North Manchester cancer service shortlisted for Macmillan Excellence award

North Manchester-based Macmillan Palliative Care Support Service based at Pennine Acute Hospital Trust North West

North Manchester-based Macmillan Palliative Care Support Service has been shortlisted for a prestigious award recognising their inspirational work supporting people affected by cancer in the area.

The service, based at Pennine Acute Hospital Trust North West, was nominated by colleagues in the Integration Excellence Award category, which recognises exciting new initiatives, products and services.

This category’s winners have all improved the quality and experience of care for people affected by cancer.

The North Manchester Macmillan Palliative Care Support Service is transforming palliative care for patients in an area that doesn’t have a hospice by providing expert support seven days a week.

Collaborative working has been key to the success of the team, which includes a range of therapists, clinical nurse specialists, assistant practitioners, a volunteer coordinator, a consultant and a GP. Everyone takes part in daily handovers and multidisciplinary-team meetings, and take turns to run a vital phone service for patients and carers. The result is excellent communication, a lack of duplicated work and the delivery of fully integrated and holistic care.

Alicia Waite, Service Manager, said: “Our service was established to allow people to be cared for appropriately at home. We know that we’ve supported more people to die in their preferred place, and that’s really significant.”

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 us 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