County’s Macmillan Cancer Information Centre achieves highest ever inspection rating
Staff at the Macmillan Cancer Support and Information Centre at County Hospital are celebrating its highest ever Macmillan Quality Environment Mark (MQEM) award rating.
The award celebrates Macmillan Cancer Support environments that go above and beyond to create a welcoming and friendly space for patients.
The evidence-based award, judged every three years, has been designed in collaboration with people living with cancer.
Emma Kelly, UHNM Macmillan Cancer Support and Information Centre Manager said “We are proud to have achieved the highest mark of excellence that the centre has ever received, and the highest score in the MQEM. We hope it shows our commitment to all patients; loved ones and carers affected by cancer, and who visit the centre or contact us via email or telephone.
As a team, we know the positive impact information can have on a patient’s life; and by taking small steps in the overall support through their pathway, we believe it can have an even greater effect on their cancer experience.
Further improvements include a new touchscreen digital displays, one of which is located outside Oncology at County Hospital; this touchscreen can provide patients and staff with information on local and national support and can guide them to the information centre for further assistance and support
The centre has recently undergone a refurbishment in October 2022; this was funded by the national Macmillan Cancer Support Charity, and who continue to support the service.
Feedback from patients during the assessment helped the team understand how important it was that patients, alongside their loved ones and carers had a safe, warm, and welcoming space too.
Aileen Orr, UK Healthcare Lead who oversaw the assessment on behalf of Macmillan said “The Macmillan Cancer Support and Information service at UHNM County centre, Stafford exceeded the level required to retain the Macmillan Quality Environment Mark and is to be congratulated on this achievement. Staff have an excellent understanding of the individual needs of users and were able to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge, and it is clear, staff and volunteers take a user centred approach with a focus on making the cancer journey easier for patients and relatives alike”.