Hospital awarded for dedication to myeloma patients

A hospital in Brighton has been recognised by a national charity for its commitment to patients living with incurable blood cancer.

The Royal Sussex County Hospital was awarded the Myeloma UK Clinical Service Excellence Programme Award for its dedication to improving patients' quality of life and staff's eagerness to listen.

A spokesperson from Myeloma UK said: "Seeing staff go the extra mile day after day for people with myeloma is truly inspiring."

John McEvoy, 70, who had extensive treatment at the hospital including having concrete injected into spinal fractures caused by the cancer, said: "If not for my team and my wife I would not be here."

Mr McEvoy, from Haywards Heath, was diagnosed with myeloma in September 2013 after months of back pain that was dismissed as a pulled muscle.

By the time he was diagnosed, his back was broken in seven places and he had lost four-and-a-half inches in height.

"When I was diagnosed, they told me that the average life expectancy was six to eight years," Mr McEvoy said.

"I said to the team, 'if you get me to 70 that will do me' - and sure enough they got me to 70."

Nicole Bateup, a myeloma nurse specialist at the hospital, said: "As a hard-working team we strive to offer personalised care and support to an incredible group of patients and navigate the complexities of their myeloma journey."

Myeloma, also known as multiple myeloma, is an incurable blood cancer which develops in bone marrow.

According to Myeloma UK, it is the third most common type of blood cancer yet it is often dismissed by doctors due to vague symptoms.

Bone pain, fatigue, repeated infections, unusual bleeding and an unexplained shortness of breath and among some of the most common symptoms.

Myeloma UK said it currently affects over 24,000 people in the UK.

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