Active Against Cancer (AAC) has won the Excellence in Healthcare award at the NHS Parliamentary Awards 2020.
A Harrogate-based pioneering exercise and activity service for patients with cancer has won the Excellence in Healthcare category of the NHS Parliamentary Awards 2020 for the North East and Yorkshire. Active Against Cancer (AAC) is part of Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, and was nominated for the innovative support it provides by incorporating exercise, health and wellbeing into the standard treatment plans offered to cancer patients. The service is adding to the growing body of scientific evidence of the health benefits of leading an active lifestyle. Supporting service users from the start of their journey, the AAC team offers one-to-one assessment at the time of diagnosis, personalised prehabilitation programmes, maintenance programmes for those undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and personalised rehabilitation programmes when treatment has finished. Based at Harrogate Sports and Fitness Centre, the service has intentionally cultivated an inviting, social space to encourage peer support and offer a diverse range of classes such as circuits, pilates, yoga, dance and walking. During the initial wave of Covid-19, the service continued to support patients remotely with video consultations and online classes. Since August, it has restarted face-to-face classes and continues to grow, supporting patients both with face-to-face classes in a Covid-safe environment and remotely. Emma Radcliffe, Lead Cancer Manager at the Trust and instrumental in getting Active Against Cancer up and running, said:
"If exercise were a pill, it would be prescribed to every cancer patient, and we are so proud of the progress our service users have made with Active Against Cancer. "Winning this award is a testament to the dedication of everyone on the team, all of whom have had to adapt their ways of working recently to continue to provide excellent support to those accessing AAC."Andrew Jones MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, said:
"Staying active when you are battling a serious illness can be difficult. It is however essential, particularly following a cancer diagnosis as the mental and physical health benefits of doing so are important for the long-term prognosis and recovery. "Winning the Excellence in Healthcare Award is a great recognition of how Harrogate’s Active Against Cancer team support people living with cancer throughout their journey from diagnosis through to rehabilitation and life-long activity. "It is part of the holistic approach to cancer treatment in our area, which has led to some of the best cancer care outcomes in the entire country. That is why thousands of people – people who have been helped through some of the most difficult times in their lives – will be celebrating alongside the team at the news of this much-deserved award."The national awards ceremony will take place at the Palace of Westminster in July 2021. Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.
Knaresborough pop-up museum becomes permanent following community fundraiser
You're hired! Ashville pupils in the business of winning
Supercar Sunday set for return to Ripon hotel
Empty Harrogate bar unit could finally have a new tenant
Jespers of Harrogate manager celebrates 30th anniversary
Harrogate named among UK's best shopping destinations
Police issue CCTV after goods worth £200 stolen from Harrogate Waitrose
Women use pushchairs to steal clothes from Harrogate shop
Ripon Cathedral could make changes to annexe plans
Harrogate BID launches new grants for businesses to improve store fronts
Record-breaking para-swimmer shows support for Harrogate charity
Harrogate firm take on 20 challenges for charity ahead of 20th anniversary
Ripon named one of best cities to visit in UK
Harrogate's newest councillor says town ready for a Lib Dem MP
Harrogate residents line streets for pizza shop launch
St Peter's Primary rated 'Good' by Ofsted
WATCH: Drone footage shows cherry blossom on The Stray
Author visit raises £6,000 for Harrogate Hospital charity
Refused 53-home Knox Lane scheme goes to appeal
Last chance to get involved in Harrogate's Celebration of Fashion event
