THE Mustard Tree Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre at Plymouth Hospital has been awarded a Macmillan Quality Environment Mark for delivering high standards of care to people affected by cancer.

The award – given by Macmillan Cancer Support following rigourous, independent assessment – is the first in the UK that specifically assesses how well buildings such as chemotherapy units and information centres provide support and care to people affected by cancer, and also recognises high standards in building design.

The Mustard Tree Macmillan Centre supports people with cancer, their families and carers, and works closely with all the staff who are involved in the treatment of cancer.

Sue Smith, centre manager at the Mustard Tree said: ‘We are thrilled to receive this prestigious award. We couldn’t have done it without the help of all the staff and volunteers who work at the centre on a daily basis. When you or a loved one is facing cancer, not being able to find the answers you need can be frustrating and isolating. We are here to try to help make sure no one has to face cancer alone.’

The Mustard Tree Macmillan Centre is located within Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust. The centre has now been open for more than 20 years and has developed from little more than a room and a corridor to the large information and support centre it is today. It underwent major redevelopment in 2009 providing increased space and resources.

The centre works closely with all staff who are involved in the treatment of cancer and aims to provide comprehensive support, and information within a relaxed and comfortable environment. A number of volunteer staff work alongside and complement the work of the employed clinical staff. The drop-in centre is open Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, but some of the activities and support groups on offer now run outside of these hours.

The team of staff and trained volunteers at the centre can guide patients, carers and relatives through the range of information available, provide emotional support around any worries and concerns, and signpost visitors to local support groups and a wide range of other services including counselling, complementary therapies and benefits advice.

The Macmillan Quality Environment Mark helps to ensure that people affected by cancer are treated and supported in physical environments of uniformly high quality.

Jacqui Hodge, Macmillan Development manager for Devon and Cornwall said: ‘This award reflects the hard work and dedication of the team that designed the centre and all the staff and volunteers who work to make it a welcoming and supportive environment for patients and their families.’