We are delighted to announce that five more hospitals have been accredited with the Myeloma UK Clinical Service Excellence Programme (CSEP) award. Great Western Hospital, St Helens Hospital, Whiston Hospital, Salford Care Organisation and Addenbrookes Hospital all demonstrated excellent clinical practice, each with notable highlights.
Great Western Hospital
The cancer management team at Great Western Hospital, Swindon, have invested in the role of Advanced Care Practitioners (ACPs) within the haematology department, to the benefit of their myeloma patients. This investment in senior nursing staff means that the ACP for myeloma, Vicky John, has been able to lead on developments and improvements to the myeloma service, as well as providing education and training on myeloma to staff within the department and hospital.
St Helens Hospital and Whiston Hospital
We were particularly impressed with the strong emphasis on holistic care across the myeloma service at St Helens Hospital and Whiston Hospital. Cancer Care Coordinator Amanda Dumphy, with support of the rest of the team, complete Holistic Needs Assessments (HNAs) with patients. These are a vital element assisting staff, particularly CNS Nicola Goffinet, in their delivery of myeloma patients’ treatment and care. There is a high completion rate of HNAs, thanks to support from the lead cancer nurse.
Myeloma patients at the two hospitals also benefit greatly from the Lilac Centre haematology and oncology day unit, where they can access a range of treatment and supportive care. In recognition and celebration of this space, the centre was awarded the Macmillan Quality Environment Mark in 2022. Myeloma patients and their carers have accessed complementary therapies at the centre, funded by The Lilac Centre fund, Whiston and St Helens Hospitals’ Charity’s dedicated charitable fund for the chemotherapy unit.
Salford Care Organisation
A clear highlight of the service at Salford Care Organisation is the role of Haematology Nurse Consultant, Lorna Milne. Lorna uses her clinical knowledge and nursing experience to connect the clinical team and nurses. The role has expanded the team’s clinical capacity, as Lorna sees myeloma patients in clinic, prescribes chemotherapy as well as performing and teaching bone marrow biopsies.
Addenbrooke’s Hospital
Myeloma patients at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge have benefitted from the development of a chemotherapy outreach service at two GP practices on the outskirts of Cambridge. Staffed by nurses from Addenbrooke’s Hospital, patients utilising this service can receive intravenous and subcutaneous treatments such as bortezomib (Velcade®), daratumumab (Darzalex®) and bisphosphonates closer to home. In addition, patients can use a drive-through phlebotomy service. These outreach services reduce hospital visits for patients and increase capacity on the day unit.
The Clinical Service Excellence Programme (CSEP) was established in 2015 to recognise when superior care is given to myeloma patients, share best practice initiatives, and to benchmark optimum standards in myeloma treatment. To view participating hospitals, please visit the CSEP website.
If you are interested in CSEP accreditation in 2024, complete our suitability survey or email the team at CSEP@myeloma.org.uk.