Team described as 'real-life angels' awarded Centre of Excellence status for delivering best standard of care to patients with a brain tumour
A University Hospitals of Derby and Burton (UHDB) team described as "real-life angels" for the way it supports patients and their loved ones to come to terms with a brain tumour diagnosis has been recognised as a national Centre of Excellence.
The Neuro-Oncology team at UHDB has been awarded Tessa Jowell Centre of Excellence status, for its commitment to delivering the best standard of treatment, care and research for patients with a brain tumour.
Colleagues at Royal Derby Hospital and Queen's Hospital Burton deliver the service, working collaboratively with other specialities and hospitals within the East Midlands Neuro- Oncology Service to provide compassionate patient-centred care, not only to the patients under the service, but also in the support for their families, following their diagnosis.
Amie Beaton, Brain Tumour and Acute Oncology Nurse within the team, said: "Sadly, a lot of the patients we see do have a very poor prognosis, which is devastating not only for the patient, but their loved ones. Some of the patients can deteriorate quite quickly and experience ongoing complex side effects, so it is important we prepare and help them and their loved ones to manage these big changes however we can."
Bhupinder Soor has been receiving care under the service after being diagnosed with Oligodendroglioma grade 3, a fast-growing, malignant primary brain tumour, after experiencing seizures.
He has called the team - which is made up of Oncology Consultants, a Brain Specialist Radiographer and the Brain Tumour Clinical Nurse Specialists - 'amazing' and said they have been a lifeline for him as he has adjusted to life following his diagnosis.
Bhupinder, who is from Derby, said: "It has been a bit of a whirlwind and, since they removed the tumour, I have been under the care of the team. There is always someone there at the other end of the phone to answer any questions I have and they have really reassured me when I have been down or I have experienced bad side effects from the treatment.
"This all happened really quickly and it has completely changed my life. I was happy and healthy and then I started having seizures. They found a tumour and it was removed within two months. It is hard to put into words what an incredible job these people do, supporting us at all hours while also helping on the wards. They are real-life angels."
The great work of the team and the recent confirmation of their national Centre of Excellence status, was recognised by Stephen Posey, Chief Executive at UHDB, who praised the compassion of the team and thanked them for their commitment to ensuring such a quality service for the community, while presenting them with a Making a Difference Award.
Stephen said: "This is a shining example of a small, dedicated team whose compassion and expertise is leading the way and having a significant impact on patients and their loved ones, following a difficult diagnosis. The high standard of their work and the care they are providing has been recognised with this accreditation, showing the value of quality collaboration with other specialities and neighbouring Trusts, and how this can support the delivery of the best personalised care for our patients."
Sadie Boam, Brain Tumour and Acute Oncology Nurse, explained how proud she is of the team.
She said: "It is an emotional and tough job because we are going through that journey with the patients, but it is our job to make sure they know that were there for them to support them every step of the way.
"We do try to go above and beyond to provide quality care, so to know that we are making a difference to our patients and their families at such a difficult time is really rewarding and this recognition means so much. I'm really proud of us."
More information on the Neuro Oncology service is available here >.
Would you like to nominate a colleague for a Making a Difference Award?
If you would like to nominate a colleague or team for a Monthly Making a Difference Award, please let us know.
Our Monthly Making a Difference Awards celebrate those who have shown exceptional care and who have delivered improvements across safety, quality, effectiveness and patient experience and demonstrated the Trust values of Compassion, Openness and Excellence.
There are three monthly Making a Difference Awards categories:
- Chief Executive Award – chosen by our CEO
Patient Hero Award – nominated by patients
Excellence Award - you can nominate colleagues and teams
You can nominate by sending a 300-word nomination, along with the name of the team or individual, their job title and where they work, to: uhdb.employeeawards@nhs.net