- The Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission (TJBCM) proudly announces a new network of 15 strong brain tumour centres for children, of which six centres are designated as excellent.
- This award has been given following a rigorous community-led assessment consisting of healthcare professionals and patient representatives.
- The Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust is proud to be a supporting organisation of this vital work and to have been involved in the assessment process through their CEO who was part of the designation and assessment committee.
- This award marks the first step towards the Mission’s vision that “every child with a brain tumour will not only survive but also receive the highest quality of treatment, care and research opportunities”.
Each year, around 420 children are diagnosed with a brain tumour in the UK. After a detailed review process across the UK, the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission (TJBCM) proudly announces a new network of 15 brain tumour centres for children, of which six have been designated as excellent.
The launch of this brand-new initiative marks the first stage in a national effort to further elevate the treatment, care and research for children with brain tumours. For families and young patients, this recognition will provide confidence in the services delivered by centres in the network. The Mission found remarkable examples in every centre of NHS staff working well beyond what was asked for, to deliver excellent care for their patients.
Dr Stephen Lowis, who led the review process, said “In every team in every city, we found remarkable examples of exceptional and compassionate care. This initiative will support all centres across the UK to develop their services, through national collaboration and sharing of examples of excellence.”
The nationwide review process further provides an in-depth understanding of children’s brain tumour care and research in almost every centre across the UK. Funded and supported by the NIHR and the Mission’s partner charities, TJBCM will use these findings to launch new programmes aimed at further elevating services across the country.
Jess Mills, Tessa Jowell’s daughter and TJBCM co-founder, proudly said “Mum’s legacy to transform outcomes for brain cancer patients across the UK has reached another huge milestone. It has been so moving to witness how committed the teams caring for children in hospitals are to come on this journey with us.”
Six distinguished centres were awarded the coveted Centre of Excellence status, having met the high Standards of Excellence across all 168 areas along their patient pathway. Areas assessed include clinical care, quality of life care and access to clinical trials. Special attention was paid to play therapy and education provision, key elements of children’s cancer care. These centres are:
- Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
- Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (GOSH) and University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) Joint Centre
- Greater Manchester Children’s Neuro-oncology Service: The Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
- Newcastle Hospitals and Newcastle University
- Nottingham Children’s Hospital at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust
- Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
Staff will receive the awards during a ceremony at the Science Gallery London on June 6th in London.
Dr Jen Kelly, GP and CEO of the Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust and Patient and Families Representative and Centre of Excellence Expert Reviewer said:
“It has been an honour to be involved in the TJBCM for children over the last 12 months. Childhood cancer remains the leading medical cause of death of children in the UK, with brain and spinal tumours being responsible for 3 in every 10 cases, so it is vital we give these children the very best chances of not only surviving, but also of having the best quality of life, both during and following their treatment. Right from early diagnosis, to surgery, rehabilitation, play therapy, schooling support and links with primary care, the TJBCM has worked with centres to understand every step of these children’s journeys in order to support them. The TJBCM initiative has brought together a large team of professionals with one sole aim, to make a difference to children with brain tumours. It has been wonderful to see the dedication of the teams in all the treatment centres nationally and to be a part of such vital work, supporting centres to strive for even greater excellence.”
To find out more about the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission, visit: www.tessajowellbraincancermission.org
Because the children of today all deserve a tomorrow.
For more information or interview requests please contact Sophie Blount, Communications Officer at sophieblount@gkcct.org by calling 01905 885777.
