Menu Picture of three small lines that users click on to reveal a list of links

More from news and media Picture of three small lines which when clicked on activate a menu with links to other pages

#TeamWestHerts marks World Cancer Day

Posted: 4 February 2020

Picture of medical staff in a hosiltal ward

Today (4 February) is #WorldCancerDay and #TeamWestHerts is marking it by celebrating recent successes in our cancer services.

A notable advance is the Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) procedure which has transformed the diagnosis of cancer for respiratory patients. Another exemplary achievement is the recruitment of more volunteers to the Macmillan Information and Support Centre, which has enabled us to support more patients in clinics, wards and beyond.

EBUS has revolutionised diagnosis for patients as it is a minimally invasive but highly effective procedure used to check for lung cancer and other cancers. The ultrasound gives an excellent view of the lungs and far better access than was previously available through conventional methods. The accuracy of the procedure lends itself to Rapid Onsite Evaluation (ROSE), when pathologists in the operating room can process and examine biopsy samples as they are obtained and request additional samples immediately if required.

Respiratory consultant Dr Andrew Barlow said: "We really enjoy being able to provide a speedy, effective service that means shorter procedures, a reduction in biopsies and fewer complications."

Macmillan has recently celebrated its 10 year anniversary at Watford General Hospital, providing information and support to people and their families who have cancer. Viiew a film about Macmillan's 10 year anniversary at Watford General Hospital, created to mark this milestone.

Fiona McNab, Macmillan Information and Support Centre manager, said: "I’m just so excited about the centre being 10 years old and I love how it's developed over that time and hopefully will continue to do so."

Ends

Notes to editors

  1. For more information, please contact the communications team on: 01923 436280 or email: wherts-tr.communications@nhs.net. For out of hours media enquiries please call the Watford General Hospital switchboard on 01923 244366 and ask for the on call communications manager.
  2. West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust serves people from across Hertfordshire, north London and further afield. It operates from three hospitals; Watford General, St Albans City and Hemel Hempstead. The trust has a catchment area of over 500,000 people and is one of the largest employers locally, with around 5,000 staff and volunteers.
  3. For more information about our hospitals, visit www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk. You can also join our followers on Twitter (twitter.com/westhertsNHS) and find us on Facebook (facebook.com/westhertsNHS).