28/03/2025
There was double celebrations at the North West Cancer Centre (NWCC), Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry/Londonderry this week. The Macmillan Quality Environment Mark (MQEM) has been awarded to Centre for the first time. The Macmillan Support Centre, based on the Altnagelvin site, has also successfully retained their MQEM status.
The MQEM award endorses cancer facilities that go above and beyond to create welcoming and friendly spaces for patients.
MQEM has been designed in collaboration with people living with cancer. It assesses four main areas of a cancer service or environment, including design and use of space, user’s journey, service experience, and user’s voice. The award is externally assessed by an independent quality assurance agency and is renewed every three years.
Lesley Mitchell, Assistant Director for Cancer Services at the Western Trust said:
“We are delighted to have received the Macmillan Quality Environment Mark for the first time in the NWCC. This award reflects the ongoing commitment from the staff to ensure that every patient with cancer attending the Centre, receives the highest standards of care within a safe and welcoming environment.”
Lesley Finlay, Macmillan Health & Wellbeing Campus Manager, said:
“The Macmillan Support Centre provides support to people affected by cancer and other long-term conditions. We are pleased to have retained our MQEM award, our work is patient focused and we know the impact a positive and supportive environment can have on a patient’s life and their cancer experience.”
Ruth Willis, Macmillan Information & Support National Lead said:
“Congratulations to both teams. This is a great achievement for the North West Cancer Centre and Macmillan Support Centre! Being awarded the Macmillan Quality Environment Mark reflects the team’s commitment to creating warm and encouraging environments, which provide a caring and supportive experience for the people affected by cancer that visit. Together, we’ll do whatever it takes to help every person access the best cancer care and support.’