QA Hospital's Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre receives highest national quality rating
Top marks for hospital’s cancer support centre
A cancer support centre at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth has received the highest national quality rating which recognises outstanding environments for people affected by cancer.
The Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre based in the hospital in Cosham retained its Macmillan Quality Environment Mark (MQEM) accreditation after it achieved the maximum score of five out of five.
Upon visiting the centre, assessors highlighted the welcoming environment, thoughtfully designed facilities, and the strong commitment to supporting patients, carers, and families. They also praised the wide range of support services offered, well-managed spaces allowing for both privacy and social interactions, and the positive experience it can provide for those affected by cancer.
Emma Brown, Macmillan Centre Manager and Senior Physiotherapist at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust said: “I am extremely proud of this achievement as I know how hard all of our staff and volunteers work to make the centre as welcoming as possible for anyone that walks through our door.
"Patients and their loved ones spend so much of their time in a clinical setting, that having this calm oasis is often a welcome sanctuary. We were able to have a total refurbishment a few years ago, thanks to a very generous gift in the will of one of our oncology patients to our Portsmouth Hospitals Charity fund which has really helped us score highly.
“I would like to thank every single one of our 51 volunteers and our Centre staff, as the environment can only provide so much comfort- the rest is purely down to them.”
The MQEM recognises cancer care environments that go above and beyond to provide welcoming, safe, and supportive spaces for people living with cancer and is the first award of its category in the UK. It was developed in partnership with people affected by cancer alongside stakeholders including the Department of Health.
There a number of free services offered by the Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre such as counselling, complimentary therapies, wellbeing activities and financial advice, as well as hair loss clinics, survivorship support and more.
More details on the centre can be found at https://www.porthosp.nhs.uk/departments-and-services/macmillan-information-and-support-centre