Championing Patient-Centred Care this World Cancer Day

4 February 2026

World Cancer Day takes place on 4 February every year. This year’s theme, ‘United by Unique’, recognises that no two cancer journeys are the same.

It highlights the importance of holistic, personalised care that goes beyond clinical treatment: care that supports emotional wellbeing, mental health and the individual needs of each person, alongside their physical care.

At Velindre, patient‑centred care is at the heart of everything we do. To mark World Cancer Day, we spoke to staff from three key services across the hospital whose work helps ensure that every patient receives care that is tailored, compassionate and truly personal.

💊 Pharmacy Patient Education Service

Founded by Sarah herself, the Pharmacy Patient Education Service offers bespoke, one‑to‑one consultations to help patients feel confident and informed about managing their medication.

The team supports patients in understanding how to take their medicines safely, how to manage side effects from radiotherapy, chemotherapy or immunotherapy, and when to contact the Treatment Helpline for advice.

Going a step further, Sarah and her team have also created a series of clear and accessible animated videos, giving patients the opportunity to revisit information in their own time.📺 Here’s an example focusing on TKIs

Our new Velindre Cancer Centre (nVCC) will further empower patients with their medication. The pharmacy department in the nVCC will include a pharmacy robot that’s designed to automate dispensing pills and searching for medication, and two patient education rooms.

🍴 Dietetics Service

A cancer diagnosis can make eating - and knowing what to eat - feel overwhelming. Velindre’s Dietetics team provide a trusted source of expert advice, helping patients maintain good nutrition to support energy levels, strength and recovery throughout their treatment journey.

Dietetic care is tailored to each individual, taking into account their diagnosis, treatment plan, lifestyle and nutritional needs, ensuring advice is practical, achievable and relevant.

More information about the Dietetics service can be found here.

💆‍♀️ Complementary Therapies Service

Cancer treatment and its side effects can leave patients feeling fatigued, uncomfortable or emotionally drained. Velindre’s Complementary Therapies team offer a range of supportive therapies designed to enhance wellbeing and help patients feel more comfortable during treatment.

These include Aromatherapy, Massage, Reflexology, Reiki, Breathing Techniques and Mindfulness, delivered flexibly on the wards, through individual sessions or online - allowing care to fit around each patient’s needs and preferences.

More information about the Complementary Therapies service can be found here.

Together, these services reflect Velindre’s commitment to truly patient centred care - recognising the whole person, not just their diagnosis. By listening, adapting and responding to individual needs, our teams help ensure that every patient feels supported, informed and cared for throughout their journey.

As we look to the future, our nVCC continues Velindre’s commitment to patient centered care. Every aspect of the nVCC has been shaped around the needs of patients, families, and carers. The nVCC has been designed around the needs, voices, and experiences of patients and carers. From the beginning, people who use our services have helped shape how the building should feel, function and flow.  From easier navigation and better parking to therapeutic spaces and dedicated family areas, the nVCC will enhance comfort, dignity and the overall experience of care. 

On World Cancer Day, we would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all our staff who go above and beyond every day to deliver compassionate, personalised care. Your dedication, expertise and kindness make a real difference to the lives of our patients and their families.