East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust warmly welcomed the review from the Clinical Advisory Panel in July, and its recommendations for the future of the Mount Vernon Cancer Centre.
Trust CEO, Nick Carver said: “As a long serving provider of specialist cancer services, we know that patients, their carers and families, deserve no less than the most modern oncology care, comprehensive medical and surgical support services, including ITU. That’s why we warmly welcome the recommendations contained in the review”.
The overall aim of the independent clinical review, led by NHS England, was to ensure specialist cancer services will improve and continue for the local populations. The review builds on the excellent reputation, research and patient experience the Mount Vernon cancer service already delivers.
The review contains a number of recommendations for the short-term and two clear options for the long-term future of the Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, including the recommendation that accountability and ownership of the Mount Vernon Cancer Centre services be transferred to a current, London based tertiary cancer provider. The trust welcomes that and is committed to working collaboratively with such a provider.
Nick Carver went on to say: “Patient safety and confidence is paramount for the Mount Vernon Cancer Centre and remains the trust’s key priority in planning for the future.
“This review quite rightly recognises the commitment of our staff to their patients; and that they continue to provide the best quality care possible for patients. We will do our very best to support our staff as this transition progresses. In addition the panel noted that feedback from patients has been consistently positive over a long period of time.”
Throughout this process and any transition period the trust will work closely with all parties to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients, carers and families and staff.
