Cancer care gets thumbs up

Cancer patients receiving treatments at University Hospital of North Staffordshire have given their backing to the staff who care for them. Over 750 cancer patients at University Hospital took part in a national survey that looked at cancer care in 158 NHS trusts nationwide, in total nearly 110,000 patients took part. The Trust's care of cancer patients was in the top 20 percent of trusts in a number of categories.

Helen Inwood, deputy chief nurse, said: "The doctors and clinical nurse specialists who provide cancer care should be commended on their achievements. These survey results show that the cancer multidisciplinary team in the really put patients first and understand their needs. The Trust is incredibly proud of the staff and these results show that the patients hold them in high esteem. We are constantly trying to improve the care that we provide and we welcome any comments from patients and relatives about the care they receive."

The Trust's Cancer Centre opened in July 2009 at the City General site and services will begin to move into the new 400 million pound hospital later this year.

Helen Inwood said: "We need to put patients first and this survey shows that we are trying to do just that. Patients told us that they had confidence and trust in all doctors treating them, that they were always treated with respect and dignity by staff and that staff gave a complete explanation of what would be done. The new Cancer Centre is a fantastic facility, but it would be nothing without the dedicated staff who care for cancer patients across the Trust. Being told you have cancer is one of the most difficult times in anyone's life, so it is comforting to know that our staff are there to give patients the best possible care." 

Dorinda Palmer, Macmillan lead cancer nurse, said: "All staff involved in the cancer patient pathway whether that be its co-ordination, treatment or support and information giving should be congratulated on their achievements. The survey demonstrates the positive impact of Cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists on patients' experiences and whilst there are a number of other areas that require some thoughtful attention this is overall a positive report."