CANCER patients are being given a helping hand with their dietary requirements thanks to the appointment of a dedicated expert.

Gateshead Health NHS Trust has taken another significant step in improving care for cancer patients by employing its first MacMillan dietician to give them the best possible guidance while they undergo chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Established in 1911 by Douglas MacMillan, nurses from the charity have played an increasingly important role in healthcare.

Debbie Nicholl is one of a growing number of Macmillan professionals who have emerg-ed in recent years to excel in other disciplines.

She has been employed to support the work of the trust's doctors and consultants by providing cancer patients with diet advice.

Although many cancer patients get diet support, Ms Nichol provides help for people who require more specialist help or intensive follow up.

She said: "Patients often suffer from poor appetite and weight loss during their treatment.

"We can counter this by advising on high protein, high- calorie diets designed to maintain nutritional equilibrium, which can be a battle during treatment."

Based at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Ms Nicholl spends much of her time on the hospital wards and with patients in the chemo day unit.

But she can also be found at the St Bede's Unit, as well as making home visits when required.