Newcastle Hospitals has been re-accredited with ‘Tessa Jowell Centre of Excellence’ status in recognition of the research-led, science informed brain tumour treatment.
The prestigious status is awarded after a rigorous assessment process and in recognition of the quality and range of treatment and care provided for patients with brain tumours.
The centre in the Royal Victoria Infirmary brings together health professionals and scientists to ensure every aspect of a patient’s care is planned and provided using the latest knowledge, innovative techniques and the latest treatment.
Alongside excellence in surgical techniques and the provision of tailored ‘wrap around’ therapies to meet individual needs, such as physiotherapy and psychological support, the team provides expertise in genomics – the role that genes play in cancer development – whilst research colleagues support new drug trials and treatment, to drive forward new, improved therapies.
The centre provides treatments including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, neurology, psychology and rehabilitation for brain tumours.
The strength of the team lies in the diverse range of services provided at every stage of the journey, to treat and support patients to recover from brain tumours.
Team members include: surgeons, doctors, radiotherapists, specialist nurses, radiographers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, clinical psychologists, speech and language therapists and end-of-life specialists.
This combined specialist expertise and dedication to excellence have been recognised with the new accredited status, which also highlighted strong collaboration between hospital and community services and the quality of staff training and support for professional development.
Mr Akbar Hussain, neuro-oncology surgeon at Newcastle Hospitals, said the team operates on 30 new patients a month with brain tumours.
“We are delighted to be among a small number of centres across the country awarded this reaccreditation, in recognition of our holistic brain tumour treatment and care.
“This is a really special achievement and a testament to the outstanding commitment of our staff, working in varied roles from the first assessment, through the whole treatment journey, care, recovery and rehabilitation of patients.”
He added: “Our clinical research and close working with scientific colleagues is essential in bringing more tailored and effective therapies for patients.”
The accreditation assessment involved an extensive peer-led review of services and feedback from patients conducted by The Brain Tumour Charity.
