A CANCER unit in Hereford has been awarded for delivering high quality care to people affected by cancer - for the second time.

The Macmillan Renton Unit, which is run by Wye Valley Trust at Hereford County Hospital, was given a Macmillan Quality Environment Mark (MQEM).

The unit was judged to have maintained the quality standards which were developed in collaboration with more than 400 people living with cancer and stakeholders, including the Department of Health.

The award, given by Macmillan Cancer Support, is the first in the UK that specifically assesses how well buildings such as chemotherapy units and information centres provide support and care to people affected by cancer, and also recognises high standards in building design.

Jo Clutterbuck, cancer services manager at Wye Valley Trust, said: "We’re thrilled to receive this prestigious award from Macmillan. The recognition highlights the effort from the entire team in the hospital in creating an environment to deliver the highest standards of care for people affected by cancer in Herefordshire."

The MQEM helps to ensure that people affected by cancer are treated and supported in physical environments of uniformly high quality.

Tudor Humphreys, Macmillan partnership manager for Herefordshire, said, "To receive the award, environments have to score highly in areas such as use of space, comfort and atmosphere, personal and social interaction and health and well-being.

"Consideration is given to such things as the greeting people receive when they come to a centre, the use of natural light and outdoor space, and the availability of quiet, private rooms – all areas that were highlighted as really important by people living with cancer who helped develop the award."

If you have questions about cancer, you can contact the information and support centre in the Macmillan Renton Unit on 01432 355444, extension 5459.