Patients have rated cancer care at Aintree University Hospitals, Broadgreen Hospital and the Royal Liverpool University Hospital among the best in the country, with the hospitals achieving the second highest patient satisfaction score in England.
The latest National Cancer Patient Experience Survey, which measures the quality of cancer care across the country, awarded the hospitals an overall score of 9.26 out of 10, placing them second nationally.
Together, the hospitals are one of the UK's largest providers of cancer diagnostics and surgical treatment, receiving nearly 45,000 urgent suspected cancer referrals from GPs each year.
The high patient satisfaction scores reflect the team’s commitment to see the person, not just the diagnosis. Through personalised care plans developed by clinicians and the support of cancer support workers and nurse specialists and all other health professionals, patients receive compassionate, holistic care at every stage of their cancer journey.
Teams at the hospitals have established themselves as a national leader in robotic surgery, achieving several UK firsts in colorectal, prostate and endocrine cancer treatment following significant investment in cutting-edge technology. Aintree University Hospital is home to one of only three single-port robotic systems in the UK, enabling surgeons in the Colorectal Service to carry out complex bowel cancer procedures through a single incision, improving outcomes and supporting faster recovery for patients.
Stephen Fenwick, Consultant Surgeon and Clinical Lead for Cancer Services, said: "Our teams never rest on their laurels. We are constantly learning and looking for ways to improve the care and experience we provide for patients.
“These results reflect the hard work, compassion and dedication of colleagues across our cancer services, as well as the many other teams who play a vital role in supporting patient care. From diagnosis through to treatment and recovery, this achievement has been made possible by colleagues across our hospitals working together to deliver the best possible experience for our patients.
“We know there is more to do, and we are determined to maintain and build upon the improvements we have already made so the patients we care for continue to experience the highest standard of care.”
Andy Nicolson, Group Chief Medical Officer, said: “Our cancer teams should be incredibly proud of this achievement. Their commitment to getting it right first time is reflected not only in these outstanding patient satisfaction scores, but also in the progress being made to tackle the health inequalities faced by our local communities. They have established themselves at the forefront of cancer care, driving innovation, improving outcomes and helping people live healthier, happier and longer lives."