Velindre's Virtually Assessed Pathway (VAP) Service Recognised as UK Best Practice

12 January 2025

The Virtually Assessed Pathway (VAP) Service at Velindre Cancer Service has been highlighted as an exemplar in the UK SACT Board's standardising reviews of adult patients receiving SACT for solid tumours.

Published in November 2025, the UK SACT Board's review aims to highlight best practice in order to reduce unnecessary variation in practice between centres in how patients on SACT are reviewed. This guidance is intended for use in all UK Oncology Hospitals.

Velindre's VAP Service is one of only four services nationwide selected as an example of best practice. Notably, the Pre-SACT Assessment Checklist developed by the VAP team was cited as the model checklist for use across the UK.

The service was selected due to its distinct, unique approach of being multi-cancer-site, nurse prescriber led, and multi-disciplinary - using nurses and pharmacy technicians to assess patients. No other clinic in the UK combines all 3 qualities.

The VAP Clinic assesses patients on routine, well-tolerated treatments two days before each cycle, meaning patients avoid unnecessary visits to the hospital. Led by nurse prescribers, the service improves efficiency and patient experience.

The review holds the VAP service in high regard, specifically in its recruitment and retention, avoidance of drug or SACT-chair wastage, and ability to "enable clinical prioritisation so consultants can concentrate on seeing more complex patients."

Tej Quine, Lead VAP Advanced Nurse Practitioner, said:

"I am immensely proud of what the VAP Team have achieved. What started off as a proof of concept in 2020 with myself and a part-time pharmacy technician has evolved into a service that has undertaken 25,000 pre SACT assessments and has a team of 13 staff. To be acknowledged nationally in this way is such an honour and a reward for the VAP teams hard work and dedication."

Bethan Ingram, Head of Nursing (Systemic Therapies) said:

'"Velindre Cancer Centre’s Virtually Assessed Pathway (VAP) exemplifies outstanding nursing leadership and professionalism. This innovative model streamlines systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) delivery, enabling timely, safe treatment while retaining the expertise of experienced nurses and pharmacy technicians. VAP shows how nursing-led service redesign can enhance patient experience, optimise NHS resources, and extend care outside of the hospital setting. This success is a credit to Tej and the team for their clinical leadership and commitment to making this initiative a reality."

Velindre Cancer Service is incredibly proud of Tej and the VAP team’s work. Being nationally recognised as an exemplar demonstrates the innovative and progressive nature of our staff, who consistently go above and beyond to deliver the very best care for our patients.

Read the UK SACT Board's whole review here.