16th September 2026
The Mandeville Unit in Craigavon Area Hospital has been recognised as a Centre of Excellence by the charity Myeloma UK.
Myeloma is the third most common type of blood cancer, with approximately 175 new diagnoses in Northern Ireland each year. While it predominantly affects people aged over 60, one in four people diagnosed with myeloma are under the age of 65.
The Unit received the accolade through the organisation’s Clinical Service Excellence Programme for its commitment to delivering high-quality treatment and support to people living with the condition.
Anyone diagnosed with myeloma within our Trust, receive specialist care from the multidisciplinary haematology team which includes consultant haematologists, doctors, nurses, specialist nurses, pharmacists and a range of other healthcare professionals.
Clair Quin, Head of Cancer Services said:
“It’s a real honour to receive this award and it’s a wonderful reflection of the dedication, compassion and expertise of our staff who work tirelessly every day to provide the best care and support for those living with myeloma.”
Left to right is Dr Julian Costello, Consultant Haematologist, Dr Christina Bradford Consultant Haematologist and Louise Gribben Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Haematology.
Orlagh Murphy, Interim Assistant Director for Cancer and Clinical services added:
“As an organisation, we are committed to working collaboratively with our partners including Myeloma UK to continually develop and strengthen our services.
“This recognition reflects not only where we are today, but our ambition to keep raising standards and ensuring our service users receive the best possible outcomes and quality of life.”
Rhys Owens, Clinical Practice Services Senior Projects Officer at Myeloma UK, said:
“Myeloma is a challenging cancer which keeps coming back and can be really difficult to cope with both physically and mentally, so we were hugely impressed with the hospital’s efforts to ease patients’ burden and make their treatment that little bit easier.
“To see the team going the extra mile day after day to give those affected by myeloma a fighting chance to live well for as long as possible is truly inspiring.”