Hywel Dda win award for improving cancer services
18 June 2026
A multi-disciplinary team from Hywel Dda University Health Board have scooped an award at the national Moondance Cancer Awards this year. They have been recognised for their pioneering work that has led to the improvement of gynaecological cancer services in west Wales.
The Moondance Cancer Awards, dedicated solely to cancer services in Wales, shine a light on individuals and teams who are leading the way in delivering, developing, and transforming cancer services for patients.
The Hywel Dda team took home the accolade for Detection and Diagnosis in the Innovation and Improvement category for their One-Stop Clinic for Post-Menopausal Bleeding. The initiative is designed to address significant delays in the urgent suspected cancer pathway.
Recognising the opportunity for improvement, the team redesigned the service pathway, relocating ultrasound services from Radiology into the Gynaecology Department. This change enabled patients to receive ultrasound, clinical assessment, and hysteroscopy in a single visit.
This model, initially piloted at Aberystwyth’s Bronglais Hospital in 2024 was expanded across other hospital sites in 2025. The initiative has seen average waiting times reduce from 178 days to 29 days.
Commenting on the win, Islam Abdelrahman, Consultant Gynaecologist at Hywel Dda said: “It’s exciting for the whole team to win the award. We’ve made a real difference in bringing down how long our patients need to wait for treatment.
“Before this, patients would wait two to four weeks for a scan and then the same for a hysteroscopy but now people can be discharged much quicker - 50 per cent on the same day. It’s made a big difference to the patient journey.
“We can now offer the model across Wales. The next step will be to do the same thing for ovarian cancer.”
Lauren Davies, Interim Service Delivery Manager, said: “This award is for everyone involved in the one-stop process - from the initial task and finish group to the clinicians and nurses delivering care, and the administrative teams supporting the clinics’ day-to-day running.
“This work is leading the way in the treatment of gynaecological cancers, significantly improving the experience for women accessing the service. The team should be very proud of this achievement.”
Wendy Evans, Managing Director at Moondance Cancer Initiative, said: “The Moondance Cancer Awards celebrate the individuals, teams and collaborations driving change across cancer services in Wales. This year’s winners demonstrate the impact of focus, creativity, joint working and shared ambition in improving outcomes and experiences for patients.
“Moondance Cancer Initiative is privileged to work alongside NHS colleagues and partners to support progress for patients. We look forward to continuing that work, building on the ideas, relationships and momentum reflected in this year’s awards.”
ENDS