Erin Dean describes the work of three initiatives recognised at the Quality in Care Excellence in Oncology awards

The annual Quality in Care Excellence in Oncology awards recognise, reward and share good practice in UK cancer management, education and care. This article explores the work of three initiatives that were recognised at the 2013 awards. Cancer team of the year was awarded to Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust’s teenage and young adult cancer service – Yorkshire and Humber, which ensures that every patient has a choice in where he or she is treated. The team behind a nurse-led risk assessment tool, the use of which has cut the number of infections experienced by patients undergoing chemotherapy, was highly commended in the improving the quality of life and experience of care for people living with cancer category. And a service that seeks to lessen the effect of gastrointestinal and nutritional problems for cancer survivors was a finalist in the category for best innovation in service provision – partnership across the pathway.