Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board among teams recognised at Wales' only cancer awards

Colleagues from Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board have been recognised as part of an award-winning regional collaboration at the Moondance Cancer Awards. As the only awards dedicated solely to cancer services in Wales, the Moondance Cancer Awards shine a light on the individuals and teams who are leading the way in delivering, developing, and transforming cancer services for patients. 

The South East Wales Cancer of Unknown Primary Team, a regional collaboration involving partners across NHS Wales, received the Cancer Treatment award. The team is led by Dr Sonali Dasgupta, Consultant Medical Oncologist at Velindre University NHS Trust, and includes input from Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board alongside other organisations involved in the care and referral of patients. 

The award recognises the team’s innovative and patient-centred approach to improving care for people with Cancer of Unknown Primary, where cancer has often already reached an advanced stage, but the primary tumour cannot be identified. Through collaborative working across oncology, radiology, pathology, genomics and acute oncology services, the team has developed a more coordinated pathway, including a bespoke e-referral system, patient feedback framework and the use of molecular profiling to support more personalised treatment decisions. Their efforts have led to a significant increase in referrals and treatment rates. 

Commenting on the win, Dr Sonali Dasgupta, the founder and clinical lead of the regional CUP team, said: “A lot of hard work and genuine passion for patient centred care has gone into this piece of work. The team has built a state-of-art service from scratch in a short time, and I feel immense pride for my team and very grateful to all our collaborators.  

“CUP patients in Wales have a home, the visibility and attention they rightly deserve." 

The winners were judged by a panel of experts and leaders in the field including: Victoria Bates, Senior Healthcare Strategy Leader; Steve Moore, Former NHS Chief Executive and Health System Leader; Cari-Anne Quinn, CEO Life Sciences Hub Wales; Jon Wood, Former Innovate UK Lead Technologist & Innovation Strategy Advisor; Judi Rhys MBE, Chair of Community Foundation Wales; and Prof Isabel Oliver, Chief Medical Officer for Wales. 

Commenting on the awards, Wendy Evans, managing director at Moondance Cancer Initiative, said: “The Moondance Cancer Awards celebrate the individuals, teams and collaborations driving change across cancer services in Wales. This year’s winners demonstrate the impact of focus, creativity, joint working and shared ambition in improving outcomes and experiences for patients.  

“Moondance Cancer Initiative is privileged to work alongside NHS colleagues and partners to support progress for patients. We look forward to continuing that work, building on the ideas, relationships and momentum reflected in this year’s awards.” 

For more information on the awards, visit: Moondance Cancer Awards | Moondance Cancer Initiative (moondance-cancer.wales)