Six NHS paediatric neuro-oncology centres designated as Tessa Jowell Centres of Excellence

Alexa Davies

3 min read

After a detailed review process across the UK, the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission (TJBCM) has announced a new network of 15 brain tumour centres for children, of which six have been designated as excellent.

The launch of this brand-new initiative marks the first stage in a national effort to further elevate the treatment, care and research for children with brain tumours. For families and young patients, this recognition will provide confidence in the services delivered by centres in the network. The Mission found remarkable examples in every centre of NHS staff working well beyond what was asked for, to deliver excellent care for their patients.

The six centres awarded the coveted Centre of Excellence status are Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust (the Alder Hey team is pictured above); Great Ormond Street Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (GOSH) and University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) Joint Centre; Greater Manchester Children’s Neuro-oncology Service; The Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust; Newcastle Hospitals and Newcastle University; Nottingham Children’s Hospital at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust; and Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust.

These centres met the high Standards of Excellence across all 168 areas along their patient pathway. Areas assessed include clinical care, quality of life care and access to clinical trials. Special attention was paid to play therapy and education provision, key elements of children’s cancer care.

Dr Nicky Huskens, CEO of the TJBCM, said: “The outcome of this rigorous process has been re-assuring. Every centre that participated provides good care, with six providing exceptional care. Going forward we will be working with our partners in the charity, public and corporate sectors to provide bespoke centre support and launch new meaningful national initiatives to improve brain tumour treatment and care.”