The new cancer centre at the Friarage Hospital has won the Community Benefit Award at the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Yorkshire and Humber regional finals.
The Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre was built at a cost of £10 million to provide the best possible environment for those living with cancer.
It is the result of months of hard work and collaboration between patient and community groups, South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Macmillan Cancer Support, Sir Robert and Lady Ogden, Interserve, P+HS Architects and the Neil Worland Partnership.
Presenting the award, the RICS judging panel acknowledged the contribution of the Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre to the holistic care for patients and families of the development and how it has secured the future of local cancer services for the largely rural population.
The judges went on to describe it as “creating an outstanding environment; both calm and therapeutic, offering immeasurable benefit to the community”.
Cancer survivor Jon Winn, a retired Cleveland police officer and local resident battled his way through both bowel and lung cancer treatment after being first diagnosed in 2007.
He worked on the project group that was set the task of informing the design and build of the new centre.
He said: “When you experience a double cancer diagnosis in the way I have, you come to appreciate it’s the little things that can make such a difference to your treatment and long term recovery.
“By involving the patients and community groups in the way South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Macmillan, Interserve, P+HS Architects and the Neil Worland Partnership have means they’ve created a building that is both supportive and welcoming.
“I believe it provides an environment for people to live with cancer, receive cancer treatment and get the best possible outcome.”
Nicky Hand, the trust’s cancer lead clinician and Macmillan lead cancer nurse at the centre, said: “The facilities at the Friarage are truly state of the art, which ensures we can offer the best possible treatment and care to the cancer patients we look after. The staff are excited to work in this environment and feel valued.
“To receive an award like this drawing attention to the comprehensive engagement process undertaken with patients and community groups as well as the organisations involved in developing and delivering the project is the icing on the cake.”
Joe Biggs managing director at P+HS Architects said: “We consider that we have been very privileged to work with Macmillan and, our very long standing client, South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust on this hugely important building.
“Over a period of four rewarding years we led the design team working closely with all stakeholders, including patients and staff, allowing us to refine the design solution that has given us the building we see today.
“The recent recognition by the RICS of this being the building that delivers the best community benefit in the Yorkshire and Humber region is great news that acknowledges the real benefit of collaborative team working; we are grateful for having had the opportunity to be involved.”
Sandra McDougal, a Macmillan volunteer who provides support for those living with cancer and visiting the centre, said: “As a volunteer service that provides support for people in difficult and often traumatic circumstances it’s important we have visibility so that they can freely approach us, but feel no pressure to do so.
“It offers wonderful open plan spaces and we’re on hand in the reception area for anyone feeling vulnerable, in need of reassurance and advice. It’s a fantastic facility that has really made a difference to people’s lives.”
Lucy Tulloch, service manager for the Friarage Hospital said: “We’ve had such positive feedback from the patients, their families and the staff.
“The building provides in-house holistic therapies, offering the very highest standards in clinical care but in an environment that feels relaxed.
“Working with the clinical teams and the architects enables us to provide a greater range of services and care pathways at the Friarage Hospital. We can now offer pre-assessment and biopsy on the same day minimising disruption for patients.”
As the Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre is a regional category winner it will automatically be shortlisted for the RICS national awards that will be announced in October.
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