The Harley Street Clinic open Macmillan Patient Information Centre

Sarah Ballis, Head of Therapies at The Harley Street Clinic, said:

“Cancer care goes beyond medical treatment. Cancer can affect relationships, livelihoods, physical ability, emotions, responsibilities, and future plans. 

“Alongside expert advice from our consultants, psychologists, dietitians, complementary therapists, and physiotherapists, we want to ensure that patients have access to independent information. We are delighted to be working with Macmillan Cancer Support who are so well recognised for the quality of their resources and support to patients, carers and professionals.”

Nicola Dicketts, Patient Co-Chair of The Harley Street Clinic Patient User Group, said:

“A diagnosis of cancer is overwhelming and there are so many areas beyond medical care that patients need help with. 

“Access to practical advice and emotional support in a friendly and safe environment make a positive difference to patients being treated for cancer and The Macmillan Patient Information Centre at The Harley Street Clinic will be a great additional resource. For many patients, sharing their cancer experience with other patients is invaluable and the Centre will also provide a special place for them to catch-up.”

The partnership is part of a long association between HCA UK and specialist cancer charity Macmillan Cancer Support, who have recognised the quality of HCA UK’s cancer care across its network awarding the Macmillan Quality Environment Mark (MQEM) to; The Harley Street Clinic, Leaders in Oncology Care (LOC), The Wellington Hospital, The Princess Grace Hospital, London Bridge Hospital and The Christie Private Care.

Developed in collaboration with over 400 people living with cancer, the MQEM champions cancer environments that go beyond to create welcoming and friendly spaces for patients. To achieve the award, Macmillan undertake a combination of environmental assessments, a review of supporting documents as well as getting feedback from patients and users of the service. By achieving this standard and meeting the MQEM criteria, the service is demonstrating that it is:

• welcoming and accessible to all
• respectful of people's privacy and dignity
• supportive to users' comfort and well-being
• giving choice and control to people using your service
• listening to the voice of the user

Will Pressley, CEO of The Harley Street Clinic and LOC, said:

“We are proud to partner with Macmillan Cancer Support to provide a safe and welcoming space for our patients and their loved ones to come for information and as an access point into our additional support services. 

“This is part of an ongoing collaboration with Macmillan and our continued commitment to providing outstanding cancer care for all our patients, at every stage of their treatment, which has been recognised in the awarding of the Macmillan Quality Environment Mark.” 

Jo van Tijn, Partnership Manager for North Central London says: 

“A cancer diagnosis can have a huge physical, emotional and financial impact, not just for the patient but their family and friends too. From the first diagnosis, through treatment, and often for some time after, the effect of the ‘unknown’ can be devastating. 

“Timely information and support throughout an individual’s cancer care is crucial and it’s great to be working in partnership with HCA Healthcare UK across their sites. The Macmillan Quality Environment Mark recognises the hard work that has gone into ensuring patients receive the best possible support within the centre through a carefully considered and well-thought-out use of space, accessibility, comfort and atmosphere, personal and social interaction and health and wellbeing.”