A TEAM of ambulance clinicians from the south west has been rewarded for their innovative work in cancer care.

The Macmillan Cancer Care Development team at the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) won the Innovation Excellence Team award at the 2018 Macmillan Cancer Support Excellence Awards, held at in Birmingham on Thursday November 8.

Awards host, journalist and broadcaster Victoria Derbyshire, presented project manager Joanne Stonehouse with the award.

As the Innovation Excellence award-winning team, they were considered to have demonstrated vision and commitment to make a lasting difference to the quality of services offered to people living with cancer.

The project has focussed on improving and promoting best practice in cancer, palliative and end of life care for patients living with cancer across the south west of England who access urgent and emergency care by calling 999.

As well as creating a broad education package for paramedics, the project team of four has also developed and improved systems and protocols to give ambulance clinicians access to specialist advice and guidance whilst they are on scene. Ultimately, this ensures cancer patients receive the right care in the right place at the right time.

Ed Murphy, Macmillan’s Head of Services for the South West said: “Congratulations to the Macmillan Cancer Care Development Project team at South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust on winning the prestigious Macmillan Innovation Excellence Award.

"This pioneering project has provided much needed education and training to enable paramedics to give the best and most appropriate care to people with cancer.

"I am delighted that their hard work has been recognised by this award.”

The Macmillan Excellence Awards, which are now in their seventh year, were developed to celebrate the outstanding work carried out by Macmillan health and social care professionals across the country.

The event recognised excellence in three areas: service improvement, innovation and integration.

Over 350 health and social care professionals and guests attended the awards ceremony.

For support, information or if you have any questions, call Macmillan Cancer Support free on 0808 808 00 00 (Monday to Friday, 9am–8pm) or visit macmillan.org.uk.