We are pleased to report that Royal Hampshire County Hospital, Ipswich Hospital, Belfast City Hospital, The Christie Hospital, HCA UK at University College Hospital, Southmead Hospital, Colchester Hospital and Freeman Hospital have all received Myeloma UK’s Clinical Service Excellence Programme (CSEP) award. Each hospital demonstrated excellent clinical practice with notable highlights.
Royal Hampshire County Hospital
A highlight at Royal Hampshire County Hospital is the dedicated myeloma physiotherapist, Emily Mean, who works between this site and Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital. Emily advises patients on safe exercises to prevent complications, improve fitness and promote mobility.
Ipswich Hospital
We were impressed with how the team at Ipswich Hospital have used myeloma-specific patient feedback to inform service change. Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Jayne Chappels collected patient feedback on bone marrow biopsies, which indicated that most patients would be happy for a nurse to perform the procedure. Jayne has since been holding a weekly CNS bone marrow aspirate clinic.
Belfast City Hospital
Nurse-led clinics are a clear highlight of the Belfast City Hospital myeloma service. CNS Jackie Quinn leads a daratumumab (Darzalex®) and bortezomib (Velcade®) clinic. CNS Christine Coyle leads a holistic needs assessment clinic. Both clinics allow the CNS team the time to focus on a broad range of patient concerns and have had clear positive outcomes for patients.
The Christie Hospital
We were delighted to attend the plaque presentation at The Christie Hospital during Blood Cancer Awareness Month 2022. We were impressed with how the presence of the supportive care team across the specialist cancer centre assisted the myeloma team with expectation setting for myeloma patients and their families.
HCA UK at University College Hospital
The monthly virtual support group, run by CNSs Emma Dowling and Nuno Correia, is a clear highlight for the team. The CNS team use feedback forms from each meeting to tailor topics and speakers for future meetings. A session for carers hosted by a psychologist also led to the setup of a support group specifically for carers.
Southmead Hospital
We were very impressed with how myeloma patients at Southmead Hospital benefit from specialist input from the care of the elderly team. Dr Anna O’Brien, a Care of the Elderly physician, has set up a referral system based on patients’ frailty. This service is open to any myeloma patients who may benefit from such specialist opinion.
Colchester Hospital
A highlight at Colchester Hospital is how diagnostic changes have improved patient management in primary care. A paraprotein alert has been introduced; meaning GP colleagues do not have to request the test if a patient’s globulin is high. This alert has been particularly effective at diagnosing MGUS and kidney failure patients.
Freeman Hospital
We were particularly impressed with the ambulatory care service for autologous stem cell transplants at the Freeman Hospital. The service has meant patients can stay in their homes and familiar surroundings, with the reassurance of close monitoring through the aftercare available on the unit and can be admitted to the hospital if needed.