Health professionals at University Hospitals Tees are celebrating after winning the Quality Improvement and Innovation Award at the Northern Cancer Alliance Awards 2025. The thoracic surgical service was recognised for its groundbreaking work in improving recovery and reducing hospital stays for lung cancer patients.

Award-winning innovation

The team developed and implemented a specialised discharge programme that enables lung cancer patients to return home just 24 hours after surgery, with tailored follow-up care in their own homes. This approach not only speeds up recovery but also enhances patient experience and safety.

The award was presented to Stacey Stockdale, Advanced Nurse Practitioner, and Rosibel Quintana, Day 1 Discharge Facilitator, at the Northern Cancer Alliance conference in October.

“It is such an honour to be recognised by the Northern Cancer Alliance. This award represents the hard work, dedication and passion of every single person who has helped to make the discharge programme a success for our patients.”
— Stacey Stockdale

How the programme works

Thanks to funding from the Northern Cancer Alliance, the team introduced two key roles:

• Discharge Facilitator: Contacts patients before admission to answer questions and reinforce advice on exercise, smoking cessation, diet, and expectations for length of stay.
• Community Physiotherapist: Provides physiotherapy support at home, including mobility and breathing exercises, and can clinically assess, examine, and prescribe medication when needed.

Follow-up care:

• Initial visit 24 hours post-discharge (excluding weekends)
• Second visit within 7 days
• Weekly visits as required until full discharge

Outstanding feedback

Patients and families have praised the service for its kindness, compassion, and communication, with many crediting the physiotherapy support for their speedy recovery. Comments include:

• “Made me feel calm and supported.”
• “Excellent physiotherapy – best at what they do.”

Looking ahead

The thoracic surgical team will share their success at the NHS England Advanced Practice Virtual Conference in November, showcasing how their work is shaping better outcomes for the future of healthcare.

“The team are true pioneers in their profession who always go above and beyond to ensure their patients receive the best possible treatment and care.”
— Johnny Ferguson, Cancer Lead

Read the full article here…

• Awards and Celebrating Success
• Clinical Topic
• Community Services
• Hospital Services
• Quality Improvement
• Safety