The awards, which took place in Birmingham on October 7, recognise UK-based healthcare professionals who have made a significant improvement to the management and care of cancer patients. The awards are organised and funded by Pfizer Limited, in association with the British Oncological Association (BOA).

Maggie’s developed Online Support groups to extend the support we offers to people affected by cancer beyond the physical limitations of its Centres. Uniquely, our online support groups are facilitated by trained Clinical Psychologists. Two groups have been piloted with encouraging results.  People value the opportunity to access professional psychological support remotely.  The pilot showed group members to have been quick to offer up support to others in the group, perhaps faster than in face-to-face meetings. This important organisational development helps to foster friendships and tackle people’s feelings of isolation and loneliness.

The judging panel commented on Maggie’s Online Centre: “This is a great initiative to reach those people beyond the physical location of the Maggie’s Centres and for them to be able to receive qualified advice from a Clinical Psychologist. A need was highlighted and addressed, to ensure people with cancer receive the support they need.”

The Excellence in Oncology Awards were devised to provide a platform for sharing knowledge and experience for the ultimate benefit of cancer patients. “We are delighted to see how this initiative has grown in the four years since its inception,” said Robert Day, UK Head of Pfizer Oncology. “We would like to thank everyone who took part in these awards and congratulate all the award winners. It is our sincere hope that the Excellence in Oncology Awards continue to help advance best practice in oncology in the UK.”

The Awards are judged by a multidisciplinary panel of national oncology healthcare professionals, representatives from cancer patient groups and health media.