Yeovil Hospital wins NHS cancer surgery prize
A team from Yeovil Hospital has received national recognition for its innovative and ‘excellent’ cancer care.
Professor Nader Francis and the Colorectal Multi-Disciplinary Team at Yeovil Hospital have won the 2017 Cancer Research Excellence in Surgical Trials (CREST) Award at the British Association of Surgical Oncologists (BASO) and National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) Cancer Conference.
The team won the award for their research work, including studies into the impact of 3D imaging to improve surgery, and the use of different stiches to prevent complications after operations.
The award is managed by the NIHR Clinical Research Network and supported by Swann-Morton. Now in its fourth year, the award is presented to a surgical oncology team that has made the greatest contribution in recruitment to the NIHR cancer trials portfolio.
Professor Nader Francis, consultant colorectal surgeon at Yeovil Hospital, said: “This national award is fantastic recognition for the work of the whole team. It shows how, here at Yeovil Hospital, we’re helping improve care for all colorectal patients by informing the work of cancer teams across the UK.
“I’d like to particularly thank the whole team including our nurses and patients who work so well together to ensure our service delivers the care and outcomes our patients want for themselves and future colorectal patients.”
Julie Cunningham, cancer research delivery manager for the NIHR in the South West, said: “It has been a pleasure to work with Mr Francis over the last two years. Not only does he offer excellent care to his patients through some of the pioneering research he has conducted, but Mr Francis takes a true network approach to his role as sub-specialty lead for colorectal cancer research. He leads by example, encourages others from across our geography to take part in research and offers practical advice and support to colleagues regionally. Together we successfully ran our first colorectal cancer research study day in November 2016 with representation from a number of Trusts in the region and this year we are going one better by opening up the study day to colleagues from the West of England Network. In keeping with Mr Francis’ desire to impart knowledge and encourage the next generation of researchers we are this year incorporating a Dragons Den style competition to try and find some interesting new research projects to develop.”
Professor Richard Shaw, NIHR National Specialty Lead for Surgical Oncology who presented the award said: “Congratulations to Nader and the colorectal team in Yeovil, its inspiring to see such a great contribution from a District General Hospital. The team have lead in recruitment to randomised trials in colorectal surgery such as 2D/3D and HART, as well as a number of other studies. The team has also showed great leadership in patient and public involvement in research through their “Yeovil Colon Aid” initiative.
“The team is a perfect example of how surgeons can work as part of a multidisciplinary trials group to the benefit of cancer patients, and they should be congratulated.”
