TWO hospital teams in the borough have been recognised for innovative work that is catching cancer early and improving patient experience.
At the Macmillan Excellence Awards in London this month, teams from Whiston and St Helens Hospital scooped prestigious awards for their life-saving work in the cancer care sector over the last 12 months.
Establishing a dedicated phone line for people with cancer symptoms who were worried about visiting hospital because of Covid, The Cancer Services Advice Line Team took home the Quality Improvement Excellence Award.
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After launching the line from Whiston Hospital, callers were given direct access to a team of Macmillan Cancer Nurse Specialists and assessed within 24 hours.
In its first 12 weeks, four callers were diagnosed with cancer through the Advice Line and treated early – potentially saving their lives.
Macmillan Lead Cancer Nurse at St Helens and Knowsley NHS Trust, Diane Dearden, said: “It’s been so rewarding to improve the patient experience. The collaboration between everybody in turning the Advice Line around so quickly gave us a great sense of achievement.
“It’s fantastic to be recognised with this award for the team’s hard work.”
At St Helens Hospital, the Cancer Services Team scooped the top gong in the Innovation Excellence category after establishing a new, more efficient pathway for patients diagnosed with brain tumours.
Developed with help from patients and a local specialist centre, the pathway ensures patients receive dedicated support and the right information about their diagnosis as quickly as possible – helping increase the possibility of treatment.
Diane added: “There’s no gap in the transition of care and no lost time. With brain tumours, you've got a small window of opportunity. We can't change a diagnosis, but we can support patients and impact their quality of life.
“Because of the rarity of brain tumours, patients often present in the hospital’s A&E department when they first have symptoms.
"The team recognised that these patients weren’t managed and tracked like other cancer patients and their pathway was disjointed. The new pathway massively improves patient experience, and the award is testament to that.”
For support, information or a chat, call Macmillan Cancer Support free on 0808 808 00 00 (Monday to Friday, 9am–8pm) or visit macmillan.org.uk.
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