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Chelsea and Westminster Hospital cancer service shortlisted for Macmillan Excellence award

08 November 2016

A Chelsea-based Macmillan cancer service has been shortlisted for a prestigious award recognising its pioneering support for people in the area.

A Chelsea-based Macmillan cancer service has been shortlisted for a prestigious award recognising its pioneering support for people in the area.

The Acute Diagnostic Oncology Clinic (ADOC), based at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, was nominated by health professionals for the Innovation Excellence category. This award recognises and celebrates services and staff that have made a lasting difference to the quality of support offered to people affected by cancer.

ADOC is a new diagnostic pathway for patients with suspected cancer who are too unwell to wait the standard two weeks following GP referral. The nurse-led clinic aims to see patients within 24 hours and provides faster access to diagnostic tests, resulting in quicker diagnosis (on average within 7 days) and earlier treatment.

Macmillan Clinical Nurse Specialist in Acute Oncology Rachel Sharkey said: “Through this service, we’ve seen 98% of patients within 24 hours of referral—some on the same day of referral.

“Our patients are understandably very anxious, so we provide support throughout their visit and follow-up appointments. There is continuity throughout.”

Project Manager Jo Simmons added: “It’s been enormously rewarding to prove that diagnosis and treatment time can be reduced for this group of patients, using current resources but by working differently.” 

A surprise celebrity guest will be hosting the awards ceremony at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel on Thursday 17 November, where the winners will be announced for the first time.

The awards, which are now in their fifth year are a perfect opportunity for Macmillan to recognise and thank pioneering teams and individuals who deliver the highest standards of care for people affected by cancer.

Last year more than 300 Macmillan professionals as well as representatives from Macmillan and leading healthcare institutions attended the awards ceremony.

No one should face cancer alone. For support, information or if you have any questions, call Macmillan Cancer Support free on 0808 808 00 00 (Monday to Friday, 9am–8pm) or visit macmillan.org.uk.

Contributors
George Vasilopoulos