Kingston’s Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre was recognised for the high-quality support they provide to local cancer patients.

Staff and volunteers celebrated after receiving a prestigious internal award from the cancer support charity late last month.

The Macmillan Quality in Information and Support Services’ (MQuISS) is a quality standard that assesses how well a Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre meets the needs of people living with cancer, as well as factors such as leadership and governance.

Archana Sood, Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Manager at the centre, spoke of the pride she has for the team on receiving the certificate.

Ms Sood said: "Receiving an MQuISS quality standard for our centre is a significant achievement, which our wonderful team of volunteers and I are hugely proud of.

"The work everyone at the service does is phenomenal and helps ensure we are right there with local people who’ve been impacted by a cancer diagnosis."

Victoria Heald, Macmillan Partnership Manager for South West London, also praised the Kingston-based team's achievements, lauding their constant efforts to build on the service they provide.

Ms Heald said: "The Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre based at Kingston Hospital is a great example of a centre that is constantly striving to improve – it is a fantastic resource for the community.

"Their MQuISS rightly recognises the team’s commitment to local cancer patients, their loved ones and carers. Archana and her team should be very proud of all that they have accomplished."

Macmillan Cancer Support provides practical, emotional and personal support to people affected by cancer every year. The charity receives no government funding and relies on donations from the public.

In 2016, there were nearly 33,500 cancer cases diagnosed in London. According to Macmillan there are around 210,000 people living with cancer in London, and this number could increase to an estimated 340,000 by 2030.