The latest information on the Coronavirus outbreak from Greater Manchester Cancer .

This page is intended for GM clinicians. It was last updated at 10:55 on 26 March 2020.

Information from Greater Manchester Cancer

The Greater Manchester Cancer team is currently reviewing all NHS and Government guidance and working with local providers to provide support over the coming weeks. The latest information for clinicians and patients will continue to be posted here as a clear point of reference. Please bear with us whilst we update this page.

GM Cancer Clinicians Online Forum

Greater Manchester Cancer has developed a secure online forum for clinicians to share guidance and discuss various information regarding their pathways or systems. Use the button below to access the forum. If you do not yet have a user login, please register via the button below and we will authorise your account. Once in the online forum, you can request access to a number of groups including any specific pathways you may be part of.

access the online forum

NHSE Guidance (cancer-specific)

Speciality Guide (Cancer and Coronavirus) (published 17.03.20) on managing referrals: Click here

Information for Cancer Alliances on managing cancer referrals (last updated 19.03.20): Click here

Information for patients (last updated 19.03.20): Click here

New NICE Guidance NG161 – Published March 2020

COVID-19 rapid guideline: delivery of systemic anticancer treatments: click here for the latest NICE guidance

Government information on ‘shielding’ vulnerable persons (includes cancer)

On 22.03.20 the Government announced plans to ‘shield’ those most vulnerable to COVID-19 through a number of measures. This includes people with specific cancers, including:

  • people with cancer who are undergoing active chemotherapy or radical radiotherapy for lung cancer
  • people with cancers of the blood or bone marrow such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma who are at any stage of treatment
  • people having immunotherapy or other continuing antibody treatments for cancer
  • people having other targeted cancer treatments which can affect the immune system, such as protein kinase inhibitors or PARP inhibitors
  • people who have had bone marrow or stem cell transplants in the last 6 months, or who are still taking immunosuppression drugs

Read their guidance here including how these vulnerable people will be supported to access care, support and food if required.

Changes to the Prehab4Cancer Programme

The Prehab4Cancer programme has temporarily suspended face to face sessions with patients. Patients are being supported via telephone consultations. For more details information and for downloadable leaflets for patients, visit the Prehab page of our website here.

Restricted visitors to The Christie

The Christie is following up-to-date Public Health England guidance for the coronavirus outbreak.
To protect patients, visitors are currently restricted and there are changes to visiting hours and processes on site.
For more information, visit the dedicated page on The Christie website by clicking here.

Latest NHS and Government Guidance (general advice for the public)

Click here for the latest NHS advice.
Click here for the Government advice pages.

Information to give to the public

Patients can find a link to information from NHSEI from our homepage gmcancer.org.uk.

Charity-specific advice for patients on Coronavirus