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Cancer Alliance

Aug 19

Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance announces Innovation Grant winners

By Cancer Diagnosis and Innovations, Patient experience of care

An at-home chemotherapy service, a clinic for Vulvovaginal Atrophy (a common post-treatment late effect for women with Breast, Gynaecological and some Colorectal cancers) and a project which uses virtual reality (VR) to reduce anxiety in young cancer patients are among the inaugural winners of Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance’s Cancer Innovation Grants programme. 

In April 2024, the Cancer Alliance launched its first-ever Cancer Innovation Grants programme, setting aside £400,000 to fund a wide variety of projects to improve early cancer detection or improve treatment or recovery for cancer patients in Humber and North Yorkshire. 

Fast forward three months and the Cancer Innovation Grants, which were created in partnership with Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber and the Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, have proved particularly popular – with 47 applications received totalling a whopping £1.4million. 

Applications came from a wide variety of backgrounds and sectors, ranging from small, grassroots projects to large-scale innovation schemes. 

A panel was appointed to decide which projects would receive funding and therefore be able to bring their concept to fruition. The panel awarded funding of differing amounts to 12 innovation projects. 

Where possible, those who were not successful in securing funding are being supported to bring their projects to life through collaborative opportunities offered by the Cancer Alliance and its partners. 

Jo Bramall, Pharmacy Technical Services Manager at York Hospital, and part of the winning team behind the at-home chemotherapy service, said: “Being awarded the grant is an incredible achievement for us. It is a real validation of the team’s hard work and vision. With this funding we aim to empower patients to administer their own subcutaneous chemotherapy at home. Our hope is that this innovation will enhance the quality of life for cancer patients and make treatment more accessible.” 

Dr Jenny Ormerod, Consultant Clinical Psychologist at Castle Hill Hospital, said about her winning project: “We are really excited to have received an award for our project, which will test the application and use of virtual reality technology within a Teenage and Young Adult (TYA) cancer unit at Castle Hill. We hope that the use of VR will support patients to manage anxiety about treatment procedures; provide distraction, stress management and a way to reduce isolation.” 

Nabil El-Mahdawi, Consultant in Clinical Oncology at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said about his team’s winning grant to open a first-of-its-kind Vulvovaginal Atrophy (VVA) late effects clinic: “We hope this clinic provides female cancer survivors in our region affected by VVA as a result of their cancer treatments easier access to the expertise they require to improve their quality of life.” 

Dr Kartikae Grover, Clinical Director, Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance, said: “The fact that the Cancer Alliance was inundated with entries worth a value totalling more than three times the allocated funding amount is testament to the important role innovation can play in improving health and care services using the finite resources at our disposal.  

“The Cancer Innovation Grants are an excellent opportunity to develop our local culture of innovation through adopting and developing new ideas, which have a positive impact on patient experience and outcomes and the local cancer system.  

“Everyone at the Cancer Alliance is looking forward to seeing these projects develop from the concept stage and deliver real benefit to cancer patients in Humber and North Yorkshire.” 

Details of the 12 winners: 

  • Administering at-home chemotherapy treatment  
  • An ambulatory chemotherapy service 
  • A clinic for vulva-vaginal atrophy – the first of its kind in the country 
  • Using VR technology with young people with cancer 
  • A cancer and rehabilitation café based in Selby, North Yorkshire 
  • An initiative to increase bowel screening take-up in 11 GP practices in Hull 
  • A project aimed to increase cancer screening take-up among people with learning disabilities in East Riding of Yorkshire 
  • Increasing screening and health check-up rates among people with serious mental health conditions in the Scarborough and Ryedale area 
  • Cancer education classes for people with learning disabilities in North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire 
  • Initiative to improve further ovarian cancer diagnosis  
  • A clinic to support people with lung cancer and/or breathlessness from Roma, Gypsy and Traveller communities in North Yorkshire 
  • A service to support people with cancer-related fatigue 

For more information about the Cancer Alliance’s Innovations Grants initiative, please visit: www.hnycanceralliance.org.uk/innovationgrants. 

Jul 24

2023 National Cancer Patient Experience of Care Survey (CPES) results published

By Patient experience of care

The 2023 National Cancer Patient Experience Survey (CPES) results have been published.

The survey aims to understand people’s experiences of cancer care, and the insight provided in the survey is used to improve the quality of NHS cancer services.

CPES is conducted every year by Picker, on behalf of NHS England.

The survey asks a variety of questions to gauge people’s experience of care, including how involved patients felt in decisions about their care, whether the information they were given was easy to understand, and whether they felt they had enough support from staff.

The 2023 CPES was completed by 1,930 patients in Humber and North Yorkshire, resulting in a 55% response rate. This compares favourably to the national response rate of 52% (63,438).

The Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance-area CPES results can be viewed here.

The 2023 Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance CPES results yielded no scores above or below the expected range. This means that the Cancer Alliance achieved scores for all questions expected by NHS England based on the size of our alliance and the demographics within the region.

Patient experience of care is incredibly important and it is a testament to the hard-working NHS staff that patients in the Humber and North Yorkshire area have given a rating of 8.9 out of 10 for overall experience of care.

Lucy Turner, Managing Director of Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance, said: “Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance welcomes the publication of the 2023 CPES results, a key indicator of how people who use cancer services in our area are finding this experience.

“The Cancer Alliance will work in partnership with the organisations in our region which provide cancer services to review the CPES results to understand what aspects of cancer services are working well and identify areas where improvements need to be made.”

CPES results are available at trust, Integrated Care System, Cancer Alliance and national level. They can be viewed here.

For more information about the CPES, please visit ncpes.co.uk.

Jul 18

Community roadshow tours Humber and North Yorkshire to seek views, understanding and experience of cancer

By Awareness and Early Diagnosis

People in Humber and North Yorkshire are being encouraged to share their views on cancer and experiences of using cancer services as part of a regional community engagement roadshow series taking place this summer.

The community engagement roadshow series, which consists of lots of different events across the Humber and North Yorkshire region, is being organised by Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance to:

  • raise awareness and improve understanding of cancer
  • gain greater insight into any barriers to presenting early with cancer symptoms and attending cancer screening
  • gain a deeper understanding of people’s experience of using cancer services

The roadshow will visit many of Humber and North Yorkshire’s cities and towns, where Cancer Alliance staff and colleagues from various partners will engage in conversations with people who have been treated for cancer, or members of the public to understand their understanding of and attitudes towards the disease.

Lucy Turner, Managing Director, Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance, said: “Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance has a proud record of using the views of cancer patients and members of public to influence our work and the work of our partners.

“Our community engagement roadshow series will provide invaluable insight about people’s views on cancer and experiences of the disease, particularly in communities in our region which experience the greatest health inequalities and perhaps do not feel that their voice is heard at times.

“Our friendly community engagement team are keen to speak to you. They’re bound to be in a city, town or village near you this summer so please spare a few minutes to share your views and experience of cancer with them.”

Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance’s 2024 community engagement roadshow timetable is as follows:

Date Region Address
Friday 19 July
9am – 3pm		 Grimsby Freeman Street Market Grimsby
DN31 7DS
Thursday 25 July

11am – 3pm

 Goole The Junction
Paradise Place
Goole
DN14 5DL
Saturday, 27 July Hull Hull Pride
Located in the Health and Wellbeing Zone
Saturday, 27 July
9am – 3pm		 Hull HANA Football World Cup
Inglemire Lane
Hull
HU6 7TS
Wednesday, 31 July 10am – 3pm

 

 Bridlington Bridlington Spa
S Marine Drive
Bridlington
YO15 3JH
Wednesday, 7 August
11am – 3pm

 

 Scunthorpe Ongo Carnival
Manor Park
Burringham Road
Scunthorpe
DN17 2BH
Thursday, 15 August

10 am – 4pm

 Hull

 

 Age UK Hull and East Riding Family Open Day:
Axida House
Preston Road
Hull
HU9 5HH
Thursday, 22 August Hull Peel Street Community Health Fair:
Peel Street Park, Peel Street Hull
HU3 1QU
NB: Further community engagement roadshow events will added to the schedule between July to September

People who are unable to attend any of the Cancer Alliance’s community engagement roadshow events can still share their views and experience by completing an online survey:

For more information about the Cancer Alliance’s community engagement roadshow series please email [email protected].

Jul 11

Cancer Alliance drenched in success at the end of NHS 75,000km Challenge

By Announcements

Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance staff have completed an ambitious challenge to collectively walk, run, swim or cycle 75,000km during the NHS’s 75th birthday year.

To celebrate the incredible achievement – and the 76th birthday of the NHS – members of the team took part in a very wet and windy walk across the length of the Humber Bridge and back on Tuesday 9th July 2024.

There was more than a fair share of rain on the victory parade, but spirits remained high, and there was a stop for cake and coffee halfway through.

 

The starting pistol of the 75,000k Challenge was fired at Health House in Willerby on Tuesday 4th July 2023. The team used a treadmill and exercise bike in a race against time to clock up a total of 75km in 7.5 hours. They smashed their target in the allotted time, totting up an impressive 183.04km – three times the length of the entire North Yorkshire coastline. The event raised £135 for NHS Charities Together.

Throughout the year, members of the team recorded their Strava results and used their smartphones to track their progress with a Totaliser in Health House. Many in the team are parkrun regulars, which helped hugely, but everyone played their part.

Other special events incorporated into the 75,000km Challenge included Cancer Alliance staff taking part in the Cancer Research UK Shine Night Walk in York on Saturday 30th September 2023. Undaunted by the elements, members of the team walked 10km around the city in the rain, dressed in illuminous outfits, and raised £630 for Cancer Research UK.

The Cancer Alliance achieved its goal ahead of the one-year target. After adding up the team’s kms for week commencing 17th June, their total reached 75,750kms.

Dr Kartikae Grover, Clinical Director of Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance, said: “The Cancer Alliance has done remarkably well to achieve 75,000kms in under a year. And in doing so, the team has also highlighted the benefits of maintaining an active lifestyle.

“Whether it’s walking, swimming, cycling, or running, regular exercise can help people to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. That can also lower the risks of 13 different types of cancer, and evidence shows that plenty of exercise can help reduce the risk of bowel and breast cancer in particular.

“People who are living with cancer can also gain positive benefits from taking part in physical activities. They may have fewer side effects and might even recover from the disease quicker. And many forms of exercise bring opportunities to socialise and learn new skills.”

Jul 09

Cancer Alliance and Macmillan Cancer Support present KPOW! (Know the Power of Words)

By Announcements, Stakeholder Updates, Treatment and Pathways

Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance has funded a new short film which highlights the experiences of people with a cancer diagnosis.  

KPOW! (Know the Power of Words) shines a light on the importance of language used by clinicians during diagnosis and treatment.   

The film, which the Cancer Alliance co-funded with Macmillan Cancer Support, received its premiere at Hull Truck Theatre on Monday 8th July. After the showing, members of the cast and crew took part in a Q & A session with the attendees.

You can now view KPOW! on the Cancer Alliance’s YouTube channel, here.

KPOW! co-stars and was written by North Yorkshire playwright Libby Pearson. In the film, Libby is one of four friends openly discussing experiences of cancer, and how the way medical and nursing staff spoke and acted towards them during their treatment and care had consequences on their emotions.  

The film also stars Allyson Kent, a former NHS worker, who lives in the East Riding of Yorkshire. Allyson was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019 and ovarian cancer in 2020 and is now a Cancer Alliance patient representative. 

In KPOW!, Libby, Allyson, Hannah Coysh and Rosie Hamblyn talk about their hope that negative statements can be reconsidered and reframed to be more sensitive and positive. 

Even common words such as “but”, “however”, “until” and “yet” can affect patients living with cancer. Libby, InkBlot Films and the cast hope that their film can inspire clinicians to take the time to consider how their words and actions can leave a lasting, negative impression on their patients.  

The four friends in KPOW! have all been affected by cancer in different ways. Libby lost her father to cancer, Allyson is living with cancer and is a patient representative for the Cancer Alliance, Hannah is a Macmillan doctor, and Rosie is a cancer survivor.  

As they chat about their feelings, they all reveal a shared desire for words to be delivered with kindness and compassion, using clear explanations and active language, with eye contact.

KPOW! combines humour and poignancy to deliver a very potent message of the need for understanding and respect when living with cancer.  

The film was originally conceived and commissioned as a play by Libby, specially written for a Living with and Beyond Cancer conference organised and facilitated by Macmillan GPs Dr Hannah Coysh and Dr Kate Thomas in June 2023. Although visually different, the concept of the film, directed by Jay Sillence of InkBlot FIlms, remains the same. 

Libby said: “As a theatre-maker specialising in issue-based work – particularly around health and equality – I believe theatre and film are such strong tools in helping people reflect on their own beliefs and behaviour. They can make a huge impact and effect positive change.   

“Making a film was new to almost everyone in the room and the nerves were palpable, but Jay and his team helped transform those nerves into a positive energy that really comes through in the film. Even though the day was long and very tiring, we’d have done it all again the next day.  

“The scenes with Allyson running were fabulous. I scouted the locations and everywhere I turned was a flooded road or a boggy field. Ally and Jay had to negotiate sheep, bogs and tooting cars, but the results are great. Jay, like Ginger Rogers, had to do everything Ally did, but backwards, without the heels! 

“I am hoping that anyone who sees the film, be they health professionals in any role, or those supporting people living with cancer, will consider what they say and how they say it. Think about the impact of words, and truly put the patient at the centre of the conversation.” 

Allyson added: “I worked in the NHS for the whole of my career and am now experiencing life as a patient. Having a cancer diagnosis is life-changing at every level, and words matter. They can give hope or cause real harm. I will never forget those words used that day, and how they made me feel. I am much more sensitive to the words people use now.  

“Normally I’m a very private person, but I want to share my story to make people think about the language they use or how a lack of words impact on patients.” 

On the making of the film, Allyson said: “What an experience! So much behind the scenes work… lighting… fluffing words! The fun of creating something together was an amazing experience and we laughed so much, even though it was a long, long day and we were tired, but we didn’t stop, we didn’t give in.   

“It was an emotional day for me as this is real, this was my story, but I am so proud of what we have achieved.”   

Lucy Turner, Managing Director of Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance, said: “We are so proud of Libby’s film, the cast’s performances and Jay’s hard work in making KPOW! The subject matter is very close to our hearts, and we are thrilled that we’ve played a part in the process of highlighting this important issue.  

We hope medical and nursing staff will take on board the words used by Libby, Allyson, Hannah and Rosie, and consider how important the language and actions they use with cancer patients are. They can stay with a patient forever.” 

KPOW! (Know the Power of Words) is now available on the Cancer Alliance YouTube channel, here. Please share across your network, particularly with frontline staff who have clinical and non-clinical contact with patients, including:

  • doctors
  • nurses
  • paramedics
  • social workers
  • care workers
Jun 26

Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance launches Excellence in Cancer Awards 2024

By Announcements

Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance is pleased to launch its inaugural annual Excellence in Cancer awards.

The awards have been created to celebrate the people working in cancer services in Humber and North Yorkshire for their hard work, innovation and unwavering commitment to deliver the best care for patients possible in the region.

Whether they work in clinical or non-clinical roles, the Cancer Alliance wants to recognise those people responsible for outstanding work to improve lives and treatment for people with cancer in Humber and North Yorkshire.

The award categories are:

Quality Improvement and Innovation: Do you know any individuals, teams or projects which have used innovation to deliver improvements to existing cancer services which have had a positive impact on patient care? If so, please consider nominating them for the Quality Improvement and Innovation award.

Clinical Leadership: This award recognises clinical leaders who have demonstrated system collaboration to improve care for cancer patients. If you know of anyone who meets this criteria, please consider nominating them for the Clinical Leadership award.

Championing the Patient Voice: Do you know of any individuals, teams or projects which have championed the patient voice by involving patients in their work and used their views to improve experiences for patients, particularly in those communities experiencing the greatest health inequalities? If so, please considering nominating them for the Championing the Patient Voice award.

Going the Extra Mile: This award aims to recognise the unsung heroes – those who go above and beyond in the interest of providing the best possible care for cancer patients – showing resilience, compassion, adaptability or any other favourable quality in the process. If you know of any individuals or teams who fit this bill, please consider nominating them for the Going the Extra Mile award.

Lucy Turner, Managing Director, Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance, said: “The Cancer Alliance is delighted to announce launch of our first ever annual awards to recognise the hard-working, innovative, resourceful and resilient colleagues working across cancer services in Humber and North Yorkshire.

“If you know of anyone working in cancer services in Humber and North Yorkshire who consistently goes above and beyond to deliver exceptional care for patients, please consider nominating them for one or more of the awards.”

Deadline for submitting your nomination is 5pm, Friday 9 August. Any submitted entries after this deadline will not be considered.

A panel of judges will consider each nomination and the winners will be announced at the Cancer Alliance’s annual conference at the Lakeside Conference Centre, York Biotech Campus, in York on Thursday, 19 September.

You can submit your nominations by clicking here: https://humbernorthyorkshire.engage-360.co.uk/surveys/144

Rules for entry

  • Self-nominations are not permitted. If you are submitting a nomination it has to be for someone else.
  • Those making nominations are required to complete the nomination form in its entirety, including the rationale for their nomination.
  • In order to be considered, nominees need to make themselves free to attend the awards ceremony at the Cancer Alliance’s annual conference at Lakeside Conference Centre (York Biotech Campus) on Thursday, 19 September.
  • The panel’s decision is final.

For further information please contact the HNY Cancer Alliance communications and engagement team: [email protected]

Jun 26

Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance expands Patient and Public Representative Group

By Announcements, Involvement Opportunities

Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance is actively recruiting people with lived experience of cancer to join its expanding Patient and Public Representative Group. Lived experience could mean either as a patient or the carer of someone with a cancer diagnosis.

As a Patient or Public Representative, you will have the opportunity to share your experience of cancer to help improve cancer services across Humber and North Yorkshire. Your main role would be to use your knowledge and experience to give feedback on, and advise about, the impact on patients of work developed and undertaken by the Cancer Alliance.

You will be in a unique position, acting as a critical friend to the Cancer Alliance, by using your voice to challenge the approach and thinking of those making decisions in an appropriate manner, remaining respectful and open to a wide range of opinions and thought processes.

To find out more about the opportunity, visit the Cancer Alliance website and download a recruitment pack. To apply, please complete an expression of interest.

May 22

Cancer Alliance 23/24 annual report published

By Announcements, Stakeholder Updates

Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance is pleased to announce the publication of its 23/24 annual report.

This edition is the Cancer Alliance’s biggest annual report yet – a reflection of the plethora of work which has been carried out during the past 12 months to transform the diagnosis, treatment and care for cancer patients in Humber and North Yorkshire.

Click here to read the report, which captures the Cancer Alliance’s work throughout the year in line with the requirements of the NHS Long Term Plan.

May 16

Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance applauds Tobacco and Vapes Bill ahead of third reading

By Announcements

Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance stands in support of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill as it clears committee stage and moves towards its third reading.

The bill, which passed its second reading on 16 April 2024, is a crucial step towards reducing cancer rates for future generations. As advocates for public health and cancer prevention, the Cancer Alliance commends the Government’s commitment to tackling the root causes of cancer, particularly the devastating impact of smoking.

Smoking remains one of the leading preventable causes of cancer, contributing to a significant portion of cancer cases and deaths in our region. Up to two-in-three long-term smokers are expected to die from a smoking-related disease[1].

Smoking is also the single biggest avoidable risk factor for cancer. Tobacco smoke is estimated to be responsible for nearly one fifth (64,500) of all new cancer cases a year and causes 27% of all cancer deaths in the UK. The most recent statistics for the UK show that 19% of all cancers are linked to tobacco smoke exposure.

Stephen Eames, Chief Executive of NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “The case for action on smoking is clear. We must do more to prevent ill health in the first place, not just treat it afterwards. This is why our partnership in Humber and North Yorkshire has set up a ground-breaking Centre of Excellence in Tobacco Control. Smoking is the single biggest cause of preventable illness and death in our region, costing our area £464.9 million a year with £57.2 million in health care costs alone[2].

“Cancer is one of the ICB’s top four priorities and affects a significant proportion of our population. As a system, we are working together continuously to improve diagnosis, treatment and awareness. Public health legislation, such as the Tobacco and Vapes bill, will have a profound effect on our work in this area in the years to follow”

The Tobacco and Nicotine Bill represents a watershed moment in the collective fight against cancer. By implementing stricter regulations on tobacco, this legislation will save lives and spare many families from the anguish of losing loved ones to this preventable disease.

Mr Kartikae Grover, Clinical Director of Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance, emphasised the significance of the legislative milestone, stating: “The Tobacco and Nicotine Bill marks a historic moment in our efforts to combat cancer. By reducing access to harmful tobacco products and promoting healthier alternatives, we are paving the way for a future where cancer rates decline and communities thrive.

Lucy Turner, Managing Director of the Cancer Alliance, added: “As advocates for cancer prevention, we applaud this action to prioritise public health. This bill sends a clear message that protecting our population from the harms of smoking is a top priority, and we stand ready to support its swift passage into law.

“Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance remains steadfast in our commitment to advancing policies and initiatives that promote cancer prevention and improve outcomes for patients and families across our region. Together, let us continue working towards a future where cancer is no longer a threat to our communities.”

Scott Crosby, Associate Director of the Centre of Excellence for Tobacco Control at NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership said: “The third reading marks another crucial step in consigning smoking to history. As the Tobacco and Vapes Bill progresses to the third stage and then the House of Lords, let us expedite its passage before the general election. The overwhelming public support demands nothing less.”

NHS England » Tobacco dependency programme

[2] https://ash.org.uk/uploads/Smoking-and-Cancer-Fact-Sheet.pdf?v=1692800564

 

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