A unit for people with cancer in Forth Valley has been recognised by Macmillan Cancer Support for the high-quality environment it offers to patients.

The Oncology Unit in Forth Valley Royal Hospital has been successfully reassessed for a Macmillan Quality Environment Mark (MQEM), which recognises and rewards good practice and high standards within the physical environment of a cancer care building.

The purpose-built unit offers day care treatments which are carried out either in beds or chairs. Extra consultation treatment rooms are available so specialist nurses can see people on an outpatient basis within an oncology setting.

Assessors noted that the team of volunteers who provide support, refreshments and a friendly ear to patients, were a wonderful asset to the department and had worked hard to raise awareness of the department within the wider community.

NHS Forth Valley Director of Nursing, Professor Angela Wallace, said: “We are delighted to receive recognition for the way we care for our cancer patients. This is a really prestigious award and reflects the high standards provided by our staff. In addition, people really appreciate the excellent work carried out by our volunteers; a cup of tea and a shoulder to lean on can work wonders for patients undergoing treatment.”

Claire Alexander, Macmillan Partnership Quality Lead, added: “This successful reassessment highlights the continued hard work and dedication to provide high quality care in a comfortable environment.

“Staff are supported by a team of volunteers and together they have created a much-needed service for local people across Forth Valley.”

The Macmillan Quality Environment Mark has been developed in collaboration with people living with cancer and organisations including the NHS. The award ensures that people affected by cancer are treated and supported in physical environments of uniformly high quality. The scheme is open to any healthcare providers from the public, voluntary or private sectors that operate cancer care buildings.

Organisations can apply to be assessed for the Macmillan Quality Environment Mark via www.macmillan.org.uk/cancerenvironments.

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For further information, please contact:
Rosemary Free, Communications Officer, Macmillan Cancer Support
0131 260 3720 or 07711

rfree@macmillan.org.uk