Bonus Episode: Heather McClean - Macmillan Cancer Support Neighbourhood Health Strategy

Trigger Warning: this episode discusses cancer, cancer treatment and health inequalities. Description: In this insightful episode, Naman Julka-Anderson and Jo McNamara sit down with Heather McLean. Heather is the Director of Community and System Partnerships at Macmillan Cancer Support, leading transformative neighbourhood‑based innovations that bring personalised cancer care closer to people’s homes. She oversees a major UK‑wide programme designed to tackle inequities and empower communities to shape the support they need, driving systems change through bold partnerships, evidence‑driven design, and deep collaboration across public services and local networks. A passionate advocate for ensuring every voice is heard, Heather is committed to sparking a future where people living with cancer not only access safe, high‑quality care, but have the power to influence it. CPD Reflection Points:How can healthcare professionals strengthen partnerships with local communities and organisations to reduce inequities in cancer care and improve access to personalised support?Heather emphasises empowering people affected by cancer to influence the services they receive. In your own role, how do you currently involve patients and communities in shaping care, and where could this be enhanced?What lessons from neighbourhood-based, community-led approaches could be applied within your service to improve outcomes, collaboration, and patient experience across the cancer pathway?Complete this form for your accredited digital badge: Digital Badge Form.Links from the Episode:Neighbourhood health and Macmillan Cancer Support | Macmillan Cancer Support.Macmillan Funding and Grants | Macmillan Cancer SupportA blueprint for transforming neighbourhoods across… | Social FinanceFirst-of-its-Kind Partnership to Revolutionise Community Healthcare in the UK :: West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS TrustRad Chat Links:Rad Chat WebsiteLink TreeFacebookInstagramLinkedInTikTokBlueSkyYouTubeCredits: Music and jingle credits: Dr. Ben Potts and Adam Cooke.© Rad Chat 2025. All rights reserved.  We (or our licensors) own all intellectual property rights in this podcast and all related content, online and offline.  You may not use, copy, modify, download, archive, reproduce, distribute, display, publish, licence, create derivative works from or commercially exploit any part of our content unless we expressly agree in writing.  You must not use any images, audio, video, graphics or clips separately from their accompanying context.  Please acknowledge Rad Chat (and any identified contributors) clearly whenever referencing or sharing our content.