The neuro-oncology service hosted at Salford Royal Hospital (part of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust) as a joint service with The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, has again been recognised as a Tessa Jowell Centre of Excellence for the care and treatment of patients with brain and spinal tumours.
The service, which receives more than 2,000 new referrals and carries out approximately 450 operations per year, was praised for its excellent clinical practice and patient-centred approach.
An expert panel interviewed members of the team at The Christie and Salford Royal Hospital and as part of the assessment. Patient feedback was also provided as further evidence.
Professor Catherine McBain, Consultant Clinical Oncologist at The Christie, said: “The work of Dame Tessa Jowell, her family, and the amazing team at the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission (TJBCM) has raised the bar in all aspects of brain tumour care.
“We are privileged to be part of that Mission and are delighted to accept this award. For us, it recognises the work of all the individual members of our amazing multi-disciplinary team, but we also see it as recognition of our ongoing commitment to improve treatment and care for all those affected by brain tumours.
“We continue to pursue laboratory research into earlier and faster diagnosis, clinical trials including novel pre-operative therapies, and dynamic models of rehabilitation and supportive care.”
Sarah Scanlan, Senior Oncology Dietitian at The Christie, had treatment for a brain tumour at both Salford Royal and The Christie: “I can understand why the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission so highly regards the services at Salford Royal and The Christie. The teams at both hospitals were excellent, and I can’t thank them enough.
“At the toughest time of my life, the care I received was second to none, and I felt totally safe in their hands. I’m thrilled their dedication and quality have been recognised in this way.”
Miss Tina Karabatsou, Consultant Neurosurgeon and Clinical Lead for Neuro-oncology at Salford Royal Hospital, added: “This recent award gives us enormous pride and strength to continue offering the best, up-to-date and prompt treatment for our patients who suffer from these life-changing brain and spinal tumours.
“We hope the commitment and dedication of all members of the team also provide reassurance to our patients that we always strive to achieve the highest standards of care, while listening to and attending to their needs and concerns.”
On naming the Manchester neuro-oncology service a Tessa Jowell Centre of Excellence, the panel said: “We are particularly excited to work with your team to share these exemplary areas of your work through the Tessa Jowell Academy. Above all, Salford and The Christie embody a human-centred culture of kindness and compassion, providing wraparound holistic care, and we are proud to have Salford and The Christie as ambassadors for the Tessa Jowell Network.”
