Publish date: 31 January 2024
Ex-professional footballer Mel Tottoh praised the “amazing work” of a cancer services team when he accepted a national award on their behalf at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.
The accreditation from Myeloma UK recognises that patients are receiving superior care in line with the blood cancer charity’s best practice standards.
Mel, from Freckleton, who played for Preston North End in the 1980s and is now a management consultant after a career in aerospace, was diagnosed with the blood cancer myeloma 18 months ago.
“This unit does amazing work for patients and it’s an honour to accept the accreditation award on their behalf,” he said. “The team here has given me exceptional care and I wouldn’t want to come anywhere else.”
Mel, who was joined at the presentation by wife Melanie praised the positive atmosphere and kindness of staff. He had responded positively to treatment and described his chemotherapy and stem cell treatment as “second to none”.
Consultant haematologist Dr Mark Grey said the award represented a huge team effort. He noted their commitment to care included ensuring two-thirds patients were offered the opportunity to go on a clinical trials for the latest treatments against a typical 50%.
Myeloma UK’s Clinical Service Excellence Programme (CSEP) was developed with healthcare professionals and patients, and is designed to support hospitals in delivering optimum care. It was established in 2015 and Blackpool joins 60 hospitals already accredited.
Rhys Owens, Clinical Practice Services Senior Projects Officer at Myeloma UK, said: “Blackpool Victoria Hospital really goes the extra mile for patients. Myeloma is a challenging cancer that keeps coming back and can become resistant to treatment over time, so we were hugely impressed by staff’s round-the-clock efforts to get their patients access to the latest clinical trials and experimental drugs.
“The team also understands the toll that going to multiple appointments each month can take both physically and emotionally on those affected by myeloma. To make their lives that little bit easier, the unit recently extended its working hours, including at the weekend, to better fit around patients’ work and family commitments.
“Patients who live further afield also have the option to stay in hospital accommodation while they receive a stem cell transplant.”
