Macmillan Unit at Antrim Hospital reaccredited with prestigious quality mark

The Macmillan Unit Team based at Antrim Area Hospital

The Macmillan Unit at Antrim Area Hospital has once again been awarded the Macmillan Quality Environment Mark (MQEM), reaffirming its exceptional standards in delivering palliative and end of life care.

The reaccreditation was celebrated at a special event attended by Health Minister Mike Nesbitt, coinciding with Dying Matters Week—a national awareness campaign highlighting the importance of discussing dying, death, and bereavement.

The 12-bed purpose-built inpatient facility provides specialist palliative care to patients with complex and life-limiting conditions.

Opened in 2011 through a partnership between Macmillan Cancer Support and the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, the unit is designed to offer high-quality, compassionate, and person-centred care.

Endorsing a Supportive and Therapeutic Environment

Jennifer Welsh, Chief Executive, NHSCT, Anne O’Reilly, Chair, NHSCT, Joanne Currie, Macmillan Service Lead for Palliative Care, NHSCT and Rachel Loughins, Strategic Engagement and Improvement Manager representing MacMillan Cancer Support

Speaking on the significance of the recognition, Joanne Currie, Macmillan Service Lead for Palliative Care, expressed pride in the achievement:

“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.”

This marks the second time the Antrim-based facility has received the MQEM, having first earned the distinction in 2019. The award is a UK-wide quality standard that assesses whether cancer care environments truly meet the needs of patients and their loved ones.

Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt and Diane Spence, Divisional Director Community Care with staff from Macmillan Unit

The MQEM process involves independent, external assessment across a range of criteria, including physical surroundings, the overall experience of users, and how well the environment protects dignity, privacy, and promotes emotional wellbeing. It includes submission of detailed evidence, onsite evaluations, and feedback from patients, visitors, and staff.

Minister Praises Staff Dedication

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt commended the unit’s staff for their continued commitment and excellence:

“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.

Health Minister, Mike Nesbitt and Dr Mary Ann McCann Palliative Care Consultant , NHSCT

“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.”

The Macmillan Unit continues to play a vital role in Northern Ireland’s palliative care network, working in conjunction with community and hospital teams to ensure coordinated, compassionate care for patients and their families.