Quality cancer care accredited at European Cancer Congress

Announcement made at European Society of Medical Oncology conference

Accreditation awarded to UK’s largest private hospital group

Cancer care that includes psychological support, good nutrition and its Living Well survivorship programme has led the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) to accredit HCA Healthcare UK’s cancer network as an ‘ESMO Designated Centre for Integrated Oncology and Palliative Care’.

HCA UK is one of only eight providers in the country to be accredited and it is the first time that ESMO – the leading European professional organisation for medical oncology – has recognised cancer services provided by a private hospital group since the peer-reviewed accreditation programme began in 2003.

HCA UK’s cancer pathway covers the entire patient journey, from screening, early diagnosis, treatment and trials to survivorship and end of life care. Its network of support has been designed to help patients live with cancer, which includes psychological support focusing on each cancer patient’s emotional and physical wellbeing.

HCA UK’s Living Well survivorship programme also focuses on the additional impact of cancer on patients, which includes a six-week programme after active cancer treatment to provide psychological and practical support as well as programmes designed specifically for family members. Living Well provides workshops and one-to-one meetings to offer advice on fitness, nutrition and personal confidence and empowers patients to take control of their lives and live well beyond treatment, such as supporting people to adapt to returning to work.

Dr Tobias Arkenau, Medical Director of Sarah Cannon Research Institute UK and Clinical Lead for HCA Healthcare UK’s cancer service line, said:

“We are honoured to receive this accreditation and I would like to thank HCA UK colleagues across our cancer service network for the dedicated support they show to our patients every day. At HCA UK we pride ourselves on providing the very best cancer services for our patients, including complex care and cutting-edge treatments.

“But underpinning this medical treatment is support for patients focused on the challenges that we know cancer patients face. Mental health, such as coping mechanisms and confidence, are core elements of a person’s wellbeing and survival and – throughout the HCA UK cancer network – we are working across different disciplines and specialties to provide person-centred care to patients living with cancer.

“This multi-disciplinary approach – which integrates key elements of care including palliative care, psychological support and survivorship programmes – has been embedded into day-to-day clinical practice across the network, driving improvements in patient experience as well as clinical outcomes.”

The award was made at the ESMO 2016 Conference on 9 October 2016 in Copenhagen, which saw medical professionals, researchers and other delegates from across Europe gather to share the latest developments in oncology research.

HCA UK’s cancer network operates across six independent hospitals in central London and inpatient and outpatient private clinics in partnership with NHS Trusts, including one in Manchester in partnership with The Christie NHS Foundation Trust. It is also expanding its cancer network to the new state-of-the-art facility opened last week at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, which has seen HCA UK invest in four floors of the new facility.

The network offers inpatient and outpatient services, specialist medical and surgical oncology care including counselling and complementary therapies available to patients with access to the latest clinical trials as the Sarah Cannon Research Institute UK. Care ranges from simple day-case procedures to complex cancer treatments.

HCA UK also operates the country’s largest independent cancer outpatient unit – Leaders in Oncology Care – comprising of 60+ Medical Oncologists, Haematologists, Palliative Care Specialists, Radiation Oncologists and associated staff.

Notes to Editors

HCA Healthcare UK is the country's largest provider of privately funded care, with 800,000 patient interactions every year. From complex and urgent care, to primary care, outpatient and day-case treatment, we provide exceptional care across our network of facilities in London and Manchester. HCA Healthcare UK includes London Bridge Hospital, The Portland Hospital, The Harley Street Clinic, The Lister Hospital, The Princess Grace Hospital, The Wellington Hospital, 52 Alderley Road, Roodlane Medical Ltd, Blossoms Healthcare and HCA Joint Ventures.

HCA Healthcare UK operates six independent Hospitals in central London and runs several inpatient and outpatient private cancer clinics in partnership with the NHS including the Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust and University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. HCA UK also operates the largest independent Cancer outpatient unit (Leaders in Oncology Care) comprising of 60+ Medical Oncologists, Haematologists, Palliative Care Specialists, Radiation Oncologists and associated staff.