Winner
Equality for Bladder Cancer Patients: A community campaign for timely treatment
Summary of work
Bladder cancer patients were unknowingly facing inequality in cancer waiting times. An administrative error in the way a routine procedure was recorded in the Cancer Waiting Times system meant that up to half of the 20,000 bladder cancer patients diagnosed each year faced extended waiting times for their first treatment – far beyond national targets that at face value were being recorded as met.
The bladder cancer community recognised the challenge, but a campaign was needed to bring the issue to national attention and persuade decision-takers of the need for change. In partnership, Fight Bladder Cancer, MSD and Incisive Health came together to galvanise a broad coalition across the bladder cancer community – including patients, clinicians and wider industry – to campaign for equality for bladder cancer patients.
The campaign focused on delivering an impactful case for change to key decision makers in NHS England, whilst simultaneously building pressure through political and media advocacy. Through a united effort, the campaign was a success and NHS England overhauled the national Cancer Waiting Times guidance to end the inequality faced by bladder cancer patients.
Judges’ comments
Here we saw a campaign that was life changing for patients. The team targeted a problem that has been around for a long time and delivered clear and tangible outcomes. The policy change was impressive, thanks to the way the campaign clearly communicated the urgency of the situation for bladder cancer patients facing extended waiting times. The great media coverage also reflected the importance of this project – it was superbly executed!
