WHITTINGTON TEAM WINS MACMILLAN EXCELLENCE AWARD

The Cancer Care Psychology Service C Factor team at the Whittington Hospital has been announced as winners of the ‘Innovation Excellence Award’ at this year’s Macmillan Professionals Excellence Awards.  The award recognises individuals and teams who have introduced a new approach to service or product development and delivery. Participants are nominated by their colleagues.

Awards host, actor Larry Lamb, presented the team with the prestigious award at the event which took place at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole on Thursday 7th November 2019.

Dr Sue Gibbons, Macmillan Cancer Care Psychologist at the Whittington Health NHS Trust and Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, who collected the award, said:

‘I was delighted to collect this award on behalf of the team and for our work to be recognised in this way at this wonderful event. It is great to have the opportunity to highlight the benefits of a more creative approach to cancer support, and demonstrate how the arts and psychology together can be so beneficial in supporting people living with cancer to maintain good mental health’.

The winning team - The C Factor - is a unique therapeutic group approach to psychology support delivered through storytelling and applied theatre. Across eight two-hour workshops, participants explore various aspects of the cancer experience via the story of ‘Ricky’ – a character played by actor Adam McGuigan.
 
The C Factor is accessible for people who wouldn’t usually seek psychological support, because it allows them to talk about what’s happening with Ricky’s cancer story rather than with their own. It can be a fun and joyful experience for the participants during an otherwise challenging time. 
 
Tracey Palmer Macmillan Information and Support Manager at the trust who was also involved in delivering the programme added;

‘It's quite unusual to see people who are going through cancer treatment and having fun. The C Factor is uplifting as well as therapeutic, and that’s what makes it so different.’

The annual awards, which are now in their eighth year are an opportunity for Macmillan to recognise and thank pioneering teams and individuals who deliver the highest standards of care for people living with cancer.

The ceremony, hosted by Larry Lamb, actor and long-time supporter of Macmillan, was attended by over 400 health and social care professionals and guests.

For support, information or if you have any questions, call Macmillan Cancer Support free on 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week, 8am to 8pm) or visit www.macmillan.org.uk