Plymouth cancer team commended
The Upper GI Oesophagogastric Cancer team in Plymouth, led by Richard Berrisford, was recognised last night with a certificate of commendation by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network (CRN) (Cancer).
The team made the final shortlist for the Cancer Research Excellence in Surgical Trials (CREST) national award. Whilst they didn’t win, the award panel stated that the team are a great example of how surgeons can work as part of a multidisciplinary trials group to the benefit of cancer patients, and should be congratulated.
Their commendation was made on the basis of leadership, impressive recruitment metrics, the depth and breadth of the team’s portfolio and the clearly evident, multidisciplinary team approach.
Professor Richard Shaw, Associate Director and National Specialty Lead for Surgical Oncology for the NIHR Clinical Research Network said: “Richard Berrisford has chaired the Peninsula Specialist Oesophagogastric Multi-Disciplinary Team and personally championed the cause of clinical trials in upper GI cancers. He leads a successful team recruiting nearly 100 patients per year into important portfolio studies.
“It is only through the efforts of key NHS consultants that we are enhancing cancer care in the UK so rapidly. In fact we are international leaders in surgical oncology research.
“Although there is often focus on new drug breakthroughs in cancer, the role and contribution of surgeons is easily overlooked. It is important to remember that surgical research is around 15% of all cancer trials in the NHS. Although there are myriad conflicting demands on a surgeon’s time, making sure that patients are offered appropriate inclusion in the latest techniques and treatments is a high priority.
“Richard, the upper GI team in Derriford, the Trust and the specialty should be very proud of this commendation.”
Richard Berrisford, Consultant at Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, added: “The Oesophagogastric team at Derriford are proud to have received a Commendation at this national level.
“We strive to be as multidisciplinary as possible in our pathways, and rely on excellent teamwork between our secretaries, clinical nurse specialists, dieticians, clinicians and research nurses. My consultant and trainee colleagues have all contributed to our research contributions, so we are proud to share this commendation as a team.
“We have been able to build our research commitments into our daily work flows so that research is not seen as anything other than an integral part of patient care. Well done team!”
The team were acknowledged for their achievement at a prize-giving award ceremony, held last night (6 November) at a conference, hosted by the National Cancer Research Institute and BASO (the association for cancer surgery) in Liverpool.
