We're number one for survival rates
Women treated for ovarian cancer at Barts Health NHS Trust have the highest one-year survival rate in England and Wales, according to the latest report from the National Ovarian Cancer Audit.
This is the second audit that recognises Barts Health as the best for survival, with the service also coming out on top for five-year survival rates last year.
Regardless of where patients are referred from within northeast London, all ovarian cancer surgeries are carried out at The Royal London Hospital. Chemotherapy is administered either at St Bartholomew’s Hospital or Queen’s Hospital, with every patient receiving a personalised care plan tailored to their diagnosis.
The multidisciplinary team at Barts Health is committed to offering surgery to as many women as possible, including those with advanced-stage cancer. Teams work closely together to coordinate care and thoroughly prepare patients for treatment, significantly improving outcomes.
The treatment journey begins with rapid diagnostic testing at referring hospitals, where gynaecology teams swiftly identify and refer patients. If chemotherapy is required, the oncology team ensures women are seen within days, allowing treatment to begin without delay.
Women scheduled for surgery also take part in a prehabilitation programme designed to optimise their health through improved diet and exercise. This proactive approach enables more patients to safely undergo surgery and contributes to better recovery and survival rates.
Timely access to treatment is critical; research shows that delays longer than four weeks can reduce survival chances. To address this, The Royal London reserves dedicated operating slots for advanced ovarian cancer cases, helping to fast-track surgical care.
Post-surgery, if further chemotherapy is needed, appointments are pre-booked to minimise waiting times. Patients are often seen by a medical oncologist on the same day as their follow-up visit, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition to the next phase of treatment.
Elly Brockbank, a lead consultant for the service, said:
“This is a great example of teams working together for our patients. Our service works as one, and that’s what leads to our success.
“We are thrilled and thankful. This is a big morale boost for our hard-working team.”
A patient story
Eleanor, 78 (pictured above), is just one of the patients who has benefitted from the team’s approach to treating ovarian cancer.
Originally from Manila in the Philippines, Eleanor is a former public-school teacher and a mother of three adult children — a nurse and two computer science engineers. She underwent a major operation at The Royal London Hospital in February, following a cancer diagnosis and a treatment plan that included chemotherapy.
“I am so grateful for the care I received in the hospital from the doctors and nurses, especially Dr Brockbank. They all treated me with kindness and respect.
“I am a survivor, and the team are helping me to get stronger and stronger.”