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Your step by step guide to applying for the Macmillan Quality Environment Mark ®.
Download the Macmillan Quality Environment Mark Assessment Handbook| to find out more about the application process.
Completing the self assessment tool is a valuable exercise in understanding how well your environment meets the MQEM standards. A Macmillan Development Manager may have already given you this tool. If not, you can request a copy by sending an email to mqem@macmillan.org.uk|
After completing the self-assessment, if you think your facility is eligible, apply for an external assessment.|
Your facility will be assessed by independent assessors called DNV.
Please note: as you will be receiving ongoing support from Macmillan and assessments every three years, we will charge you a one off fee of £1,000 upon application for the Macmillan Quality Environment Mark. All organisations that include a Macmillan service (including professional posts or facilities) are exempt from this charge. Facilities owned or managed by a charity are also exempt.
Here’s a taste of what assessors will be looking for at your facility:
Assessors will measure how clearly entrances are signposted, and whether the reception area is warm and welcoming. Privacy is an important aspect - do you have consultation rooms? Are screens available on request?
Is your facility easily accessible to everyone in the local area? For instance, what is the cost and availability of car parking? Assessors will look at how staff communicate with people about finding the facility - for example, do they send out public transport timetables or clear maps prior to appointments?
The quality of your service will be assessed. Points go to facilities which provide healthy meals, and where people are able to make their own hot and cold drinks. Assessors will look for high standards of cleanliness and tidiness throughout your facility, maintained through regular checks. Are patients able to control their personal environment? For instance, can you choose the lighting and temperature in a room? Natural light and gardens are also high priorities.
However outstanding a facility may appear, a big piece of the puzzle is missing if it doesn’t involve people with cancer in its on going development. For this reason, assessors will look into the level of ‘user involvement’ your unit provides. And most importantly, they’ll look for evidence that these views are being taken seriously and turned into concrete change.
The mark gives patients reassurance that the unit is regularly checked and that we’re maintaining a high quality environment for them, which will be portrayed in the care they receive. Sarah Rickels, Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist
The mark gives patients reassurance that the unit is regularly checked and that we’re maintaining a high quality environment for them, which will be portrayed in the care they receive.
Sarah Rickels, Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist
When people see the award it will give people confidence in your unit, particularly when they’re choosing where to be treated.
You’ll enjoy the satisfaction of knowing you’re involved in a cutting-edge initiative, that’s the first of its kind in the UK.
If you’re based in England, gaining the award will mean you’ve fulfilled one of the priorities set out in the Cancer Reform Strategy, showing that you’ve set standards others will need to follow and learn from.
If you receive the Macmillan Quality Environment Mark, we will help you maintain your high standards and take them to the next level, providing ongoing support and advice. We will reassess you every three years to ensure that the standards in your facility are being maintained and improved.
We also work with facilities that don’t meet the criteria for the award, supporting them in finding appropriate help and funding.
Bill explains how important privacy and comfort is in a cancer environment.
Email mqem@macmillan.org.uk|to find out more about the Macmillan Quality Environment Mark.