Staff and volunteers at Epsom's Macmillan Butterfly Centre are celebrating after receiving a prestigious award that recognises high standards in cancer care.

Epsom Hospital's own Macmillan cancer care centre, Butterfly were awarded a Macmillan Quality Environment Mark (MQEM) in recognition of the centre’s commitment to providing a high-quality environment for people living with cancer.

MQEMs are awarded after judging from an external team of cancer care experts.

In the Butterfly Centre's case, a panel deemed the team's care provision to be "very good" and was commended in particular for "providing both an 'excellent' user journey and service experience," a spokesperson said.

It's the third time the Macmillan Butterfly Centre at Epsom Hospital has been awarded an MQEM — no mean feat.

The award recognized the practical and emotional support the centre provides to anyone affected by cancer.

The offer of access to high-quality information resources, counselling, complementary therapies and Macmillan Welfare Benefits Advisors at the centre was also highlighted.

Tarlika Patel, Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Manager of the Macmillan Butterfly Centre, said of the team's new accolade:

"Receiving a Macmillan Quality Environment Mark (MQEM) is a significant achievement, which our wonderful team of volunteers and centre managers are hugely proud of.

"The work everyone at the service does is phenomenal and makes a huge difference to people living with a cancer diagnosis in South West London and North East Surrey.”

Macmillan's Partnership Manager for South West London, Victoria Heald, meanwhile praised the way the team at Epsom's Butterfly Centre were always trying to find ways to make their support provision better.

"The Macmillan Butterfly Centre based at Epsom Hospital is a service that is constantly striving to improve — it is a fantastic resource for the community.

"It’s also a great example of how Macmillan is working alongside the NHS to support and enhance the capacity and expertise of our cancer workforce in London."