The Cancer Innovation Grants formed part of the Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance’s aim to build a culture of cutting-edge innovations in cancer care whilst targeting national and local priorities for improvement in line with the NHS Long Term Plan, during 2024.
This year we have funded a number of projects across Humber and North Yorkshire. A summary of the successful projects can be found on this page.
If you would like to find out more please contact the Cancer Diagnostics and Innovation Team inbox: [email protected]
Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) – York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
The Cancer Alliance is delighted to support colleagues at York Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, who are setting up this self-care model for patients using a new proof-of-concept pilot to allow patients to self-administer subcutaneous chemotherapy treatment at home.
Initially this will be rolled-out within haematology and oncology. Patients will have their first appointment in clinic, if suitable they will be supported by a Nurse and given a patient pack containing subsequent doses to self-administer at home. Home administration will be overseen remotely by a Pharmacy Technician.
It is hoped that this innovation will enhance the quality of life for cancer patients and make treatment more accessible with less travel for patients.
Virtual Reality Project: Teens and Young Adults with Cancer – Humber Health Partnership
The Cancer Psychological Service has received funding to support this innovative pilot project to test out the effectiveness of using VR technology to manage and improve the mental health of Teens and Young Adults undergoing cancer treatment.
It is hoped the use of VR as a support tool will help patients to manage anxiety about treatment procedures, provide distraction, reduce stress and help reduce isolation.
VVA Clinic – Humber Health Partnership
A new and innovative clinic to support female cancer survivors who are experiencing symptoms of Vulvo Vaginal Atrophy (VVA) as a result of their cancer treatment.
VVA is an under-recognised chronic and progressive condition (that occurs due to oestrogen deficiency), that can have a negative impact on the quality of life for women. The condition is very common, although many women mistakenly believe the symptoms are an inevitable part of ageing and do not seek treatment due to embarrassment.
The introduction of this specialised clinic at Castle Hill Hospital will help lead the way for female cancer survivors affected by VVA to access effective treatments and care within an NHS setting.
Selby Cancer Café and Rehab – Selby Town PCN
A cancer rehabilitation programme/cafe based in Selby, North Yorkshire will help people with cancer to maintain and restore their physical and emotional well-being.
This is an extension of the Selby Prehabilitation programme, helping local patients with a cancer diagnosis to access specialist support and rehabilitation.
The programme supports patients at diagnosis with exercise, clinical, dietetic and wellbeing support to optimise treatment outcomes. It has been proven to help people with cancer recover more quickly and more fully from cancer treatment.
Improving Access to Cancer Screening for People with Learning Disabilities – Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust
This new project is aimed at increasing uptake of routine cancer screening among people with learning disabilities in Bridlington and Goole.
People with Learning Disabilities can find it difficult to access services and make informed choices around cancer screening due to several real and perceived barriers. The project is being led by a Learning Disabilities Nurse who will work with local professionals, patients and carers to improve access to screening, increase knowledge and awareness and make reasonable adjustments patients require to access cancer screening.
Supporting People with Serious Mental Illness and Cancer – SWR MIND
Scarborough, Whitby & Ryedale MIND, in partnership with Community Counselling, are introducing a pilot to improve the screening and health check-up rates among people with serious mental health conditions, with the provision of personalised support.
There is clear and significant evidence that people with serious mental illness have a much higher rates of cancer and are less likely to participate in screening. This project will be providing holistic assessment and access to support through talking and other therapeutic therapies.
Increasing Screening for People with a Learning Disability – Foresight North East Lincolnshire
Foresight North East Lincolnshire offer a wide range of services and activities that are specifically adapted to meet the needs and requirements of people with disabilities.
The team have developed a new initiative that will educate and advocate for people with a learning disability through weekly cancer awareness workshops and one-to-one advice sessions, complimented by support to access appointments and cope with health issues. A key feature of this project is the development of a peer education model.
O-RADS Ovarian Cancer Pathway Project – Humber Health Partnership
This pilot aims to test whether improvements can be made to the suspected ovarian cancer pathway with the installation of software onto ultrasound machines in gynaecology.
The Ovarian-Adnexal Reporting and Data System (O-RADS) software will assess and diagnose ovarian masses, aiming to reduce the need for unnecessary MRI scans (creating capacity) and reduce the diagnosis waiting time for patients including giving faster results to those with benign masses.
Breathlessness Clinic – North Yorkshire Hospice
North Yorkshire Hospice are creating the provision of an accessible specialist clinic and outreach service for patients diagnosed with Lung Cancer, including those who are end of life, in the districts of Hambleton and Richmondshire.
Socially excluded groups struggle to access health services, particularly those with a palliative diagnosis, due to stigmatism, discrimination and low health aspirations.
The service aims to address health inequalities by specifically supporting patients and their families/carers from the Romany, Gypsy, Show People and Traveller (RGSPT) community and those who live in rural and super rural areas (in proposal) where access to services and support is challenging.
Cancer Related Fatigue – Humber Health Partnership
The Cancer Related Fatigue project builds on a previous project piloted by Macmillan Cancer Support and helps people with a cancer diagnosis and who are undergoing treatment or are in recovery, to manage symptoms of fatigue.
Evidence shows that fatigue is the highest priority need that has the highest impact on quality of life for cancer patients.
The project will support and enable people living with cancer to receive support through access to information about fatigue, access to funded exercise coaching and healthy food choices.