Hospitals awarded 'centre of excellence ' status

University Hospitals Birmingham have been recognised as a 'Tessa Jowell Centre of Excellence ' - one of nine across the country - for their excellent delivery of care surrounding Brain tumours.

The 'Tessa Jowell Centre of Excellence ' status recognises University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) NHS Foundation Trust as an outstanding centre for their delivery of care and treatment by NHS staff.

The assessments included virtual site visits and were led by a committee of experts in the field.

Centres were measured on a range of criteria including excellent clinical practice and training opportunities, emphasis on patient quality of life, providing clinical trials and offering a high standard of research opportunities.

Three years ago, Baroness Tessa Jowell gave a powerful speech in the House of Lords recognising the need to improve brain tumour treatment, care and survival for all patients.

Brain tumours are often found at later stages and only 12 per cent of adults survive for five years after diagnosis highlighting the need for further innovation in brain tumour care.

The newly-introduced 'Tessa Jowell Centre of Excellence status ' recognises the delivery of outstanding care and treatment by NHS staff in their efforts to provide above excellent patient care through a difficult time.

In the first round of applications University Hospitals Birmingham are one of nine centres who have achieved this status.

The centres are awarded upon consideration of five key areas.:

• patient access to best possible surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, pathology, and radiology
• 2) a strong emphasis on empathy and wrap around care typically through access to nurse led services rehab and compassionate end of life care where needed
• access to cutting edge clinical trials,
• key educators and
• working with scientists in the areas of research developing new therapies.

Professor Colin Watts (pictured), Professor of Neurosurgery, said: “I am delighted that our Neuro-oncology service has been designated as a Tessa Jowell Centre of Excellence for Brain Cancer.

“This award is recognition of what we can achieve if we work together to deliver a truly multidisciplinary package for our patients: patient-centred, consultant-led, research orientated. It is a fantastic achievement. ”

UHB Charity launched the Giles ' Trust Brain Tumour Fund in 2015, to support one of the most under-funded areas of cancer research in the UK.

Seven years ago, the charity successfully ran a multimillion-pound campaign to bring both TomoTherapy and Cyberknife radiotherapy to the hospital.

The Giles ' Trust also funds dedicated clinical research nurses, who enable patients the opportunity to access clinical trials,

Find out more about the Giles' Trust, or make a donation here.