Public Board of Directors papers 27.01.22

shown. Both linear accelerators at the centre are the same, images were shared with the meeting of the bunkers. CF showed the Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) treatment area. There are 16 treatment chairs in bays of 4, each bay has artwork on the walls and there is the ability to create privacy around each chair. BD and CF introduced some of the staff that will be running the centre. Introductions were made with HD, AG, JP and FS. Each member of the team introduced themselves and outlined their role in the centre. HD commented that it is an amazing space, very light and loads of privacy for chemotherapy patients. CF noted that this will be a comprehensive cancer centre and will offer a range of cancer care including haematology. CO noted the size and quality of the centre. KR noted that it really looks like The Christie and is fantastic. She asked if the corridors are wide enough for wheelchairs. CF responded that they have been made wide enough for hospital beds. JM noted that it a lovely building and asked if there is some space for staff to have downtime. BD responded that there is, this will be shown as the tour continues. TK asked if there is a full induction planned. CF noted that this is being finished off at the moment, the staff have started to visit to familiarise themselves with the centre and there is a full induction planned. CH linked the new facility with the health inequalities issues across GM & Cheshire, the unit provides excellent care to the Christie standard for the patients in this area in the same way that we do this in Oldham and Salford. GP asked about local businesses and community interest. FS noted that there are GP teaching sessions planned linking treatment in local communities. EL noted that different teams are being integrated from different organisations and this is supported by the HR team, efforts are being made to ensure the staff are connected. CF noted that staff can link into training at the main site in the seminar room to get access to everything virtually, this has got better in the pandemic. There is also a feel that the Macclesfield staff are a part of The Christie, they already have the Quality Mark and feel that connection with the Trust. The team also link in with the clinical skills team at The Christie. JP added that they are looking at how the centre links with the main site, the staff do feel like they are part of The Christie, it’s a development and continuation of the existing links. AM asked if there have been challenges in engaging the local community. CF responded that there have been some issues raised about parking and that there is a dedicated car park for radiotherapy and additional spaces at the centre. The local community have got behind this development very enthusiastically and there has been excellent support. RS noted the strong historic link with Christie teams working on the Macclesfield site. This builds on a well-developed partnership that’s very successful. It also builds on our experience in Oldham and Salford. He also noted the importance of having Haematology services on this site. RS added that there are car parking issues everywhere but one of the advantages to having this centre is around the miles saved on patient travel in having the care closer to home. There has been incredible support from charity supporters in Macclesfield, including business partners and local people as well as support from local politicians and health commissioners who have supported the project. KW asked how this feels for the East Cheshire Trust. CF responded that those employed by the Trust tend to live in the area and have had family & friends treated at The Christie and feel very strongly that this is a fantastic development for local people. It’s been very positive and really well received by the staff at East Cheshire.

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