Publish date: 5 August 2026
Patients rank Northumbria Healthcare’s cancer services among the best in the country
Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has been ranked the highest performing trust in England for the second year running in the latest National Cancer Patient Experience Survey.
The survey, carried out by Picker on behalf of NHS England, monitors national progress in cancer services and provides valuable insight into patients’ experiences. The findings help healthcare organisations understand what is working well and identify opportunities to further improve care and support for people receiving cancer treatment.
Northumbria Healthcare achieved an overall score of 9.29 out of 10, placing the trust above the upper expected range and making it the highest-rated trust nationally.
The results highlight the positive experiences reported by patients, with 98% saying a member of their care team helped them develop a personalised care plan to address their needs and concerns. In addition, 93% said they were given information about where to access support for managing the immediate side effects of treatment.
The survey results come as the trust’s Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service marks its first year of operation. Based at Wansbeck General Hospital, the service provides information, emotional support and practical guidance for people affected by cancer, including patients, families and healthcare professionals.
Between June 2025 and May 2026, the service recorded 1,813 interactions with people affected by cancer, supporting 714 individual users. The team also made 1,682 referrals and signposts to additional services and attended or hosted 54 community events across Northumberland and North Tyneside.
Amanda Walshe, lead cancer nurse said: “I’m extremely proud of my colleagues whose efforts have been recognised through these results.
The survey demonstrates that patient care is at the forefront of our work and underpins everything we do to deliver excellent services.
It is a testament to the hard work and determination of our teams and their drive to continually improve for the benefit of our patients.”
Marion Dickson, executive director of operations for surgery, child health, clinical support and cancer services, said: “This achievement reflects the dedication, compassion and expertise of our teams, who work tirelessly every day to deliver outstanding care and support for patients and their families.
“Our cancer services are committed to providing the highest standards of care at every stage of a patient’s journey, and this recognition is a testament to the professionalism, skill and kindness shown by our staff every day.
“Most importantly, these results demonstrate our commitment to putting patients at the centre of everything we do. I would like to thank our staff, our partners and volunteers for the important role they play in making a difference to the lives of people affected by cancer across our communities.”
The trust continues to invest in services that help people live well with and beyond cancer. Last year, Northumbria Healthcare launched a dedicated cancer support app for patients and their families, providing easy access to information, advice and wellbeing resources. The app includes guidance on physical and mental wellbeing, as well as information about the trust’s cancer prehabilitation programme and the benefits it can bring before, during and after treatment.
To get the app, download the Healthzone UK app using the links below. Then search ‘Northumbria cancer’.
Media contact
Emily Lavin, marketing and communications officer
emily.lavin@northumbria-healthcare.nhs.uk