Publish date: 11 August 2025
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has been ranked the highest in the country in the National Cancer Patient Experience Survey.
The trust scored 9.31 overall. This is on a scale of 0 (very poor) to 10 (very good) and falls above the upper expected range.
As part of the survey, 98% of patients responded to say enough privacy was always given to the patient when receiving diagnostic test results. While 97% said they received all the information needed about the diagnostic test in advance.
The survey allows cancer patients across England to give feedback on the care they have received and is used to understand where care is working well and how services can be improved.
Last year, Northumbria Healthcare cared for 2,616 cancer patients across its hospital sites in Northumberland and North Tyneside.
In 2024, a new targeted lung health check screening programme came into effect for current or former smokers aged 55 to 74, operating across Northumberland and North Tyneside.
As well as talking through potential symptoms with dedicated lung nurses, some patients are also invited to undergo a low-dose CT scan.
It’s hoped this will have a positive impact on patients by spotting cancer earlier, leading to a faster diagnoses and earlier treatment.
Amanda Walshe, lead cancer nurse, said: “I’m beyond proud of my colleagues who have been recognised for their hard work in this way.
“The results of this survey show that patient care really is at the heart of everything we do to ensure we’re delivering excellence.
“It’s reassuring to see our performance scores have consistently improved over the years. This not only shows the dedication and resilience of our teams but also how we strive to continue to deliver the best we can.”
Marion Dickson, executive director of nursing said: “The results from this survey are recognition of just how hard our teams work to ensure we’re delivering the best we can for our patients.
“At Northumbria we really do put patients first and I’m proud this has been reflected in this set of results.
“I have no doubt this excellence will continue as we work hard to meet the needs of our patients.”
In early 2025 a new Macmilan Information and Support Service was estbalished and will be launched later this year with Northumbria Healthcare.
It’s available to anyone affected by cancer and will be used to signpost and refer people onto services that give specialist support. For more information: https://
490 patients responded to the National Cancer Patient Experience Survey out of a sample of 931, resulting in a response rate of 53%.
Media contact
Lillian Musgrove, marketing & communications officer (public health), Northumbria Healthcare
lillian.musgrove@northumbria-healthcare.nhs.uk