"195 people supported in one year" – Hospital celebrates impact for people with blood cancer
One year after becoming the first hospital in the UK to refer those newly diagnosed with blood cancer and their loved ones directly to Blood Cancer UK, North Midlands Hospital is today celebrating the impact of the service – helping hundreds of patients access vital support at a crucial time.
The service was very informative, I've been able to go into depth on the various areas which affect me.
Supporting people with blood cancer at a crucial time
280,000 people in the UK are living with or in remission from blood cancer, making it the UK’s fifth most common cancer. Leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma are all forms of blood cancer and receiving a blood cancer diagnosis can be an overwhelming experience.
To address this, Blood Cancer UK teamed up with University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM Trust) to pilot the Blood Cancer UK referral service. A referral to Blood Cancer UK services helps people diagnosed with blood cancer and their families to understand their diagnosis and treatment, connect with others and navigate their care.
Kate Keightley, Deputy Director of Support and Clinical Services at Blood Cancer UK, said: "Our research shows that 58% of people diagnosed with blood cancer are not aware of the support available to them. Through this referral system, everyone newly diagnosed with blood cancer at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust has the option to be connected to our team, ensuring they don’t have to navigate this alone.
“Once referred, they will receive a confirmation email from us and then receive weekly support emails covering topics like diagnosis, treatment, connecting with others and practical support. For those who unable to access email, a member of our expert Support Service Team will call. We also offer a telephone interpreter service enabling support to be provided in 170 languages. It’s been a huge project for Blood Cancer UK to implement but there’s no doubt that it’s helping those affected by blood cancer at a particularly difficult time.”
Dr Neil Phillips, consultant haematologist from UHNM Trust said: “Being given a diagnosis of blood cancer can be an incredibly difficult and emotional experience. Many patients find it hard to ask for help, so this referral service removes that barrier and ensures they receive trusted information and support. We’ve now been partnered with Blood Cancer UK for one year and have referred 195 patients or caregivers."
More hospitals join our referral service
Following the success at UHNM Trust, 12 more hospitals across the UK have since adopted the referral system, which is now in full operation. Hospitals have seen positive outcomes, with patients reporting reduced anxiety and a greater sense of control over their diagnosis.
Zoe Kelsall, Lymphoma Clinical Nurse Specialist at UHNM Trust said: “Patients have told us that having immediate access to a charity that understands their condition has made a real difference in helping them come to terms with their diagnosis.”
Refer your patients to Blood Cancer UK
Healthcare professionals: join our referral service to give people affected by blood cancer additional practical and emotional support following a diagnosis.