THE Victoria Hospital’s Haematology/Oncology Day Unit has been recognised by Macmillan Cancer Support for the high quality environment it offers to patients, many of whom come from the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area.

The Haematology/Oncology Day Unit cares for patients with malignant and non-malignant haematology disorders.

The unit offers supportive care treatments like blood transfusions, IV infusion or IV antibiotics as well as providing chemotherapy treatment for those with a variety of different cancers. More than 200 patients from across Fife are treated in the unit each week.

The Macmillan Quality Environment Mark (MQEM) assesses whether cancer care environments meet the standards required by people living with cancer and is the first assessment tool of its kind in the UK.

Following a rigorous assessment process, the Unit has successfully maintained the MQEM, achieving a score of 5 and being rated as excellent – the highest possible rating. The report noted that “... a culture of quality improvement is clearly in place within the unit”.

This is the third time the Haematology/Oncology Day Unit has achieved the MQEM having first received the award in 2012, and subsequently maintaining it in 2015.

Director of Nursing, Helen Wright, said: “I am delighted to see the Haematology/Oncology Day Unit being recognised by Macmillan Cancer Support.

“The environment created by our clinical staff has a significant influence on a patient’s overall experience during the period of their illness. It is crucial that patients feel as comfortable as possible during their treatment, when their anxiety is most often at its height.

“The team of staff within the Unit are very deserving recipients of this commendation, continually going above and beyond to ensure that they provide the very best possible environment for patients, at the time when it is needed most.”

MQEM standards were developed in collaboration with over 400 people living with cancer, along with numerous stakeholders. In order to meet the MQEM standards, the Haematology/Oncology Day Unit had to show that the environment is welcoming and accessible, respectful of patients’ privacy and dignity, and gives choice and control to those using the service. Having demonstrated this, the Unit is has now been certified by Macmillan for the next three years.

The photograph shows (left to right) –Gillian Wilson (Senior Charge Nurse), Isla Smith (Charge Nurse) and Linda Watson (Staff Nurse).