Double celebration for Countess of Chester Hospital’s Macmillan Cancer Centre as it marks 15th anniversary and retains Quality Award

The Macmillan Support and Information Centre, at the Countess of Chester Hospital, is celebrating 15 years of supporting people affected by cancer after successfully retaining a prestigious national quality award.

The centre has secured the Macmillan Quality Environment Mark (MQEM) for a further three years, recognising the welcoming, supportive and person-centred environment it provides for patients, families and carers.

First opened on 30 September 2011, the centre was established after Macmillan Cancer Support funded a dedicated support facility within the Trust.

Situated just off the hospital's main corridor, the centre was shaped by patient feedback and created as a welcoming drop-in space where people could easily access information, support and guidance in a relaxed environment.

The centre was officially opened by a patient and has remained focused on meeting the needs of people affected by cancer ever since.

Since opening, more than 33,500 people across the area have received a cancer diagnosis, according to data from the Somerset Cancer Registry.

Throughout that time, the Macmillan Support and Information Centre has provided support not only to those undergoing treatment, but also to people living with and beyond cancer, as well as their families, carers and loved ones.

From the beginning, the focus has been on creating a service shaped by the people who use it, ensuring support is available when and where it is needed most.

That commitment has now been recognised through the successful renewal of the MQEM.

The assessment praised the centre's accessible location, welcoming environment and commitment to privacy and dignity, whilst also highlighting the dedicated quiet room, comfortable surroundings and wide range of support available, helping ensure people affected by cancer can access information, practical guidance and emotional support in a safe and supportive setting.

The report also recognised the team's commitment to listening to those who use the service and continually adapting its offer to meet the needs of the local community.

Over the years, the centre has developed outreach work with local organisations including the Deaf Society to make support more accessible, while ensuring patients remain at the heart of how services evolve.

The centre continued to provide face-to-face support wherever appropriate throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, remaining available to people when many were facing additional uncertainty and isolation.

Michelle Allen, Nurse Manager of the Macmillan Support and Information Centre, said:

"It has been an honour to join such a trusted and well-established service. For 15 years, the team has supported people affected by cancer and their loved ones, providing information, guidance and a listening ear when it's needed most.

"The centre is so much more than a place to pick up leaflets. People can drop in at any stage of their cancer journey, whether they have recently received a diagnosis, are undergoing treatment, recovering afterwards or supporting someone close to them.

"Everything we do is driven by the needs of the people who use our service. We are continually looking for new opportunities to improve the support we offer and provide the most personalised care possible.

"We are incredibly proud to be celebrating this milestone while also retaining the Macmillan Quality Environment Mark for a further three years. This award reflects the welcoming and supportive environment our staff and volunteers work hard to provide every day."

Jonathan Develing, Director of Strategy and Partnerships at the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, added:

"For the past 15 years, the Macmillan Support and Information Centre has played an important role in supporting people affected by cancer across our community. Retaining the Macmillan Quality Environment Mark is recognition of the team's commitment to providing a welcoming, compassionate and high-quality service for patients and their loved ones.

"The centre is a valued part of the support available to local people and is helping us address the wider emotional, practical and wellbeing needs that can come with a cancer diagnosis.

"We are proud to celebrate this milestone anniversary and look forward to seeing the service continue to grow and support even more people in the years ahead."

As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting people after treatment, the centre will also be reintroducing the Macmillan HOPE Course from October. The programme is designed to help people living beyond cancer build confidence, manage challenges and look towards the future.

Pictured - Michelle Allen, Macmillan Support & Information Centre Nurse Manager, Karen Shaw, Macmillan Support & Information Centre Assistant and Helen, one of our volunteers.