Breast cancer service development project in Gaza (Palestine)
Overall goals
1. Main objective is to improve on cancer care in Gaza with particular initial focus on breast cancer as a model.
2. Promote and support the development of multi-disciplinary team (MDT) approach to breast cancer management.
3. Improve on surgical and oncological management plans and treatment outcomes
4. Improve cancer care pathways and services.
5. Support the development of national cancer database and service evaluation tools
6. Support and provide opportunities for continuous professional development
Key UK Colleagues and Partners
Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP-UK)
Gaza MAP team:
Philippa Whitford, Consultant Breast Surgeon NHS Ayrshire and Arran
Abdulla Alhasso, Consultant Clinical Oncologist NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Gerry O’Hare, Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Ashwini Sharma, Consultant Radiologist NHS Lothian
Jonathan Hicks, Consultant Clinical Oncologist NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Elena Provenzano, Consultant pathologist Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust
International Partners
Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP- Gaza)
Turkish Palestinian Friendship Hospital (Gaza Cancer Centre) management and oncology Team
Suha Ghoul, Consultant Radiologist, Amman, Jordan
Wafa Taher, Consultant Breast surgeon, Amman Jordan
J Mohanamurali, Consultant Clinical Oncologist, New Zealand
Facility/Facilities
Turkish Palestinian Friendship Hospital (Gaza Cancer Centre)
Sustainable development goals
- SDG 3 - Good health and well-being
- SDG 10 - Reduced inequalities
- SDG 16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions
- SDG 17 - Partnerships for the goals
Funding source
This Partnership project was fully funded by MAP-UK
Changes
Over the last 6 years, there has already been significant progress and achievements including the following:
1. Regular weekly MDT
2. Development of breast cancer database to guide service planning
3. Development of quality performance indicators for service evaluation
4. Establishing annual oncology conference as part of continuous professional development program
5. improving on surgical and non-surgical treatment quality and setting up evidence based practice
6. Redesigning breast cancer service and improving referral pathways
7. Improving and enhancing pathology services
8. Improving and enhancing radiology service and setting up breast screening program
9. Support and enhance oncological training and education for nursing staff
10. Support and enhance oncology education and training for junior medical staff
Project aims
Following skills are required:
Breast surgery
Breast cancer radiotherapy and chemotherapy
Specialised nursing support
Cancer Pharmacy
Radiology support
Pathology support
Palliative care
Plastic surgery