Macmillan GPs

This is achieved by having protected time to work with all parties involved in cancer care, including patients and their carers, primary health care teams and primary care organisations and networks across the UK.

The role

Macmillan GPs have traditionally acted as change agents within their locality and working nationally through a small team of Macmillan GP Advisers. More recently, the role of the Macmillan GP has been broadened to encompass that of the Primary Care Cancer Lead|. Through their change agent role, Macmillan GPs are encouraged to develop their role in the specific areas of leadership, strategy, service redesign, communication and education. View the full role specification for a Macmillan GP appointment here [PDF,89kb].|

Requirements for a Macmillan GP

• should be a GP in active practice for at least three years, with clinical experience of managing patients with cancer and palliative care needs
• show an active interest in cancer and palliative care, with a good understanding and awareness of emerging cancer and palliative care strategies, both local and national
• be able to demonstrate an interest in and some experience of education and training, with good interpersonal skills, communication and presentation skills
• be able to work as a member of a multi-professional team, appreciating different roles and responsibilities of the team members
• be able to demonstrate that they can maintain their skills and knowledge in cancer and palliative care

Appointment Procedures

If a post for a GP is being developed locally, it will be advertised. If there are no plans for a local post and you wish to develop one, please contact your local primary care cancer lead or cancer manager to canvas their views and also contact your local Macmillan Development Manager via the regional office.

For further general information contact your nearest Macmillan office:

• East Midlands and Northern England region, 01904 651700
• London, Anglia and South East region, 020 8222 9020
• Central and South West England, 01264 343800
• Wales, 01656 867960
• Scotland and Northern Ireland, 0131 260 3720

Macmillan GP advisers

Macmillan Cancer Support also funds a team of GP advisers across the UK. These advisers provide strategic leadership for primary care to Macmillan, as well as support to the broader Macmillan primary care community. GP advisers also work closely with local and national Macmillan service teams to support the development of the primary care workforce and delivery of Macmillan strategies.

To find out more about the role of a Macmillan GP adviser you can contact the team at: macmillan_primary_care@macmillan.org.uk|.