Enhancing Cancer Care in Boston: The Role of Our Cancer Care Coordinators
Boston Primary Care Network (PCN) is committed to transforming cancer support for our community. By placing dedicated Cancer Care Coordinators in every GP practice, we’ve created a system that ensures patients receive timely, compassionate, and consistent support—whether they’re going through screening, awaiting a referral, or living with a cancer diagnosis.
In recognition of this innovative and patient-focused work, the Boston PCN Cancer Team was awarded Team of the Year at the Lincolnshire Primary Care Staff Awards in 2025, celebrating the impact our approach has had on residents across the region.
Why Cancer Care Coordinators Matter
While meeting the national PCN DES contract requirements, we believe our patients deserve more. That’s why Boston PCN has introduced new systems and processes that go beyond the basics, ensuring cancer patients feel guided, supported, and cared for at every stage.
Having a Cancer Care Coordinator in each practice means:
- More personalised support for patients and families.
- Better access to screening programmes, helping catch cancer early.
- Consistent experiences across practices, so all patients get the same high standard of care.
- Regular follow-up and reassurance throughout the journey.
What We’ve Achieved So Far
Over the last 12 months, Boston PCN has introduced several improvements that are already making a difference for local residents:
Patient-Centred Support
We developed a clear patient journey, Coordinators check in with patients at every step, ensuring appointments are booked, questions are answered, and reassurance is always available.
Reducing Variation Across Practices
To make care consistent, we’ve standardised processes and templates across all practices:
- Phase 1 – Screening: Coordinators contact patients overdue for screening and provide support to complete it.
- Phase 2 – Fast-Track Referrals: Coordinators track referrals in real time, ensuring investigations are undertaken quickly to minimise processing time
- Phase 3 – Post-Diagnosis Support: Within three months of diagnosis, patients receive a Cancer Care Review and ongoing contact to help manage treatment and beyond.
Safety Netting
New protocols mean fast-track referrals can’t be missed. Automatic alerts notify secretaries and coordinators to ensure no patient slips through the cracks.
Improving Referrals & FIT Testing
- GPs are automatically prompted to request FIT tests, with coordinators following up to ensure samples are returned.
- We’ve set a “gold standard” for urgent blood tests to be completed within 24 hours.
- An instructional video for FIT testing,, makes the process clearer and more accessible.
Supporting Screening Programmes
Cancer Care Coordinators proactively contact patients who have not booked or attended screening appointments. Communications—including letters, texts, and videos—are available in six of the most widely spoken languages in Boston, making sure no one is left behind.
Impact so far:
- 3,451 patients reached with bowel screening advice
- 1,849 patients supported with breast screening advice
- Noticeable improvement in cervical screening rates
Coordinators also visit key hospital departments, such as oncology and radiotherapy, so they can explain what patients should expect when attending appointments.
Local campaigns like “Don’t Fear the Smear” and “HPV: Get It Before You Turn 25” are also helping raise awareness and increase uptake.
Prostate Screening Success
In less than a year, Boston PCN’s asymptomatic PSA testing programme has shown excellent results, helping detect potential prostate cancers earlier and improving patient outcomes.
The Impact on Boston Residents
The introduction of Cancer Care Coordinators has already brought measurable improvements:
- Reduced anxiety for patients by providing clear information and ongoing support.
- More efficient care pathways, ensuring faster appointments and better follow-up.
- Greater focus for GPs and clinicians, who can spend more time on medical care while coordinators manage logistics.
Our award-winning team is proud to be recognised for these efforts, but the greatest reward is seeing the difference this work makes in the lives of our patients and their families.
Looking Ahead
Boston PCN’s approach is reshaping how cancer care is delivered locally. By embedding Cancer Care Coordinators in every practice, we’ve built a model of personalised, consistent, and reliable support that truly puts patients first.
As demand for coordinated care grows, our work could serve as a blueprint for other healthcare networks across the country—proving that when patients feel supported, outcomes improve.