Patients across North Staffordshire can now access specialised cancer treatments closer to home
Developed through a partnership between University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) and Pharmaxo Healthcare, with support from West Midlands Cancer Alliance, the new clinic provides eligible patients with access to systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) and other specialist infusion services in a convenient community setting.
The service has been designed to improve patient experience by reducing the need for regular travel to hospital, while supporting the NHS to deliver more care closer to home and increase capacity across hospital services.
Eligible patients will continue to receive care under the clinical oversight of UHNM, with Pharmaxo Healthcare providing specialist nursing support and operational delivery at the clinic.
Improving access to cancer care
For many patients undergoing cancer treatment, frequent hospital visits can be challenging. By offering treatment locally, the new clinic provides greater convenience while maintaining the same high standards of care.
This new service is a really positive development for our patients. Receiving treatment locally can make a huge difference, particularly for those undergoing therapy who have to travel to UHNM on a regular basis. It is important that we are making these steps to offer our patients cancer care in a more accessible, convenient way while also reducing pressure on hospital services.
Matron for Haematology, Oncology and Immunology at UHNM
A partnership approach
The initiative highlights the value of collaborative working between NHS organisations and independent healthcare providers to expand access to specialist services in the community.
We are proud to be working in partnership with University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust to deliver this important community-based service. By combining our specialist nursing expertise with UHNM’s clinical leadership, we are helping more patients receive high-quality treatment in a setting that is more convenient for them. This clinic is a great example of how collaborative working can expand capacity, improve patient experience, and support the NHS in delivering care closer to home.
Chief Commercial Officer at Pharmaxo Healthcare
Supporting the future of cancer care
The launch of the Audley Health Centre clinic aligns with wider ambitions to increase the delivery of cancer care in community settings where it is safe and appropriate to do so.
We are delighted that Audley Health Centre is now home to this innovative community cancer hub. The National Cancer Plan for England made it clear that care and treatment should be delivered in the community wherever it is safe to do so, and the launch of the Audley facility is therefore an important step for us. Centres like this will complement hospital treatment and can help make life better for people dealing with cancer.
Managing Director, West Midlands Cancer Alliance
Cancer care closer to home
The new clinic marks an important milestone in expanding access to specialist cancer services across North Staffordshire. It is helping patients receive treatment in a setting that is closer, more convenient and designed around their needs.
