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News and announcements from across the Humber, Coast and Vale region.

May 16

Funding secured for new Scunthorpe Community Diagnostic Centre

By Announcements, Cancer Diagnosis and Innovations, Treatment and Pathways

Funding has been secured for a new £19.4 million Community Diagnostic Centre to be built in Scunthorpe Town Centre.

The centre – which is due to begin offering some services to the public this winter – will be a one-stop-shop for health checks, scans, and tests, providing you with access to a range of diagnostic tests closer to home, reducing the need to come into hospital and reducing waiting times.

Chief Executive of Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust, Peter Reading, said: “Our priority will always be to provide our patients with excellent standards of care – and we believe that moving some of our diagnostic services out into the community will allow us to do that.

“I’m delighted to say that we have been successful in bidding for £19.4 million from the national funding Community Diagnostic Centre programme to fund the scheme and have submitted a planning application to create a bespoke hub, off Lindum Street – right in the heart of Scunthorpe town centre.

“Our plans are at a very early stage but, should our planning application be successful, we will work with our partners in Primary Care, Community healthcare and North Lincolnshire Council to build the new facility, where we will be able to offer patients tests for a range of conditions, such as cancer, heart and lung disease – including X-Rays, MRI, ultrasound, and CT scans.”

An artist’s impression of the new Scunthorpe Community Diagnostic Centre.
An artist’s impression of the new Scunthorpe Community Diagnostic Centre.

Patients will be referred to the centre by their GP or consultant, and it will operate in parallel to our diagnostic departments at Scunthorpe General for inpatients and those requiring emergency care.

This will allow us to conduct an estimated 146,000 additional checks every year, enabling us to see more patients, more quickly, reducing waiting times and helping you to access the care you need in a more timely way.

This is not only more convenient for patients but is also more efficient for staff and frees up clinician time to help further cut the waiting lists.

Alex Seale, North Lincolnshire Place Director, NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, said: “One of the biggest potential benefits to you as patients would be that you’d no longer need to come onto our busy hospital site in order to have these tests carried out. Instead, you’ll be able to go to the town centre, where parking is plentiful and there are excellent public transport links. This also has the added benefit of freeing up parking for those who do need to come to the hospital.

“There are also infection control benefits, as reducing the number of people coming to our acute hospital sites naturally reduces the risk of spreading infections.

“We are very excited about the plans and the benefits they could bring to you, and we look forward to hearing whether our application has been successful.”

Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, Councillor Rob Waltham, added: “This is great news for North Lincolnshire residents and another positive note for the High Street with more Government cash backing the plans to build a new future.

“This new health centre will have a massive impact on residents’ access to critical health services, further improving health and wellbeing for thousands of people.

“It is also further good news for the town centre in Scunthorpe – a major investment, backed by government, which will drive more people into the town centre for more reasons.”

The funding for the scheme was announced today by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Steve Barclay, who also revealed funding had been granted for a further five Community Diagnostic Hubs across the country.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said:“I have pledged to cut waiting lists and these new Community Diagnostic Centres will do exactly that. By offering checks, tests and scans closer to home, we can speed up the diagnosis of illnesses like cancer and heart disease and ensure patients get their treatment quickly.

“These centres revolutionise the way the NHS delivers care and crucially, they are saving lives.”

Mr Barclay added: “Based in the heart of communities, they are making it easier for people to access life-saving checks and cutting out unnecessary hospital visits.

“They have already made a huge difference, delivering nearly four million tests, checks and scans since the programme started in July 2021, helping to deliver on the government’s commitment to cut waiting lists.”

Dr Vin Diwakar, NHS Medical Director for Transformation, said:

“The NHS delivered a record 2.3 million diagnostic tests in March, up more than 128,000 on the previous monthly record, thanks to the hard work and dedication of our staff.

“These new CDCs will continue to increase access to care by providing vital scans, X-rays, endoscopies and blood tests closer to patients’ homes, building on the progress we have already made to drive down the longest waits and diagnose cancer earlier.”

May 03
Kartikae Grover

Cancer Alliance appoints Kartikae Grover as new clinical director

By Announcements, Stakeholder Updates

Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance is pleased to announce the appointment of Kartikae Grover as its new Clinical Director.

Kartikae will play a key role in bringing together the different organisations which provide cancer services in Humber and North Yorkshire to work collectively to improve cancer outcomes for the people living in the region.

Kartikae, Associate Chief Medical Officer (Quality and Safety) and a Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, succeeds Dr Stuart Baugh who has served as the Cancer Alliance’s Clinical Director for several years.

He will officially join the Cancer Alliance role in June and will combine this role while continuing to work in his various positions at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

Kartikae joined Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust in 2011. He has played a pivotal role in establishing the trust’s health inequalities steering group, and has held a number of senior positions, including Clinical Information Officer, Governance Lead and Clinical Lead of the breast service. Kartikae was also chair of the Humber and Yorkshire Coast Cancer Network’s Breast Clinical Experts Group between 2012 and 2014.

Commenting on Kartikae’s appointment, Lucy Turner, Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance Managing Director, said: “I am delighted to announce the appointment of Kartikae as our new Clinical Director. Kartikae is passionate about cancer services, improving patient experience and outcomes and recognises the benefits of innovation and collaborative working.

“I want to place on record my sincere thanks to Stuart Baugh for his contribution to the Cancer Alliance over the last five years. He has played a significant role in driving and delivering key programmes such as the NHS Targeted Lung Health Checks in Humber and North Yorkshire.”

Kartikae said: “I am honoured to be joining the Cancer Alliance as Clinical Director. I am looking forward to commencing in this leadership role very soon and working with partners across the region to further develop cancer services which deliver the best possible treatments and care for patients.”

May 02
Picture of three men and a women working on a building site with hard hats and high vis tops

Call to outdoor workers, who are three times more likely to develop skin cancer, to protect themselves from harmful UV rays

By Announcements, National Campaigns

Picture of three men and a women working on a building site with hard hats and high vis topsMay is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and as the weather across the UK heats up, Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance has joined forces with Macmillan, SKCIN and MKM Building Supplies to raise awareness of skin cancer and the importance of those working outdoors protecting themselves.

Skin cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the UK with over 220,000 cases diagnosed annually and that number continues to rise. Outdoor workers receive five to 10 times more sun exposure and as a result are, on average at 60% greater risk of developing skin cancer. However, with simple precautions such as covering up with clothing and wearing sunscreen, this risk can be significantly reduced.

Throughout May, Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance, Macmillan and SKCIN, will be hosting skin cancer awareness information stalls in several MKM Building Supplies stores to raise awareness of the importance of outdoor workers protecting themselves, as well as what to look for when it comes to skin cancer signs and symptoms.

Dr Dan Cottingham, Cancer Research UK GP Lead, Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance, said: “You don’t have to be exposed to the sun for lengthy periods and it doesn’t have to be a clear and sunny day for the sun’s rays to damage your skin. Construction workers face all kinds of weather and just like they would don their high viz, waterproof jackets to protect themselves from the elements in winter, it’s equally important that they protect themselves from the harmful and powerful UV rays of the sun.”

Heather Lysiak, Macmillan Engagement Lead for Humber and North Yorkshire, added: “Over 90% of skin cancers are preventable by adopting protective approaches to sun exposure. This is why we are working together to raise awareness to those working in the outdoor industry.

“Outdoor workers are out in the elements year-round and need to be aware of the risk and the steps they can take to protect themselves. We hope that by taking the information direct to the workforce we can help encourage people to make simple changes that might just save their lives.”

“Rachel Constable Head of Environment, Social and Governance at MKM said: “When we were approached to work with Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance, we immediately took the opportunity. Learning how much more at risk those working outdoors are of skin cancer was staggering, and we knew it was important to play a role in educating our teams and customers. We are looking forward to hosting the stalls and hope we can help to make a difference and encourage people to take positive actions to reduce their risks of developing skin cancer.”

SKCIN also offers the national Sun Safe Workplaces accreditation programme. Marie Tudor, CEO said: “Solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is responsible for 90% of all skin cancer cases. This puts outdoor workers in one of the highest risk groups for skin cancer. Employers of outdoor workers have a legal obligation to assess the level of risk imposed to their workers, implement a sun protection policy and provide employees with information, instruction and training.

“Our Sun Safe Workplaces accreditation programme has been specifically developed to provide employers and HSRs with all the tools and resources they need to engage, educate, empower and equip their workers and provide clear evidence of their commitment to addressing these legal obligations.”

However, it’s not just outdoor workers that are at risk of developing skin cancer. Anyone, spending any length of time outdoors needs to understand the risks and how to protect themselves.

When the UV Index reaches three and above, SKCIN recommends the following five S approach to five-star sun protection that should be used in combination to prevent sun damage and reduce the risk of skin cancer.

  • Slip on clothing – the first line of defence against UV rays
  • Slop on SPF 30+ UVA sunscreen and reapply every two hours
  • Slap on a wide brimmed had to protect the scalp and shade the face and neck
  • Slide on UV protective sunglasses to protect the eyes
  • Shade – seek shade when possible, particularly between 11am and 3pm when UV is at its strongest.

Even after taking precautions, it’s important to still know your skin and to be able to notice changes as they happen. Skin cancer can look different from one person to another. Dr Cottingham explained: “If you have an area of skin that’s sore, itchy, hurts, bleeds, crusts or scabs for four weeks or more, this could be a sign of skin cancer and it’s important to get this checked by your GP as soon as possible. Other things to look for include any small lumps that look unusual or a change to the size or shape of a mole or freckle.

“I advise checking your skin on a regular basis and if there’s something you’re not sure about, seek advice. It’s always better to be safe and cautious as the earlier cancer is detected the easier it can be to treat.”

As part of Skin Cancer Awareness Month Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance will also be running several online awareness sessions for people to find out more about skin cancer and what to look for. The sessions are free and open to anyone from the Humber and North Yorkshire area. To book a place visit the Cancer Alliance Eventbrite page.

Another handy way of detecting potential abnormalities is to download the SKCIN APP. The app provides users with a wealth of information, images, self-management tools and features to promote both the prevention and early detection of skin cancer, enabling you to confidently take charge of your skin health and surveillance.

Nov 15
Professor Stephen Eames, short white hair, short beard, dark suit, white shirt and blue tie

Stephen Eames CBE appointed as Chair of the Cancer Alliance

By Announcements

Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance is pleased to announce that Stephen Eames CBE has been appointed as its new Chair.

Stephen succeeds Phil Mettam as Chair of the Cancer Alliance, a position he has held since 2019.

Phil has taken up a role to provide support and oversight to the Humber Acute Services Programme and associated developments.

Stephen will officially take up the role from 1st January 2023. He will combine the role while serving as Chief Executive of the Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board.

As Chair, Stephen will oversee the work of the Cancer Alliance and provide leadership on the key issues affecting cancer services in the Humber and North Yorkshire area.

Stephen Eames said: “I am pleased to be joining the Cancer Alliance as Chair. Cancer services in Humber and North Yorkshire are under significant pressure, just as they are elsewhere in the country. I’m looking forward to working with partners within the Cancer Alliance to develop innovative solutions to address these issues.”

Phil Mettam said: “My time as Chair of the Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance has been extremely rewarding. I wish Stephen well in the role and I’m sure he will be an asset to the Cancer Alliance. I would like to thank colleagues within the Cancer Alliance who have work tirelessly to provide the best possible care for cancer patients in what has been extremely challenging circumstances in recent years.”

Oct 10
Choose Well Graphic for advice

Health and care collaboration to ease pressure on urgent care services this winter

By Announcements

NHS and care services across Humber and North Yorkshire are under huge pressure – with more than 1,000 people a day attending emergency departments in the region.

This pressure has significantly increased over the last week – especially in hospitals and GP surgeries – and is compounded by rising cases of Covid and flu.

Despite the challenges, frontline staff and organisations across the region are working together, and tirelessly, to give patients the best possible care they can.

Stephen Eames, Chief Executive, Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership (HCP) said: “We are working together, as partners in health and care, across the Humber and North Yorkshire to address some of the key challenges in our system.

“As a partnership we are continuing to prioritise a recruitment drive across health and social care ahead of winter – with the aim of being one workforce.”

As well as boosting our workforce , lower category ambulance calls are being diverted to community services (single point of access) where healthcare professionals can signpost patients to a more convenient service for them, if they do not need to attend hospital.

Stephen Eames said: “Ambulance services across England have been under considerable strain all year and there is no straightforward solution to ease this, but as one measure, additional paramedic staff are being located where they are needed the most to support ambulance crews with patient handover and helping ambulances get away quicker to respond to emergency calls. We also have Hospital and Ambulance Liaison Officers at each hospital helping maintain patient safety standards and again helping with handover times.”

Furthermore, extra discharge rounds have been added in hospitals in a bid to identify more patients who are ready to be discharged home without needing a care package. Mental health support and ‘crisis house’ services have also been bolstered across the region.

“Our GPs and practice nurses are also working incredibly hard to give extended access to patients,” continued Professor Eames. “In fact, we are seeing more primary care appointments available to patients than ever before. A patient that needs to be seen the same day and face-to-face, will be seen that day.

“We continue to see thousands of patients a week across our region book a GP appointment and then not attend and I would urge people to cancel their appointment if it is no longer wanted. That consultation can then be given to a patient who has an urgent need.”

While many patients in hospital are very unwell, health and care services are urging people to seek other health services if their condition is not serious or life threatening:

Choose Well Graphic for advice
Stephen Eames added: “We face a vast number of challenges this winter, that threaten to be as great as the challenges of the pandemic. It requires an extraordinary response from all of us in the Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership – working together.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who is involved in our system working long hours, and determinedly, to improve patient care, especially our frontline colleagues, and indeed the public for their understanding at this extremely challenging time.”

Jul 27
picture of a nurse and man using scanner

NHS Targeted Lung Health Check service moves to East Hull

By Announcements, Awareness and Early Diagnosis

A high-tech mobile screening unit, which is helping to save lives through earlier diagnosis of lung cancer and other conditions, has moved to East Hull.

The NHS Targeted Lung Health Check Programme invites past and current smokers aged between 55 and 74 who live in Hull and are registered with a Hull GP to a free lung health check, to identify potential lung problems early so effective and early treatment can be provided.

The unit’s relocation from North Hull to Morrisons supermarket on Holderness Road will see approximately 10,000 people in East Hull invited for a lung health check within their local community.Unit at Morrisons on Holderness Road

The NHS Targeted Lung Health Check Programme supports the NHS Long Term Plan ambition of detecting more cancers at an earlier stage when they are easier to treat.

Thousands of people have been invited for a lung health check since the programme launched in Hull in January 2020, with around 10,500 assessments and 7,000 scans carried out during this time. In the small percentage where cancer is detected, many have been found at an earlier stage, which is likely to result in better outcomes for the patient.

The lung health check takes place in two stages. The first is an initial phone assessment with a specially trained respiratory nurse. If the assessment finds the person to be at high risk, they will be offered a low dose CT scan of the lungs for further investigation at the mobile unit.

Those eligible for a lung health check in East Hull will receive an invite from their GP over the coming weeks and are strongly urged to take up the offer.

Dr Stuart Baugh, Clinical Director for the NHS Targeted Lung Health Check Programme in Hull, said: “There are often no signs or symptoms of lung cancer at an early stage and as a result seven in 10 patients are diagnosed too late.

“Early intervention can make a huge difference with a CT scan three times more likely to support a diagnosis of cancer at an early stage, often before symptoms occur. It can also spot other lung and chest conditions, meaning that people can get help and support for conditions they may not even have realised they have.”

Dr Kanwal Tariq, Consultant in Chest Medicine at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “Since the screening programme started, people across Hull have shown a real interest in and enthusiasm for lung health checks, and we hope this will be repeated as the mobile unit moves to the east of the city.

“Many participants won’t need to have a scan, just a chat with a friendly lung specialist respiratory nurse which involves discussing any potential risk factors, any current chest problems and then some useful advice on keeping the lungs healthy. If a CT scan is needed, the team will make that as quick and straight forward as possible.”

The first GP practices in East Hull to invite patients to attend screening are East Hull Family Practice, East Park Practice, Laurbel Surgery and Dr Weir – based at Marfleet Primary Healthcare Centre.

Dr Masood Balouch, an East Hull GP, said: “It is very encouraging to see hundreds of people attending for their lung health checks every month. As a local GP, working in the East Hull area for many years, I urge all eligible patients to take up the offer of a lung health check straight away. Please call to book your lung health check when you get your invitation letter through from your practice.

“Early detection of cancer not only allows earlier treatment and support for people, it also helps to improve their long-term health outcomes.”

If you are registered with a GP practice in East Hull and receive a lung health check invite, don’t ignore it – book your appointment today. Contact your GP if you if you think you are experiencing symptoms of lung cancer.

The NHS Lung Health Check Programme will be launching in North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire during early 2023. Find out more about lung health checks in Hull at www.lunghealthcheck.org.uk.

Apr 01
picture of a lady sat in the office with a laptop next to her

Humber, Coast and Vale Cancer Alliance rebranded to Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance

By Announcements

Humber, Coast and Vale Cancer Alliance has been renamed as Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance, effective from today (Friday 1st April).

The Cancer Alliance has changed its name to align with our local integrated care system (ICS), the Humber, Coast and Vale Health and Care Partnership, which has been renamed as the Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership from today.

ICSs are partnerships of health and care organisations, local government and the voluntary sector. They exist to improve population health, tackle health inequalities, enhance productivity and help the NHS support broader social and economic development.

Subject to Parliamentary approval, ICSs will be put on a statutory footing from Friday, 1st July 2022, and will operate in shadow form for the next three months.

The ICS identity change also includes a branding refresh (new logo and brand colours). Subsequently, the Cancer Alliance has also adopted a new logo and the new ICS brand colours.

Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance logo.

As part of this refresh, the Caner Alliance website address and social media channels have also changed. These are now:

Visit https://hnycanceralliance.org.uk for more information about the Humber and North Yorshire Cancer Alliance.

For more information about the local integrated care system changes, please click here.

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