The Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre at the Royal United Hospital in Bath has been awarded a Macmillan Quality Environment Mark (MQEM).
The award has been given in recognition of the high standards of information and support it provides for people affected by cancer.
The RUH diagnoses approximately 2200 new cases of cancer each year, making it one of the largest providers of cancer care and treatment within the Avon Somerset and Wiltshire cancer network.
The Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre is located in the Trust’s oncology waiting area at the RUH and offers people affected by cancer access to good quality, comprehensive and appropriate information and support.
A team of staff and trained volunteers can guide patients, carers and relatives through the range of information available, provide emotional support around any worries and concerns, and signpost visitors to local support groups and other services such as financial and benefits support.
Caroline Gilleece, Lead Cancer Nurse at the RUH said, “We have worked hard to create a warm and welcoming oncology waiting area – of which the Macmillan Information and Support Centre is an important part.
“The award reflects not just the space itself, but the dedication of the staff and volunteers who make it such a welcoming and supportive environment.
“We have ambitious plans to radically transform cancer care at the RUH.
“A brand new state-of-the-art Cancer Centre will provide a world-class environment from which we will continue to deliver the very highest quality cancer care.”
The Macmillan Quality Environment Mark helps to ensure that people affected by cancer are treated and supported in physical environments of uniformly high quality.
The scheme is open to any healthcare providers from the public, voluntary or private sectors that operate cancer care buildings.
It has been developed in collaboration with people living with cancer and organisations including the Department of Health in England.
