Our Macmillan Information Centre at Scunthorpe has been awarded an accreditation in recognition of the high-quality service it provides.
The centre has not only achieved the Macmillan Quality Environment Mark (MQEM) award, but received the highest possible overall score, exceeding the level required to maintain the standard.
The MQEM award recognises environments that meet the standards required by people living with cancer and celebrates those that go above and beyond to create welcoming and friendly spaces.
Whether you have recently been diagnosed with cancer, are going through treatment, are living with and beyond cancer or are supporting someone who is affected – our Macmillan information Centre can provide vital support and information in a friendly environment. We can offer access to counselling, benefits advice, self- help advice, practical support and information about courses and workshops.
MQEM assesses four main areas of a cancer service or environment:
- Design and use of space
- User’s journey
- Service Experience
- User’s voice
Assessors look for an environment which is welcoming and accessible to all, respectful of people’s privacy and dignity, supportive of users’ comfort and well-being, one that gives choice and control to people using the service and listens to the voice of the user.
Staff at the centre carried out a self-assessment followed by an external review which included an on-site visit by a professional assessor and a volunteer assessor who has been affected by cancer.
The centre was praised for adapting services during the pandemic to provide virtual support for users and staff were celebrated for having an ‘excellent understanding of the individual needs of users with information needs gathered throughout the patient journey.’
The Assessor commented that the unit was attractively presented and “not clinical in any way, a contrast to the rest of the hospital, and users rightly confirmed it is a welcoming place and a pleasure to visit.”
Speaking of the accreditation, Denise Gale, Associate Director of Cancer, said: “We are delighted to have received this accreditation – it really speaks volumes about the high quality of care and support people can expect when reaching out to the centre. We’re proud of our staff, their dedication and commitment and the difference they make to those going through such a difficult time.”
When asked for their feedback on the service, a patient commented: “The team are fantastic. I can’t thank them enough for the help and support that they have given me. Everything is there that you need. The information leaflets are set up well so you can browse yourself. I was given so much information at diagnosis and I barely heard most of what was said. It is really good therefore to have access to information in the centre as and when you need it.”
The centre will be assessed again in three years’ time.