The network, which is hosted by Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, provides care for patients with Primary and Secondary brain tumours and support for families from initial diagnosis, ensuring a smooth transition of care from initial surgery, through radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy and into the community.
Bristol was designated as a Tessa Jowell Centre of Excellence following an expert-led review of the brain cancer treatment, care and research opportunities available to patients. This award recognises the excellent services provided by the centre’s multidisciplinary team, as well as the continuous commitment to improving patient outcomes.
The designation follows a rigorous review process which examined multiple areas of the patient pathway in detail, together with patient feedback collected by The Brain Tumour Charity.
The programme’s panel of neuro-oncology experts particularly commended Bristol for excellence in the:
• An innovative and forward-thinking surgery team, providing outstanding and timely treatment to patients;
• An excellent neuropathology service, with particular strengths in genomics, molecular testing and tissue banking, with a large portfolio of pathology research;
• A comprehensive and well-organised chemotherapy service, supporting clear patient decision-making and symptom management.
• A strong patient-centred approach to assessing needs, with an outstanding nursing team that coordinates care across a large and diverse geographical area.
Bristol is one of six UK neuro-oncology centres awarded on Wednesday 14 October by the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission (TJBCM).
The designation was confirmed by Yvette Cooper MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, and Professor Peter Johnson, NHS England Clinical Director for Cancer, at an event at the Royal Society in London.
Mr Venkat Iyer, Consultant Neurosurgeon and MDT Chair, said
“We are delighted to be recognised by the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission as a Centre of Excellence for brain tumours. We take great pride in providing a responsive, compassionate and comprehensive service for adults living with brain tumours across Bristol and the surrounding areas.
“This recognition reflects the passion, dedication, teamwork and kindness of our extended multidisciplinary team, who work tirelessly to ensure that every patient receives the very best care and support throughout their journey.
“We are incredibly grateful to our whole team, whose commitment to our patients and their families, and willingness to always go the extra mile, makes such a meaningful difference.”
Maria Kane, Chief Executive of Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“Being a Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission Centre of Excellence offers our patients reassurance that they’re in the best place possible to receive the care and treatment they need.
“I am immensely proud of the Neuro-Oncology team for being recognised for their outstanding innovation and patient-centred approach to supporting patients with brain tumours.
“Their ambitious, forward-thinking and compassionate care is a great example of how we are realising BFT’s plans to deliver seamless, high-quality, equitable and sustainable care for everyone who needs it.”
Nicky Huskens, Chief Executive of the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission, said:
“Congratulations to the team at Bristol. This award is a testament to the hard work of an incredible team working above and beyond to deliver a world-class brain tumour service. Designation as a Centre of Excellence means more than just excellent care – it is a commitment to constantly improving, going further and faster for this patient group. We look forward to continued collaboration on our collective vision that every patient with a brain tumour benefits from excellent treatment, care and access to research — whoever they are, wherever they live.”
This means both adult and children's services for neuro-oncology in Bristol have been designated Tessa Jowell Centre of Excellence status.