Royal Stoke’s UHNM Macmillan Cancer Support and Information Centre retains Quality Environment Mark status

Staff at the UHNM Macmillan Cancer Support and Information Centre at Royal Stoke are celebrating retaining the Macmillan Quality Environment Mark (MQEM) award.

The evidence-based award, independently judged every three years, acknowledges Macmillan Cancer Support environments that go above and beyond to create a welcoming and friendly space for patients.

The centre, run by a team of UHNM staff and volunteers provides personalised support and information to anybody affected by cancer on a range of topics including financial concerns, family and relationship issues and mental health support.

Emma Kelly, UHNM Macmillan Cancer Support and Information Centre Manager, said: “Whenever individuals and families are affected by a diagnosis of cancer, the focus is led by their clinical care plan, be that treatment or surgery. What we don’t emphasise is the emotional and financial impact cancer can have on our patients and their families. This service not only provides that listening support, but a safe space to come into, so patients and their families can be signposted to practical and emotional information.”

“I am incredibly proud that the UHNM Macmillan Cancer Support and Information Centre at the Royal Stoke University Hospital has exceeded the highest level required to retain the Macmillan Quality Environment Mark. This award demonstrates UHNM’s and our teams’ dedication and commitment to fostering a supportive and caring environment for anyone affected by cancer. We strive to offer a welcoming space, and this accomplishment reflects that.”

Feedback from some of the 1,500 patients who use the service at Royal Stoke each year described their experience as, “a safe haven”, “an oasis in a sea of chaos”, and, “knowledgeable and empathetic.”     

Emma said: “Even though we’re a small service with a small team, we have a huge impact to those affected by cancer across UHNM and beyond .This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the ongoing support of our staff and volunteers, whose commitment, dedication, and compassion make such a significant difference each day. There is a lot of areas we’ve improved our service, which is shown in patient feedback and independent verifiers.   

Further improvements to patient experience at Royal Stoke have included new touchscreen digital displays located in the Royal Stoke hospital’s main atrium (awaiting installation); the Cancer Centre and Lyme Building and outside the Oncology unit at County Hospital, Stafford. The screens, which are available 24/7 to patients and visitors, offer immediate access to a wealth of information, including common issues such as emotional and well-being support, financial worries and support for carers.  
  
The centre has also undergone a refurbishment in 2022, funded by the national Macmillan Cancer Support Charity who continue to support the service.