The neuro-oncology service hosted at Salford Royal Hospital has been awarded and recognised as a Tessa Jowell Centre of Excellence for the care and treatment of brain and spinal tumours.
The service which receives more than 2,000 new referrals and carries out approximately 450 operations per year was praised for its excellent clinical practice and patient-centred approach.
Following a rigorous review of the department’s application an expert panel also interviewed members of the team and patient feedback was provided as further evidence.
Dame Tessa Jowell who sadly died from a malignant brain tumour in 2018 led a call to action for lasting change for all brain tumour patients. She asked for patients to benefit from the latest science and called to focus on living well with cancer, not just dying from it.
As a result, the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission (TJBCM) was founded to provide a national body for all stakeholders engaged in glioblastoma research, treatment, and patient advocacy.
Tina Karabatsou, clinical lead for neuro-oncology, said: “This recent award gives us enormous pride and strength to continue offering the best, up-to-date and prompt treatment for our patients that suffer from those life-changing brain and spinal tumours.
“We hope the commitment and dedication of all members of the team also provides reassurance to our patients that we always strive to achieve the highest standards of care, whilst listening and attending to their needs and concerns.”
On naming the neuro-oncology service a Tessa Jowell Centre of Excellence the panel said: “We are particularly excited to work with your team to share these exemplary areas of your work through the Tessa Jowell Academy. Above all, Salford embodies a human-centred culture of kindness and compassion, providing wraparound holistic care, and we are proud to have Salford as an ambassador for the Tessa Jowell Network.”
The multi-disciplinary team consists of neurosurgeons, neuro-oncologists, neuroradiologists, neuropathologists, clinical nurse specialists, neuropsychologists, allied health professionals, neurologists, neurophysiologists and has a dedicated multi-disciplinary team (MDT) coordinator.
The team has a strong commitment to research and has well-built links with the University of Manchester and further afield. There are several ongoing research projects and dedicated research teams working closely with the clinicians. They are also involved in many clinical trials offering our patients the opportunity to enrol in new innovative treatments.
