Patients living with myeloma – an incurable form of blood cancer – are benefitting from high-quality, patient-centred care, as Maidstone Hospital has been recognised with a national award for excellence.

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust (MTW) has received the Myeloma UK Clinical Service Excellence Programme Award, celebrating the commitment of its teams to compassionate care and improved quality of life for people with myeloma. Maidstone Hospital is the first in Kent to receive this accolade.

Judges praised the team for listening to patients, responding to their needs, and delivering consistently high-quality support throughout diagnosis, treatment and beyond.

Myeloma affects more than 33,000 people in the UK. While incurable, it is treatable in most cases, often leading to periods of remission. However, symptoms can be subtle and difficult to recognise, making early diagnosis critical.

For Richard Gurton, from Kings Hill, that early diagnosis proved crucial. Richard was diagnosed with myeloma in August 2024 at the age of 66 and is now in remission. He describes his treatment journey as a “rollercoaster” but credits the Maidstone team for guiding him through it with exceptional care.

“The care and attention that I’ve had at Maidstone has been fantastic,” said Richard,. “I feel very fortunate for the early diagnosis followed by speedy referral, tests and the start of treatment – all within seven weeks. I’m supportive of the work Haematology at Maidstone do and their desire to raise standards.”

Richard first sought medical advice in May 2024 after experiencing pain in his hand, which he assumed was arthritis. “The doctor did the standard tests but then went further and looked for paraprotein. I didn’t have any of the symptoms of myeloma, so I’m not sure what made her think of doing it, but she did and I’m forever grateful. I personally went back to thank her.”

Claire Herbert, Myeloma Clinical Nurse Specialist at Maidstone Hospital, said: “[This] is an incredible achievement for our team. It recognises the myeloma team’s commitment to providing the highest standard of care, compassion and support for our patients. I am proud to be part of a team that strives to enhance the experience and outcomes for those affected by myeloma.”

Suzanne Renwick, Head of Clinical Practice Services at Myeloma UK, said: “Myeloma is a challenging cancer which keeps coming back and can be difficult to cope with both physically and mentally, so patients really need a caring team in their corner.

“It’s very clear that staff at Maidstone Hospital work hard every day to help patients navigate treatment and the reality of living with an incurable cancer.

“They make sure people with myeloma have access to – and really understand – the benefits of clinical trials. This is crucial because myeloma becomes resistant to treatment over time, so patients rely on new experimental drugs to keep their cancer in check.

“They are also acutely aware of the impact of myeloma on patients’ mental health and act quickly to refer people to oncology counselling and psychology services when needed.”