Macmillan Quality Environment Mark (MQEM)
The Macmillan Quality Environment Mark ® (MQEM) assesses how well healthcare environments meet the needs of those living with cancer.
The Macmillan Quality Environment Mark ® (MQEM) is a quality standard developed by Macmillan Cancer Support, the largest cancer care charity in the UK. Developed in collaboration with hundreds of service users, it was launched in 2010 and was the first programme of its kind for cancer care facilities in the UK.It looks at how the environment in which care is delivered impacts on patient experience, recognising the importance of patient choice and how patient dignity can be protected. Organisations are assessed against the requirements of the MQEM standard, and if successful are awarded the Macmillan Quality Environment Mark ®. Facilities need to be operational for at least 12 months.
Any health or social care organisation that can demonstrate that at least 80% of its services are cancer-related (within the area/service to be assessed) may apply for assessment. Such services may include: radiotherapy, chemotherapy and oncology treatment facilities, hospice and palliative care environments, cancer surgical wards, diagnostic facilities, and cancer information and support centres.
The benefits of an MQEM assessment
An MQEM assessment provides a thorough review and insight into the way the environment and physical space of your organisation’s cancer care facilities support patient choice and dignity. Achieving MQEM means joining some of the UK’s most forward thinking cancer care organisations and being recognised as a healthcare environment that prioritises a positive patient experience. In meeting the MQEM standard, you're demonstrating to users of your environment that it is welcoming and accessible to all;- Respectful of people's privacy and dignity;
- Supportive to users' comfort and well-being;
- Giving choice and control to people using your service;
- Listening to the voice of the user.