A “dedicated” hospital team has been recognised for promoting patient voices in cancer care and improving services.

The One Step at a Time team won the Team of the Year category at the Royal College of Nursing Awards 2022 held in London on October 6.

The team of ten includes members from The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust and the Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board.

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The winners said the award recognises the contributions of patients in Essex who provided the information used to tailor support around what real patients need.

Patient panel lead Ann Nutt said: “It is a privilege to represent the patient voice and to have worked with patients and their loved ones to give the information that others need, at a difficult time when they need it most.”

One Step at a Time produced a range of information to be provided to patients when they receive a cancer diagnosis to support them on their journey throughout their treatment.

This included video content and a printed pocket guide available in English, Urdu, Punjabi, Romanian, Polish and Italian.

The support shows cancer through the eyes of a patient as well as what it's like from a family member's point of view.

It encourages patients and their families to take the process a step at a time and reminds them “it's ok not to be ok”.

Patient engagement expert Shahid Sardar said: “This is an award recognising our incredible patients, because this is information for patients, by patients.

“Huge thanks to the public and staff for their incredible work and to the RCN for recognising its potential – it means a great deal to the team, who are dedicated to improving the experience of patients with cancer.

“One Step at a Time are continuing to develop the resources available for patients who receive a cancer diagnosis and are proud to be making a difference.”

Deputy trust chief executive Sharon McNally added: “Congratulations to the team on this amazing achievement – I feel incredibly privileged to work with such amazing colleagues and I am delighted to see them recognised.

"Well done to everyone involved.”