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Posted: Sat 11th Oct 2025
The Prehabilitation Team at the Wrexham Maelor Hospital has been recognised for its pioneering work in cancer care at this year’s Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board Achievement Awards.
The Specialist Prehabilitation Unit prepares patients for surgery through a bespoke four-week supervised exercise and wellbeing programme.
It was the brainchild of Consultant Anaesthetist Dr Neil Agnew, who five years ago set out to create a service that could improve outcomes for cancer patients by addressing both the physical and psychological needs of individuals awaiting major surgery.
Under Dr Agnew’s leadership, the Prehabilitation Team has achieved a 90% adherence rate to the programme, with postoperative hospital stay reduced by 2–3 days. Surgical complications have also been halved and 65% of patients continue healthy lifestyle habits after surgery. These outcomes not only enhance patient recovery but also reduce long-term healthcare burdens.
Dr Andy Campbell, Consultant in Critical Care at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, said: “Dr Neil Agnew and the Prehabilitation Team have set a new standard in patient-centred care.
“Their innovative approach to prehabilitation is transforming the surgical journey for cancer patients, improving outcomes, and making a real difference to patients’ lives. This award recognises their outstanding dedication, vision, and leadership.”
The main sponsor of the Achievement Awards was Centerprise International. For more than 40 years, Centerprise International has been dedicated to providing innovative, tailored IT solutions customers across both the public and private sectors.
Aron Juckes-Hughes, Contracts Manager for Pen y Bryn Joinery, said: “We’ve worked with the Health Board for many years now, and were delighted to take up the opportunity to sponsor its annual awards ceremony.
“Improvement and innovation is at the heart of what we do. It was great to hear the efforts of all three finalists to think differently for the benefit of the people of North Wales.”
Jez Nash, Chief Executive Officer of the awards’ principal sponsor Centerprise International, said: “We were again delighted to support the awards and help recognise the outstanding efforts of NHS staff across North Wales.
“Centerprise International has a long and proud partnership with the NHS in Wales, and tonight’s examples of staff going above and beyond to support both patients and their colleagues was a fantastic reminder of the special work they do.
“Congratulations again to everyone shortlisted.”
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