A NEW scheme to provide radar keys to reduce stress and worry for cancer patients across north Shropshire has been hailed a success.

The scheme is being run by the North Shropshire Primary Care Network (PCN) and the Lingen Davies Centre, based at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, which has invested in radar keys that are used to access disabled toilets.

The keys will ensure people can use facilities while out and about, reduce stress and worry, and they will be available through a patient's GP practice.

Val McKay, lead cancer care co-ordinator for North Shropshire PCN said she first contacted Lingen Davies after a patient raised concerns about accessing toilet facilities when needed.

She added: "I was talking to a young patient who shared how difficult it was to go out socially and the additional planning that was needed for any journey outside the home, even sometimes when getting to their treatment.

"They went on to share that they relied on supermarkets or pubs to gain access at short notice and I came away wanting to make a difference for this person, and the hundreds of patients of any age living with a cancer in Shropshire.

"I was aware radar keys allow free access to public disabled toilets across the UK and felt if we could fund the key then this would be the key to success.

"One patient recently awarded a key from us said it has been a lifeline and is the difference between staying in and going out."

The chief executive officer of Lingen Davies Naomi Atkin said it was great to be working with North Shropshire PCN.

She added: "We exist to make a positive difference to people impacted by cancer in our community.

"We want to enable people to live better during and after cancer treatment.

"It is great to be working with North Shropshire PCN to give patients access to radar keys.

"These can be a real lifeline to patients who need to access toilets quickly because of their cancer, or the side effects of their treatment.

"Projects like this can have a huge impact on people’s lives, enabling them to live as well as possible, despite the challenges they may be finding with their health."

For more information contact 01743 492396 or anna.williams@lingendavies.co.uk