Care Closer to Home

The Care Closer to Home Innovation & Service Development for Paediatric Oncology Services

Around 600 children up to the age 16 have cancer in the area the NWCCODN covers each year. Whilst many aspects of care are delivered as close to home as possible, many families have frequent long journeys to access care.

This Proof of Concept project aims to increase focus on the delivery of supportive care and chemotherapy closer to home, either in the home environment or via the Mobile Cancer care Unit at a location close to the patients home. These specialist services will be delivered whilst maintaining safety and ensuring equity of access to specialist services.

For more information click the smiley face or watch our webinar click here.

As part of Phase 1 (Planning) the team facilitated workshops with staff across the region. Click on the puzzle icon to see the outcomes.

Mobile Cancer Care Unit

We have worked with patients, families and staff to initially understand thoughts and feelings about a Mobile Cancer Care Unit.

It is very important that patients and families continue to shape this project. We have a Parent Representative who attends the project meetings and our Patient & Family Experience Working Group provides guidance. We are always looking for more Lived Experience Representatives to be involved. Read our Patient & Family letters, by clicking on the icons to find out more information on being involved!

Global Best Practice

As more complex cancer care isn’t routinely delivered at home or on a Mobile Unit in paediatrics, the team have been reaching out to colleagues doing similar work across the country and internationally. Big thank you to Neil Shaw at Leeds Children’s Hospital, Pat Dyminski at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, Kylie Stark at Kids Cancer Care in Australia, Donna Drew at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Claire Lawson & Sian Jones at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and Sally Wainhouse & Radhika Sandilya at Starship Blood and Cancer Centre in New Zealand, for sharing your insights and knowledge!

If you would like to get involved in the project, please get in touch via our email: info.nwccodn@mft.nhs.uk