National award recognises innovative Velindre-led cancer service improving patient safety

13 July 2024

A pioneering cancer service led by Velindre Cancer Service clinicians has received national recognition at the Royal College of Physicians Excellence in Patient Care Awards 2026.

The South East Wales Immunotherapy Toxicity Service was recognised in the Virginia Mason Award for Patient Safety at a ceremony held in Liverpool on 9 July 2026. The award, collected by Dr Joanita Ocen, celebrates initiatives that have made a significant impact on patient safety and quality of care.

The service was recognised for its innovative approach to supporting patients receiving immunotherapy treatment. It has ensured treatment-related side effects are identified and managed earlier, and helped patients access specialist support quickly and safely.

What began as an idea to improve care for patients experiencing immunotherapy-related toxicities has developed into a highly successful regional service supporting patients across Wales. Through multidisciplinary working, dedicated specialist staff, innovative care pathways and strong partnerships across health boards, the team has now supported more than 1,000 patients receiving immunotherapy treatment.

The service was created in response to the growing use of immunotherapy, a treatment that has transformed outcomes for many people living with cancer but can also cause complex side effects that affect multiple organs and body systems.

Before the service was introduced, patients didn't always have a clear route to the specialist care they needed. The current model includes nurse-led clinics, a dedicated multidisciplinary team, and a specialist telephone advice line to enable earlier recognition and management of complications.

Making a difference for patients and staff

The impact for patients has been significant. The service has helped avoid hospital admission for 65% of patients and manages between 60 and 80 complex cases at any one time. The service helps patients access specialist support more quickly so many can continue their treatment safely.

The service has also supported healthcare professionals across Wales, with 92% of staff reporting increased confidence in managing immunotherapy side effects. So far, the model has delivered an estimated £615,000 in cost savings through reducing emergency admissions and hospital stays.

Professor Ricky Frazer, Clinical Lead for the South East Wales Immunotherapy Toxicity Service, said: “We are incredibly proud to see the South East Wales Immunotherapy Toxicity Service recognised at a national level. When the service was established, our goal was simple: to ensure patients experiencing immunotherapy-related side effects could access specialist support quickly and receive the right care at the right time. As the service evolves we are now aiming to optimise immunotherapy pathways to help prevent severe toxicities from occurring and supporting patients receiving new and novel immunotherapies.. This recognition reflects the commitment of colleagues across Wales who have worked together to build a service that puts patient safety, experience and outcomes at its heart.

“This award is also a testament to the power of collaboration and the dedication of a truly multidisciplinary team. We would like to thank our consultants, clinical nurse specialists, pharmacists, acute oncology teams, organ specialists, administrators, managers and partners across Wales who have helped shape and develop the service. Most importantly, we would like to thank our patients. Their experiences continue to drive us to innovate, improve and deliver the very best cancer care possible.”

Setting the standard for immunotherapy care

The service is now recognised as one of the leading immunotherapy toxicity services globally, with its model being adopted by other organisations seeking to improve patient safety and experience.

The award also highlights the important role of collaboration in delivering innovative cancer care across Wales and reinforces Velindre Cancer Service's commitment to improving outcomes and experiences for patients through research, innovation and service improvement.

Dr Anna Olsson-Brown, Chair of the Association of Cancer Physicians, said: “As a specialty, we have helped transform cancer care through advances such as immunotherapy, and we are now entering an exciting new era in which artificial intelligence, genomics and precision medicine are opening further opportunities. Medical oncologists are uniquely placed to lead the safe evaluation and adoption of these innovations through clinical trials and collaborative research.

"The Association of Cancer Physicians is proud to lead our community of medical oncologists who are driving advances in patient care, research and education. By supporting collaboration, developing future leaders and championing innovation, we are moving scientific discovery into real benefits for patients. These awards are a wonderful reflection of the talent, ambition and commitment across our profession.”

Professor Mumtaz Patel, President of the Royal College of Physicians said: "Tonight's winners are a testament to the extraordinary dedication of physicians and their teams, who every day find new ways to improve the lives of patients. From reducing health inequalities to harnessing digital technology, from early disease detection to transforming end-of-life care, the breadth and ambition of this year's winners is truly inspiring. The RCP is immensely proud of each and every one of them."

Velindre Cancer Service provides specialist cancer care to more than 1.5 million people across South East Wales and beyond. As part of Velindre University NHS Trust, services are delivered through a hub-and-spoke model, with Velindre Cancer Centre serving as a specialist treatment, teaching and research centre for non-surgical oncology.

A wide range of treatments, including chemotherapy, systemic anti-cancer treatments (SACT), radiotherapy and specialist palliative care, are delivered by Velindre Cancer Service. The latest award underline our continued commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative care and to working collaboratively with partners to improve outcomes for those affected by cancer across Wales.