Barts Health radiotherapy department awarded Macmillan Quality Environment Mark

The Radiotherapy Department at St Bartholomew’s Hospital has once again been awarded the Macmillan Quality Environment Mark (MQEM), recognising its outstanding commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for people living with cancer.

The MQEM award recognises environments that go above and beyond to create a welcoming and friendly space for patients.  The award has been designed in collaboration with patients living with cancer.

Angela Baker, Head of Radiotherapy at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, explains: “St Bartholomew’s was one of the first NHS Trusts in the country to receive this prestigious recognition back in 2016, and we have consistently maintained the high standards required to be re-accredited in every cycle since.”

What made the department stand out

During the latest assessment, inspectors highlighted several key features that led to the award being renewed:

• Patient-centred design: The department has been shaped by feedback from patients and families, ensuring that spaces are not only functional but also calming and accessible. Seating is arranged around small tables giving users the choice of where to sit and wait. Rooms are large enough so there is space for the person affected by cancer and the people accompanying them.
• Supportive environment: Special attention has been given to creating areas that reduce stress and anxiety for patients undergoing treatment. This includes a welcoming reception area, comfortable waiting spaces, improved signage across the department, new light boxes for the treatment room ceilings, and access to information and support services.
• Innovation in care: The team has introduced improvements to the way care is delivered, with a focus on using the equipment to its full potential, as well as communication, dignity, and patient choice.
• Staff dedication: The assessors commended the commitment of staff across the department, recognising their efforts to maintain a culture of compassion and excellence despite the challenges faced in healthcare.

About the award

The MQEM is the first award of its kind in the UK. It was developed in collaboration with people living with cancer to recognise environments that go beyond clinical care, making them more welcoming, dignified, and supportive.

To ensure credibility, the award criteria are evidence-based and recognised by regulatory bodies including the Department of Health and the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

For more information on the MQEM, visit: Macmillan Quality Environment Mark.

Recognising the impact

Wayne Douglas, Diagnosis and Treatment Lead for North East London Cancer Alliance, praised the achievement saying: “This is an impressive achievement and is down to the hard work and commitment of all involved from Barts Health. It is also great news for our local patients as they will benefit from the high quality of care being provided.”

More information

If you would like to know more about the award, assessment process and how the department achieved it, please contact Rachael Westmancott, Quality Assurance and Governance Lead Radiographer for Barts Health: rachael.westmancott@nhs.net