BIRTHDAY cake and balloons were part of a celebration to mark the first anniversary of a hospital drop-in service.

The information service for palliative and end of life care patients was set-up at Colchester Hospital last October.

And last month it extended to include outpatients who are visiting the hospital and may need support.

A discharge liaison co-ordinator, a Macmillan representative and counselling support are all available to help.

Palliative care clinical nurse specialist Katie Worby and Lynda Smith, a counsellor based at St Helena Hospice, set the service up.

Mrs Worby said: “Experts are available at the drop-in sessions to help patients and families with any worries or concerns they have.

“We’ve provided emotional support and advice to more than 80 patients and families."

Not all patients are well enough to go to the sessions but they are always open to families and other carers to turn-up for a cup of tea and a chat.

The sessions take place from 2pm until 3pm every Tuesday afternoon in the dayroom on West Bergholt Ward, on the first floor of the main hospital building.

More information about the weekly drop-in sessions is available from the palliative care team on 01206 746272.