An innovative Sheffield Cancer Information Service has won a Healthcare Transformation Award in the Improving Cancer Outcomes category.
The Sheffield Cancer Information Hub is based in The Moor Market and provides shoppers with cancer information and support in an informal, non-medical setting. The award was presented to staff at the awards ceremony in London on Wednesday 27 June.
The Cancer Information Hub is the brain child of Louise Metcalfe, Macmillan Primary Care Lead Nurse for Cancer at NHS Sheffield Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). Louise came up with the idea as she looked for new ways to help support people affected by cancer in a more informal setting.
Louise said: “Having the shop at the Moor Market is an ideal place for people to talk about cancer and find out about some of the fantastic services available across the city. Some people find going to their GP scary but the Hub offers a relaxed, informal place for people to get information and support.
“I am so pleased that the Hub has been recognised with this award and it makes me really proud to dedicate the award to my mum who recently lost her battle with cancer, I will continue to strive to improve cancer outcomes in Sheffield.”
The Hub opened in October 2017 as a partnership between NHS Sheffield CCG and Macmillan. Macmillan funded the initial set up for the service to run for 16 weeks. Additional funding provided by South Yorkshire, Bassetlaw and North Derbyshire Cancer Alliance allowed the service to be extended until the end of June 2018.
Sue Clarke, Macmillan Partnership Manager – South Yorkshire, said: “Macmillan is very proud to have funded the initial set up of the hub, which has been able to bring much needed support to people in the city.
“Winning this award is a fantastic achievement for everyone involved, and in particular Louise, who as a Macmillan nurse in Sheffield shows constant dedication to helping local people affected by cancer.”
Due to the success of the service NHS Sheffield CCG will be funding the project until the end of March 2019.
Cavendish Cancer Care and Age UK Sheffield coordinate the day to day running of the Hub and a whole range of organisations have provided volunteers to keep it going. Cavendish also evaluates the effectiveness of the service.
Chris Farrell, Chief Executive at Cavendish Cancer Care said: “We are delighted to hear that the Hub has won this award. It really is testament to the hard work of everyone involved. When Louise first talked to me about her idea at the start of 2017 and we visited the Market it was evident the difference it would make to local families in need of support. Since we opened we’ve seen well over 2,000 people visiting the Hub for information and support on a range of cancers – this is fantastic and these numbers keep growing. Our next challenge is to secure the long term funding that will ensure the Hub remains open for everyone who needs us.”
The Cancer Information Hub is based at units 56 and 58 of The Moor Market, Sheffield and is open from 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.