Hywel Dda project among winners as record number of nominations received
OUTSTANDING achievements in cancer care across Wales have been recognised at the third annual Moondance Cancer Awards, with Hywel Dda University Health Board among the organisations honoured for innovation and excellence.
The awards, the only ceremony dedicated exclusively to cancer services in Wales, celebrate individuals and teams who are improving outcomes and experiences for cancer patients through innovation, collaboration and leadership.
This year’s awards attracted a record 110 nominations, reflecting the breadth of work being carried out across NHS Wales, charities and healthcare partners.
Three individuals and seven teams received awards across ten categories, recognising achievements ranging from early diagnosis and treatment to patient experience and service delivery.
Hywel Dda recognised for diagnostic innovation
Hywel Dda University Health Board won the Detection and Diagnosis award for its One-Stop Clinic for Post-Menopausal Bleeding.
The initiative was developed to tackle significant delays within the Urgent Suspected Cancer pathway and improve access to timely investigations for patients presenting with symptoms linked to potential cancer diagnoses.
Among the other winning projects was Swansea Bay University Health Board’s Radiographer-Led Late Radiotherapy Effects Service, which received the Better Patient Experience award.
The service provides tailored support and specialist referrals for patients experiencing long-term complications following cancer treatment.
Rebecca Lloyd, speaking after receiving the award, said: “It feels overwhelming to win, but it’s a great achievement for a brand-new service across Wales.”
Home treatment and personalised care recognised
The Collaborating with Partners award was presented to Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and Pharmaxo Healthcare for their Delivering Myeloma Treatment at Home initiative.
The programme allows patients to receive treatment in their own homes, offering greater convenience and independence while reducing the need for hospital visits.
Meanwhile, the Cancer Treatment award went to the South East Wales Cancer of Unknown Primary Team, led by Velindre University NHS Trust in partnership with organisations across NHS Wales.
Judges praised the team’s work in improving care for patients whose primary tumour cannot immediately be identified, helping deliver faster and more personalised treatment decisions.
Legacy of Claire’s Campaign honoured
One of the most poignant awards of the evening recognised Claire’s Campaign, a patient-led movement established by the late Claire O’Shea alongside Tenovus Cancer Care and Cavendish Cymru.
The campaign was launched following Claire’s delayed diagnosis of uterine leiomyosarcoma in 2021 and has since highlighted concerns around women’s experiences of gynaecological cancers and potential gender bias within healthcare systems.
Accepting the award, Lowri Griffiths paid tribute to her friend and colleague.
“It’s a bittersweet feeling to receive this award,” she said.
“We would have loved for Claire to be with us tonight to be recognised for her work.
“Even in her darkest days, Claire continued to fight to bring attention to the challenges faced by women with gynaecological cancer in Wales. Her final wish was for us to keep seeking justice, and we will honour her memory by continuing that fight.”
Individuals recognised for leadership and innovation
Three individuals were also honoured for their exceptional contributions to cancer care across Wales.
Clare Small, Senior Programme Manager for Cancer Services at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, received the Cancer Services Leadership and Delivery award.
Sian Lewis, Macmillan Allied Health Professional Cancer Lead at Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, won the Nursing, Clinical and Diagnostic Practice award, while Dr Alex Murray, Consultant Geneticist at the All Wales Medical Genomics Service, received the Medical award.
Speaking after her success, Sian Lewis said: “It feels absolutely amazing to win. To me, this is about the work I do to improve patient care. That’s why I love the work I do and that’s why winning this award really means something.”
Celebrating progress across Wales
The winners were selected by an independent panel of healthcare leaders, innovation experts and senior clinicians from across Wales and the UK.
Wendy Evans, Managing Director of the Moondance Cancer Initiative, said the awards highlighted the dedication of those working to improve cancer services.
“The Moondance Cancer Awards celebrate the individuals, teams and collaborations driving change across cancer services in Wales,” she said.
“This year’s winners demonstrate the impact of focus, creativity, joint working and shared ambition in improving outcomes and experiences for patients.”
She added: “Moondance Cancer Initiative is privileged to work alongside NHS colleagues and partners to support progress for patients. We look forward to continuing that work, building on the ideas, relationships and momentum reflected in this year’s awards.”
