Sussex brain tumour service awarded national Centre of Excellence status

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust has been recognised for delivering some of the country’s highest standards of brain tumour treatment, care and research.

The trust is one of six UK neuro-oncology services newly designated as a Tessa Jowell Centre of Excellence for Adults. The status followed a detailed peer-led assessment examining clinical treatment, patient experience, quality-of-life support and access to research.

Reviewers praised the trust’s neuroradiology service, including its imaging and reporting times, as well as its neurological support for patients experiencing cognitive and physical symptoms. Its nurse-led care and use of patient feedback in treatment planning were also highlighted.

Recent developments include a new system for collecting and storing tumour samples, allowing specialists to study a patient’s complete genome and better understand the genetic changes driving their cancer. The work could also help more Sussex patients access future clinical trials and emerging treatments.

The designation recognises multidisciplinary services involving surgery, oncology, rehabilitation, speech and language therapy and specialist nursing. With six centres added nationally, around two-thirds of the UK population now live within the catchment area of a Tessa Jowell Centre of Excellence for adult brain tumour care.

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