Cancer patients given a voice in surgery changes

Cancer patients in Greater Manchester have led the way in designing what will become the first specialist surgical centre of its kind in the region.

Over recent months people with stomach and gullet cancers have been working with doctors and NHS managers to set out what they want to see change.

Doctors and health commissioners have agreed that surgery for stomach and gullet cancers will take place in one dedicated centre for Greater Manchester, at Salford Royal Hospital. This means that the expertise and experience can all be focused in one team, which will mean better and more consistent high quality care for patients.

At the moment Salford Royal Hospital carry out a majority of the 150 operations each year, with others being undertaken at the Manchester Royal Infirmary and Wythenshawe Hospital. These patients will now all have their major surgery at Salford Royal; though following the specific request of patients themselves, outpatient appointments will remain local. Doctors and nurses from all three sites have worked together to design this cutting-edge service.

Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership has worked with individuals affected by these cancers through patient groups including the Oesophago-gastric Patient Association and the Upper-gastrointestinal (UGI) Support Group to address inconsistencies across Greater Manchester and ensure that everyone will benefit from the same high standards of care and access to treatment.

Dr Nigel Guest, Chief Clinical Officer for NHS Trafford Clinical Commissioning Group, said “Bringing three separate services together to jointly develop one leading service will allow us to make significant improvements in the quality of care, leading to better patient outcomes. We’ve been told by patients what matters to them and what changes would make a difference to their lives. We’ve listened and this feedback has shaped the changes made.

“From named keyworkers introduced to patients at the time of diagnosis; to seven-day access to scans; jargon free written information about their condition and a detailed end of treatment care plan; every stage has been led and informed by patients. These standards are all written into the contract that the hospital will deliver on.”

Lord Peter Smith, Chairman of Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership Board said “We know that Greater Manchester has some of the highest rates of premature cancer death in the country.

"Although still in its infancy, this news is a fantastic example of transforming life-saving care and making a difference so that every single person across the region has access to consistent high-quality care and support.

“Devolution is helping to improve health services in Greater Manchester by putting forward bold ideas to make sure we have a strong and sustainable NHS and social care in the region.”

Patients will be invited to participate in clinical trials where appropriate.