The Walton Centre's therapy service wins top Macmillan award

The Walton Centre’s brain tumour therapy service has won the Service Innovator award at the latest Macmillan Professional Excellence Awards.

Co-designed with patients, clinicians, regional partners, and the cancer support charity, the innovative brain tumour therapy service identifies therapy needs from the first neurosurgical appointment, and supports people before, during and after surgery and/or treatment.

By coordinating referrals, advocating for rehabilitation, and bridging gaps between hospital, oncology, and community services, they are improving quality of life, reducing hospital stays and ensuring more equitable access to care. The team continues to refine the service through ongoing patient feedback and collaboration across the brain tumour pathway.

Brain Tumour Therapy Coordinator and Occupational Therapist Anne Jammes said:

“Patients have been incredibly positive about the service we’re providing to them. It’s been described as the missing piece of the puzzle in their experience with brain tumours. I’m delighted that we won! It’s an amazing affirmation of the work we’re doing to enhance patient care at The Walton Centre.”

The Macmillan Professional Excellence Awards started in 2012, celebrating dedication and compassion in improving cancer care in the UK. The Service Innovator award/category recognises those professionals who introduce or enhance services, driving positive and lasting change in cancer care.

Brain Tumour Therapy Coordinator and Physiotherapist Gary Walsh said:

“Since launching the service, we’ve supported nearly 500 patients on the brain tumour pathway – these patients just wouldn’t have been supported in this way previously. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and it’s fantastic that we won in this category. Hopefully this means we can continue to support patients in this enhanced way.”

Medical Director and Deputy Chief Executive Dr Andy Nicolson said: “It’s a testament to the therapy team’s hard work and dedication to this patient group by winning this award. Staff at The Walton Centre are continuously striving for excellence, and I’m proud that the multidisciplinary team, with support from Macmillan, have been recognised for the huge difference they are making to brain tumour patients coming in for treatment.”