The Link Feb/March 2026 - Book - Page 6
NEW FOR 2026
Excellence in Cancer Care
Sponsored by Macmillan Cancer Support
Macmillan expands support for advancing healthcare
awards to celebrate outstanding cancer care
By June F. Davis, Lead Nursing and AHP Adviser at Macmillan Cancer Support
This year marks an exciting moment for Macmillan
Cancer Support, as we grow our involvement
with the Advancing Healthcare Awards
(AHA) across the UK. For the first
time, Macmillan is sponsoring the
Excellence in Cancer Care category
across all four UK nations. The
award has been designed to
showcase the incredible work
of the professionals pushing
June Davis
boundaries to improve
care, through teamwork,
innovation or truly joined-up,
person-centred support.
The Excellence in Cancer
Care Award aligns closely with
Macmillan’s core purpose: ensuring
that every person diagnosed with cancer
now receives the best possible care, tailored to
their unique needs, while sparking a revolution in
cancer care for the future. And, having sponsored
categories at the Advancing Healthcare Awards in
Northern Ireland for the past two years, we know
that the awards shine an important spotlight on the
individuals and teams whose passion transforms
care. During that time, we have seen some of the
very best of cancer care - incredible examples of
creativity, dedication and compassion from AHPs
and healthcare scientists who are working hard to
make cancer care better for people and families.
The winners and finalists from Northern Ireland
over the last two years have truly impressed us.
Their projects have shown how these professionals
can transform care by listening to people living
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with cancer, involving families and carers in their
care, and working closely with other professionals.
Many of these teams have tried new ways
of working, improved communication
between services and helped
people feel more supported and
understood. Their success has
shown us just how powerful
AHP and healthcare scientistled innovation can be – and
gives me great confidence as
we introduce this award to
the national stage.
While we know that excellence
in cancer care looks different in
every context, there are a few key
things Macmillan is hoping to see
from this year’s applicants:
• Working closely with people living with cancer.
This might mean involving patients in codesigning a service, listening to families and
carers, or using feedback to shape improvements.
• Strong teamwork. We’re looking for projects
that bring professionals together and improve
communication, so care feels more joined up and
holistic.
• Fair access to care. We want to see work that
helps reduce inequalities - making sure everyone
gets the support they need, no matter who they
are or where they live.
• Clear benefits. Good entries will show evidence
of real improvements, such as better experiences
for patients, more efficient services or better
outcomes.
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY NOW
