CLAN closes drop-in centres to protect clients amid virus outbreak
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CLAN Cancer Support is temporarily closing its drop-in centres to protect its clients amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The Aberdeen-based cancer support charity says it has been closely following and preparing for the developing situation, taking into consideration advice from the NHS and government.
In Moray CLAN has drop-in centres at Elgin, Forres, Buckie and Lossiemouth while in Aberdeenshire it operates centres in Banchory and Inverurie.
The CLAN Haven bed and breakfast facility in Aberdeen 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 while undergoing chemotherapy and other treatments at ARI.
CLAN's 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, March 16, 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 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."
Professor Marianne Nicolson, a member of the CLAN Board, said: "At CLAN our priority is to maintain the safety of our clients, and with the COVID-19 pandemic there is clearly a risk 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."
The number of coronavirus cases in Grampian stands at 11 after an update on this afternoon.
CLAN will continue to support anyone affected by cancer by providing counselling and emotional support by phone or through digital media.
To access these services in Moray phone 01343 544132, Aberdeen 01224 647000, Inverurie 01467 624687, North Aberdeenshire 01779 487176 or email CLAN general enquiries enquiries@clanhouse.org.
