Family thank hospital for supporting them through cancer and loss

A Warrington woman has thanked staff at Halton Hospital for supporting her family through both of her parents’ cancer journeys, describing the hospital as a place where her family has always felt cared for.

Caroline Metcalf, 60, from Lymm, has praised the care her family received at Halton Hospital while both of her parents were receiving cancer treatment.

Her mum Elaine Potter was supported by the team at the Programmed Investigations Unit (PIU) after being diagnosed with terminal acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) in October 2025. Elaine sadly died in April 2026, aged 83.

The family already had a close connection with Halton Hospital. Caroline’s dad Colin Potter also received cancer treatment at the PIU before his death in 2017, aged 76.

When Elaine became unwell Caroline took on the role of full-time carer while supporting her mum through repeated infections and emergency hospital admissions.

Caroline said: “I want to thank everyone at Halton Hospital who has supported my family over the years. The care on PIU was great. We were treated as people, not just numbers, and staff took the time to support us.

“When my mum became poorly, I quickly took on the role of full-time carer. She suffered intensely with infections and emergency hospital admissions, and I felt completely overwhelmed by the trauma we were experiencing.

“The staff on PIU told me about the Delamere Centre and the support I could receive as a family member affected by cancer. I am so grateful that they did.

“The Delamere Centre has been my sanctuary. It has given me my confidence back and helped me through such a difficult time.”

Since January 2026, Caroline has accessed support at the Delamere Support and Information Centre at Halton Hospital, part of North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust, including counselling and complementary therapies.

Based in the hospital’s Nightingale Building, the Delamere Support and Information Centre provides free practical, emotional and financial support to people affected by cancer, including patients, carers and family members.

Caroline’s story is one of many that reflect the important role Halton Hospital has played in the lives of local families over the past 50 years.

Halton Hospital will celebrate its 50th birthday on 21 September 2026, marking five decades of providing care and support to local communities.

If you would like to be part of the celebrations by sharing your memories or recognising a staff member or team, please get in touch by emailing ncm.communications@nhs.net