Board to Ward May 2025
In May’s Board to Ward we share three highlights to demonstrate progress, improvements and national recognition:
The Plymouth and Peninsula Neuro-Oncology Network achieves prestigious Tessa Jowell Centre of Excellence status
We began today’s Board by welcoming the news that the Plymouth and Peninsula Neuro-Oncology Network has been officially recognised as a Tessa Jowell Centre of Excellence -marking a major milestone in brain cancer care and research for the South West peninsula.
We were joined by Ellie Edlmann, Associate Professor of Neurosurgery and Consultant Neurosurgeon; Oliver Hanemann, Associate Head of Peninsula Medical School (Research) and Director of the Brain Tumour Centre; and Elizabeth Lim, Consultant Clinical Neuro-oncologist and Clinical Lecturer in Neuro-oncology. They shared the story of how this national recognition honours the network’s outstanding commitment to patient care and cutting-edge research-making it one of only 14 centres across the UK to receive this prestigious status.
The Network is a collaborative initiative focused on improving care for patients with brain tumours across the South West. It brings together University Hospitals Plymouth (UHP), Royal Cornwall Hospitals, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Trust, and Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust. UHP is designated as the South West Regional Centre for the treatment of brain tumours, with its multidisciplinary team (MDT) providing specialist care across the peninsula.
The University of Plymouth plays a central role in the network’s success. Professor Hanemann, who leads the South West Brain Tumour Centre, highlighted the Centre’s pioneering research, particularly into low-grade brain tumours, emphasising the significance of this work given that brain cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death among people under 40.
In highlighting the importance of these services, Ellie Edlmann explained:
“Our cancer patients are often young, typically fit and otherwise healthy, with few or no symptoms before diagnosis. Brain cancer is a disease unlike any other, but it's also an area where we can make life-changing differences, and we are doing just that.
“We’ve long been recognised as a Brain Tumour Research Centre, but now, to also receive clinical Centre of Excellence recognition is a major step forward for our colleagues and our patients. Some patients ask whether we’re a Centre of Excellence - now we can now proudly say yes. This status attracts funding, enables more research, and encourages talented people to work with us. Fundamental to our service is our Cancer Nurse Specialists (CNS) – patients under our services are cared for by a huge range of professionals and our CNS’s bring all this together, enabling a more patient-centric approach.”
The Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission highlighted several reasons behind the network’s success in achieving Centre of Excellence status:
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A clear and ongoing commitment from the team to service development since their previous application
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Robust succession planning for the core clinical team
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Significant improvements in the rehabilitation service
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An excellent portfolio of clinical trials and a strong research track record
This recognition not only enhances outcomes for current patients but also positions the network as a national leader in sharing best practices and driving innovation in brain cancer care. Beyond the boost in morale for staff, the designation also brings several key benefits:
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Increased access to specialist training and development opportunities
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Greater eligibility for research funding
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Enhanced opportunities for collaborative research across the UK and beyond
The Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission reports that over 40 million people now live in the catchment areas of Tessa Jowell Centres of Excellence nationally, and that 95% of participating centres have reported tangible benefits for their patients.
The Centre of Excellence accreditation is reviewed on a four-year cycle, and work is already underway to maintain and exceed these high standards. The Plymouth and Peninsula Neuro-Oncology Network is aiming to remain at the forefront of innovation in genetic sequencing, rehabilitation, and clinical trial readiness.
Jo Beer, Chief Operating Officer at UHP, reflected on the significance of this recognition by drawing on her experience as a Cancer Nurse Specialist:
“Earlier in my career, I worked with brain cancer patients and saw first-hand how devastating this diagnosis can be. At that time, the life expectancy for conditions like glioblastoma was just three months. Now, that has extended to around 15 months, and that extra time means so much when people have families and lives to live. Well done to everyone involved for the incredible work you do, and for the profound difference you make to patients in our region and beyond.”
Find more information on the Tessa Jowell Centres of Excellence and the 2025 awardees
National Recognition for Improvements in Urgent and Emergency Care
From:
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4-Hour Standard Performance. Last year, we averaged 54.7% compliance with the 4 hour Emergency Department Standard
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Poor performance on Ambulance Hours Lost and 12 hour delays: Our Trust was consistently in the bottom 3 worst performing NHS hospitals for ambulance hours lost and bottom 5 for 12 hour delays
To:
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Top (1st) Most Improved Trust: for 4 hour access target in Emergency Care - 67.8%
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13th Most Improved Trust: for 12-hour waits in ED.
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Have achieved average ambulance handover delay reduction: from 3.03 hours to 57 minutes – a 2 hour improvement
The Trust has received national recognition for its continued progress on improving our Urgent and Emergency Care (UEC) picture. Thanks to performance improvements across April and May, we have been awarded a total of £4 million in capital funding through the National Incentive Scheme.
UHP has been recognised as the top most improved Trust in the country for four-hour emergency care performance, which enabled £2m in capital funding. The Trust also ranked 13th nationally for reducing the number of patients waiting more than 12 hours in the Emergency Department, earning a further £2m. These achievements are the result of sustained teamwork, innovation, and clinical leadership across the organisation, in the context of UEC demand continually rising. Interim Chief Executive Mark Hackett commented: “This is a testament to the hard work, commitment and willingness to challenge, change and innovate services and pathways to enable us to deliver high quality care for our population. As part of a clinically led organisation our medical services teams will be considering how best to use this resource for further improvements in urgent and emergency care.”
We’ve been making these improvements thanks to a range of initiatives:
Innovation in delivering services:
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Our X-ray Car Mobile Service has freed up an estimated 7-10 hospital beds
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A new Head Injury Pathway has been introduced to streamline care
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We’ve installed a dedicated Pre-Hospital Pathway Lead to ensure 24/7 focus on ambulance handovers
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An Acute Rule-Out Ward has been established to facilitate faster diagnostics and decision-making
Virtual Wards and Frailty Care
UHP continues to lead on the implementation of virtual wards, with the Acute Virtual Ward increasing patient occupancy. In addition, the Community Virtual Frailty Ward has now successfully opened, providing safer alternatives to hospital admission and closer care to home. The newly launched Gateway Hub is further supporting patient flow by coordinating access to services and strengthening community care pathways.
End-of-Life Care and Admission Reduction
Efforts to reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and improve end-of-life care are also showing clear results:
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Admissions for end-of-life care have reduced by 40 per month, with 624 patients supported through Mount Gould’s palliative and supportive care beds.
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Our End-of-Life Pathway supported 38 patients in April, 8 patients above target, reducing acute bed days
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Direct SDEC and hot clinic pathways are in place across multiple specialties, including Urology, Gynaecology, Oncology, Cardiology, ENT, and Early Pregnancy.
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Dedicated Frailty SDEC and protected trauma beds for patients with fractured neck of femur ensure patients are treated in the most appropriate and effective care environments.
Efficient Patient Flow and Length of Stay
A lot of work has taken place on reducing the duration of time a patient spends in our hospital beds.
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Stroke pathway has achieved a reduction in Length of Stay from 12.6 to 8.5 days, improving patient access, flow and care efficiency
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We have also seen some positive work on increased P1 discharges from 23% to 57% and reduced Length of delay from 2.43 to 1.51 days. This means we are supporting discharges back to a patient’s original home setting with rehabilitation, reablement and recovery support in place.
Champion fundraisers for Plymouth Hospitals Charity
We’ve seen a ‘blue wave’ of generosity and community spirit at the Trust, with remarkable contributions to charitable projects from both staff and the public. Here’s a selection of some of the inspiring charitable efforts that have helped enhance care and comfort for patients and families across UHP in recent months.
Blue Wave Runners Raise Over £12,500 for Hospital Wellbeing: Over 150 NHS staff took part in the NHS Blue Wave at Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival on 11 May 2025, raising over £12,500 in support of UHPs charity. This was the first time a ‘blue wave’ movement was a part of the biggest running event in the city, and it was a touching event to see colleagues who have faced significant health challenges present. Many runners joined the event to honour personal experiences, or just to be motivated by their love of running and supporting the charity. This mix of personal stories and the sense of community really shows what our charity is all about and highlights the impact of our fundraising efforts.
Breathers Fund Family Room Transformation on Honeyford Ward: A generous £2,500 donation from Cornwall and Devon Breathers has transformed the family room on Honeyford Ward into a welcoming and homely sanctuary. Their gift honours the care they received and supports families facing difficult times with a comforting space away from the clinical environment. This project also raises awareness of COPD, and the upgraded family room, with its cosy decor and new sofas, will offer a comforting escape from the clinical environment.
Young Fundraiser Freya Donates Her Hair for Birch Ward: Ten-year-old Freya has raised over £1,700 by donating her hair to the Little Princess Trust and fundraising for Birch Ward, inspired by her Grandad Barry's cancer treatment journey. Her generosity supports both cancer patients and children in need, showing how one small act can make a big difference.
Maternity Services Transformed with Calming, Galaxy-Themed Upgrades: Generous donations have supported a significant £6,391 investment in maternity care enhancements, including scenic murals, galaxy lighting, radios, and Comfortable Upright Birth (CUB) supports. These changes provide a more relaxing, personal space for birthing mothers. Midwife Emma Aurigi commented on how these improvements help make the birthing experience feel less clinical, more welcoming and enhance patient wellbeing.
These stories are a testament to the incredible generosity of our community and the dedication of our staff. Every donation, every fundraiser, and every act of kindness helps us continue to create healing spaces and improve patient experiences across UHP.
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