Our Macmillan Cancer Care Unit has received a top award for the services it provides to help support people living with cancer and their families.
It achieved the Macmillan Quality Environment Mark* after it scored five out of five for creating a welcoming and friendly space that meets people’s needs. Top marks were awarded following an assessment of Galton Day Unit, inpatient services on Lawrence Ward, shared spaces, information resources and staff areas. The review also included feedback from both patients and staff. Some of the comments from patients included:
“There is always a nice welcome. You are always offered a drink as soon as you arrive. Everyone makes sure you get a warm welcome and the volunteers have time to chat.”
“The staff are here for you every step of the way. They are a wonderful bunch. I plan to come back after I have recovered to give something to show my appreciation. You have a good laugh here. They speak to you and listen. They provide love and support.”
Improvements to the unit which have been carried out since the last assessment in May 2021, which it passed with flying colours too, included:
• Installation of LED light boxes in the ceilings of some of the rooms.
• An electronic screen in the waiting room to advertise the quiet room, spiritual space and events that are occurring in the centre.
• Recliner seating replaced in response to user feedback.
• Purchase and display of dementia friendly clocks within the unit.
• Display of ‘all about me’ boards on Lawrence Ward to allow more personalised care and support to be offered.
• Purchase and use of new computer trolleys to enable records to be completed at the chairside.
• Redecoration throughout the unit following user consultation.
• Creation of a pharmacy area to improve patient contact regarding side effects of medication and reduce waiting times for take home medications.
The report said the unit ‘exceeded the level required to retain the Macmillan Quality Environment Mark and is to be congratulated on this achievement.’
It also noted how the staff have embedded a continual cycle of improvements in terms of the environment and service provision, and identified a need to expand the service provision.
