CLAN centres close to protect clients due to virus outbreak
CLAN centres close to protect clients due to virus outbreak
CLAN Cancer Support is to make changes to the way they deliver services, temporarily closing its drop-in centres in order to protect their clients from the COVID-19 pandemic.
CLAN Cancer Support says it has been closely following and preparing for the developing situation, taking into consideration advice from the NHS and government.
Dr Colette Backwell said: “The safety and protection of our clients is always our priority and having taken advice, we believe that temporarily closing our centres from Monday 16th March 2020 is an appropriate and measured response at this time, recognising the additional risk to and vulnerability of those with a cancer diagnosis. We will continue to deliver support through telephone and online communication.
“We are keeping the situation under continuous review and we will keep our clients informed about CLAN services via our social media channels. We want to reassure everyone during this time that CLAN Cancer Support will still be here for anyone affected by a cancer diagnosis.”
The CLAN Haven bed and breakfast facility for those attending Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI) appointments, will remain open to ensure those undergoing treatments are supported. Patients travel from across the north-east to stay at CLAN Haven whilst undergoing chemotherapy and other treatments at ARI.
Professor Marianne Nicolson, member of the CLAN Board said: “At CLAN our priority is to maintain the safety of our clients, and with the Covid19 pandemic, there is clearly a risk to them that we take very seriously. To maintain the support from CLAN which is highly appreciated by clients and their families, we feel that providing services by remote means is most appropriate for the time being. As always, we would like to thank our tireless staff, volunteers, contractors and fundraisers who will continue to work hard during this challenging period to support CLAN services.”
CLAN will continue to support anyone affected by cancer by providing counselling and emotional support by telephone or through digital media. To access these services, local centres should be contacted on telephone number listed below, or email CLAN general enquiries enquiries@clanhouse.org.
Further resources will be made available through CLAN’s website www.clanhouse.org and social media channels.
Aberdeen 01224 647000
Moray 01343 544132
Deeside 01330 538176
Inverurie 01467 624687
Orkney 01856 873393
North Aberdeenshire 01779 487176
Shetland 01595 697275
