Serco (Suffolk Community Healthcare) and physically based at Hardwicke House in Sudbury.

The pilot project aims to meet the support needs of cancer patients attached to these practices, regardless of where they are receiving their cancer treatment by ensuring “appropriate support and skills are available within the primary care setting”.

Health bosses have said that they believe the role will be focused on assessment, information provision, personalised care planning, supported self-mangament and wellbeing after treatment.

Dr Christopher Browning, a local GP and chairman of the NHS West Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group said: “The new community cancer nurse pilot project will bring cancer care and support in west Suffolk closer to home. The service, which is funded by Macmillan Cancer Support and the Clinical Strategic Network and supported by the NHS West Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group, will see cancer patients given additional help in managing symptoms, advice and information on their condition and psychological support.

“Having cancer is difficult and stressful and it is important these patients are given as much support as possible.”