Special recognition for Antrim Area Hospital’s Macmillan Unit
The Macmillan Unit at Antrim Area Hospital has been reaccredited with the Macmillan Quality Environment Mark (MQEM) in recognition of its commitment to meeting patients’ palliative care needs.
The Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt, joined with staff at an event held during Dying Matters Week to mark the achievement, making the celebration all the more poignant for those involved.
The purpose built 12-bed specialist inpatient unit is designed to provide high quality, person-centred care to patients with complex palliative and end of life needs.
Joanne Currie, Macmillan Service Lead for Palliative Care, said everyone was delighted to receive this recognition: “The Macmillan Unit opened in June 2011 through a partnership between Macmillan and the Northern Trust. It supports patients and those important to them across the Northern Trust area and plays a key role within the wider specialist palliative care service, working alongside hospital and community based teams to ensure seamless person-centred care. This formal recognition endorses the supportive and therapeutic setting we have established in the unit for our patients and their families and carers.”
The Macmillan Unit was first awarded the MQEM in 2019. The award is a UK-wide quality standard that assesses whether cancer care environments meet the needs of the patient and those important to them. The MQEM process involves a rigorous external assessment against criteria covering physical environment, user experience and the impact on patient dignity, privacy and wellbeing. It includes a submission of comprehensive evidence, site visits by independent assessors and direct feedback from patients, relatives, visitors and staff.
Offering his congratulations, the Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt, said: “This is a great accomplishment to be recognised not once but twice for this Macmillan Quality Environment Mark. The process underpinning the achievement of this quality mark is a rigorous one, and it is a fitting recognition of the ongoing dedication and care provided by each of you, who together make up this very special place and service.
“The services you provide are an example of the difference that palliative care can make to the quality of life for people living not only with cancer, but with other life-limiting conditions also; as well the support you provide for those important to them.
“I commend all those involved in this prestigious acknowledgement. It is a credit to your care and commitment. Through specialist clinical assessment and symptom management, practical, emotional and social support, as well as complementary and respite services, the holistic approach to care you provide ensures that people who are often at their most vulnerable, can find reassurance and support in a friendly, welcoming environment that meets their needs.”
21st May 2025
