Cancer staff pictured in Leighton Hospital’s Macmillan unit’s garden

Cancer treatment teams at Leighton Hospital have been hailed as among the best in the UK after latest figures were released.

Patients are seen by Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust staff faster than almost every other trust in the country.

In 2018/19, 92.2% of patients who were referred to Leighton Hospital by their GP with suspected cancer were seen, diagnosed and started to receive treatment within 62 days.

It places the MCHFT joint third in the country for cancer performance, well above the national expectation of 85% set by NHS England.

Emma Dixon, Lead Cancer Nurse and Cancer Services Manager at Mid Cheshire Hospitals, said: “This achievement is the result of everybody’s ongoing hard work, passion and commitment to improve cancer services for our local population.

“The figure shows that we are able to see and treat our patients promptly and faster than most other hospitals in the country, which should offer assurance to our community – early diagnosis is vital in the treatment of cancer.”

It is the latest in a string of achievements for cancer services at the Trust, which also manages Victoria Infirmary in Northwich and Elmhurst Intermediate Care Centre in Winsford.

Earlier this year, Leighton Hospital’s Macmillan Cancer Unit was the 10th unit in North to be awarded The Christie Quality Mark.

The accreditation is given by The Christie NHS Foundation Trust to cancer units that deliver a high standard of care.

It means local cancer patients can receive treatment closer to their home while being assured the standard of care is the same as at The Christie, which is renowned as a world pioneer in the care, treatment and research of cancer.

Dr Paul Dodds, Interim Chief Executive at Mid Cheshire Hospitals, said: “Together, the cancer performance figures and Quality Mark reflect the dedicated and compassionate staff who deliver local cancer care.

“Cancer teams across the country are faced with a number of challenges, including an increase in demand, and so to continue to see and treat patients promptly should be recognised and celebrated.”

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