The Christie Institute for Cancer Education has been recognised by the Organisation of European Cancer Institutes (OECI) for its international, inclusive and integrated approach to cancer education.
OECI is a leading network of cancer centres and institutes across Europe and beyond, working to improve the quality of cancer care, research, education and patient outcomes. The Christie has been a member since 2008, becoming the first UK centre to join the organisation and the first in the UK to be designated by OECI as a comprehensive cancer centre.
This designation recognises excellence across key areas including patient-centred care, research, education and quality improvement. During a recent OECI meeting in Warsaw, The Christie also received its reaccreditation certificate, reaffirming its place within an international community committed to sharing best practice and improving cancer care.
As part of the OECI Excellent Practices programme, The Christie Institute for Cancer Education was recognised for developing an international, inclusive and integrated programme of cancer education. OECI feedback following inspection stated that “Christie Education has formalised one of the most comprehensive cancer education and training programmes globally.”
The Institute’s work was presented through OECI’s Excellent Practices showcase, by Associate Director for Integrated Research and Education Strategy, Rachel Chown. The submission highlighted how the Institute supports more than 20,000 learner episodes each year, including Christie staff, undergraduate students from multiple healthcare disciplines and universities, postgraduate and professional learners, and international learners from more than 50 countries.
The practice also showcased the breadth of education delivered by the Institute, from precision oncology, proton therapy and immunotherapy to supportive cancer care, advanced diagnostics, leadership, communication and organisational improvement.
For The Christie Institute for Cancer Education, this recognition matters because it reflects the role education plays in improving care for patients. It recognises the expertise of staff, the strength of partnership working and the Institute’s commitment to accessible, evidence-based learning for healthcare professionals at every stage of their career.
Rachel Chown, Associate Director for Integrated Research and Education Strategy, said: “Cancer is a global challenge and it’s always great to meet with colleagues from other centres to share the great work we’re doing and to learn from them as well. While we were there, we also received our reaccreditation certificate. It’s a testimony to the breadth of expertise we have at The Christie, and it means a lot for our commitment to patients and staff to be recognised in this way.”
The recognition also supports the Institute’s wider ambitions for future cancer care education. This includes developing digitally enabled learning, supporting care closer to patients’ homes, strengthening personalised care and working with OECI partners to develop an active educational network of cancer care resources and centres.
Through this work, The Christie Institute for Cancer Education continues to support learning that makes a difference, helping healthcare professionals build the knowledge, confidence and skills needed to deliver outstanding cancer care locally, nationally and globally.
To read the OECI Magazine including the Special Excellence issue which features The Christie, please visit the OECI site.