A hospital trust is investigating how they can improve the care provided to cancer patients after they were rated as one the worst performing in England.

North West London NHS Trust were placed ninth from the bottom of a league complied by charity Macmillan Cancer Support.

The league table used data from the National Cancer Patient Experience Survey which was released by NHS England last week.

The statistics compared the performance of hospitals across England based on measures of patients’ experiences while being treated at hospital such as: whether their diagnosis and treatment options were explained clearly to them; whether they felt supported in their care; and whether they felt they were treated with respect.

Cancer patients who received care at Central Middlesex Hospital in Park Royal and Northwick Park and St Mark’s Hospital, both in Harrow, which are managed by the trust, took part in the survey.

Carol Fenton, Macmillan’s general manager in London said: “It is unacceptable that some cancer patients in London are being let down by hospitals failing to provide crucial support, alongside medical treatment.

“There is no reason why the capital should not have the best cancer outcomes of any major city. Today it falls lamentably short.”

Sarah Cox, a health campaigner in Brent, said she found the revelation concerning.

She told the Times: “When my husband was diagnosed with throat cancer the treatment he got was outstanding so my personal experience was excellent.

“He has recovered and that thanks to the hard work of the health professionals.

“But hearing news like this is very worrying. I hope it doesn’t put people of seeking help if they believe they may be ill.”

Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, which manages Charing Cross Hospital, Hammersmith Hospital, Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea Hospital, St Mary’s Hospital and Western Eye Hospital, was deemed the worst in England.

Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust in the north east was the best performing.

A North West London NHS Trust spokesman said he was ‘disappointed’ with the results of the survey.

He added: “We take the feedback very seriously. Following last year’s results, we set up a task group to review the findings and to improve patient experience. Whilst we have made some improvements in the most recent survey, there are areas where we have slipped as well, which is not acceptable.

“We as a trust need to look at what we can do to improve our patients’ experience and to make sure there is complete confidence in our nurses and doctors.”