Award for team which co-ordinates help for patients
A cancer care charity going above and beyond for patients in Hammersmith and Fulham has won an award for its work.
The Hammersmith and Fulham Links Service was awarded the Integration Excellence Award, recognising how individuals and teams have worked together to improve the co-ordination of services.
It also acknowledges its success enabling a joined-up approach across all services – from GPs to hospital – a patient is likely to encounter after their diagnosis.
The 13-strong team of Link Workers support all patients with non-medical issues that impact on their health and well-being.
The Hammersmith and Fulham Links Service was nominated by colleagues for their dedication to supporting people living with cancer in the area.
Sacdiya Ali, lead Macmillan link worker for Hammersmith and Fulham Links Service, who accepted the award on behalf of the team said: “This award is recognition of all the hard work the team has done over the years and especially during the last most challenging year.
“It is proof that coming together and working well is not only possible but also necessary. It is the only way to go forward and help people in need.”
Lily Woldesmait, Macmillan link worker said: “We are about linking up different services, organisations and professionals to make the lives of patients just a little bit easier.
“The team actively seeks out new ways to fill gaps in patients’ needs by linking up with voluntary and community services including Citizens Advice, law centres, Maggie’s and the Macmillan Cancer Navigator Service at Imperial College.”
Macmillan partnership manager for London, Yvonne Beadle said: “The Hammersmith and Fulham Links Service is invaluable to address all patients’ non-medical needs, including people living with cancer.
“They help with a broad range of issues from housing disrepair to benefits, from loneliness and isolation, to mental health issues and travel to hospital appointments.
“The Macmillan Excellence Awards are an annual opportunity to show our appreciation for Macmillan professionals and services like these, who work tirelessly day in day out to make a real difference for people with cancer in London.
“The awards highlight the partnership work between Macmillan and other organisations including the Hammersmith and Fulham GP Federation, with roles usually funded thanks to the public’s generosity.
“This year that work has been more vital than ever, due to the challenges that the coronavirus pandemic has brought, and we are incredibly proud of the Hammersmith and Fulham Links Service and all our professionals, and their continued commitment to going above and beyond in their work.”
Pictured: From left, Richard Blackwood – awards host, Sacdiya Ali, lead Macmillan link worker for Hammersmith and Fulham links service, and Lily Woldesmait, Macmillan link worker for Hammersmith and Fulham links service