Barts Health retains Centre of Excellence status for brain tumour care
Our neuro-oncology service has once again been recognised as a Tessa Jowell Centre of Excellence – one of just 14 brain tumour services in the UK to earn this prestigious status.
The award recognises outstanding care, treatment and research for people with brain tumours. Each centre was rigorously assessed on clinical care, quality of life support, access to trials, and patient feedback. It reflects the strength of our whole team – from surgeons and nurses to physiotherapists, oncologists and researchers.
Each year, around 800 patients are cared for by our neuro-oncology team, including through our specialist stereotactic radiosurgery service. Treatment is delivered across St Bartholomew’s and The Royal London hospitals.
The Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission is named after the late Baroness Tessa Jowell, who championed better brain tumour care and access to cutting-edge treatments before her death in 2018.
On 15 May, a special ceremony at the Francis Crick Institute celebrated NHS teams from across the UK for meeting the highest standards in brain tumour care. Awards were presented by Tessa Jowell’s daughter, Jess Mills.
Consultant clinical oncologist Dr Rachel Lewis said: "We are delighted to receive this award. It gives our patients confidence that they’re receiving the best possible care, tailored to their needs. We’re proud of our dedicated, close-knit team and grateful to Barts Charity for supporting the growth of our research and access to clinical trials."
Alel Sharipov, who is receiving radiotherapy as part of a clinical trial at Barts after surgery at The Royal London , said: "I’m very happy with my care – it was much better than I expected. The staff are polite, caring and supportive. I feel really well looked after, especially by Paolo (research nurse), Hannah (CNS) and the rest of the team."
Brain tumours affect more than 11,000 adults in the UK each year and are the biggest cancer killer of people under 40.
This recognition highlights the vital work Barts Health is doing to improve care, outcomes and support for people with brain tumours.
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