Newcastle Alliance Councillor Patrick Clarke is urging cancer patients to contact their local GP or surgery to find out if they are eligible to receive a £100 winter fuel payment.
Newcastle Councillor Patrick Clarke stated: “I would encourage all those eligible people to apply for this payment and I would also ask anyone who thinks they may fit the criteria and who have not yet been contacted by their GP, to get in touch with their surgery.
“In recent weeks GPs have been contacting cancer patients who are eligible to receive this one off £100 payment, which will help towards paying fuel bills during these colder months.
“There is also a helpline number available to anyone with further questions – 028 9032 1313. I would encourage any person who may be eligible to call the number and find out if they can access this fund.”
ENDS
Eligible patients are:
• people who have received surgery for cancer within the qualifying period 13 June 2011 to 18 December 2011;
• people who have received radiotherapy, chemotherapy or palliative care for cancer within the qualifying period 13 June 2011 to 18 December 2011; or
• people for whom a decision is made, during the qualifying week of 12 to 18 December 2011, to provide treatment for cancer in the form of surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or palliative care.