Learning from Person-Centred Breast Cancer Care: A Visit to Alexander Monro Hospital

On 10 June 2026, our delegation had the privilege of visiting Alexander Monro Hospital in Bilthoven, the Netherlands, the country's first specialist hospital dedicated exclusively to breast cancer care. The visit formed part of our international exchange programme and provided a unique opportunity to explore the philosophy underpinning specialist, person-centred oncology care.

The morning began with an engaging discussion led by Marjolein de Jong, who introduced the distinctive philosophy of Alexander Monro Hospital. The session explored how the hospital's specialised focus on breast cancer enables a highly personalised approach to care, where clinical excellence is complemented by compassion, continuity, and genuine attention to each patient's individual needs. The discussion highlighted how every aspect of the hospital—from multidisciplinary collaboration to communication and shared decision-making—is designed to enhance the patient experience and support patients throughout their cancer journey.

A key theme throughout the presentation was the hospital's commitment to treating the person rather than the disease. By fostering close collaboration between surgeons, nurses, allied healthcare professionals, and support services, Alexander Monro Hospital creates an environment where patients receive coordinated, holistic care that addresses not only their physical needs but also their emotional and psychosocial wellbeing.

Following the discussion, the delegation was afforded the opportunity to tour the hospital and observe the care environment in practice. The visit provided valuable insight into how the hospital's philosophy is translated into everyday clinical care through welcoming spaces, patient-centred processes, and meaningful interactions between healthcare professionals and patients. Observing these practices reinforced the importance of creating healthcare environments where patients feel respected, supported, and actively involved in decisions about their care.

For the South African delegation, the visit offered important opportunities for reflection on how principles of specialised, relationship-centred care can inform nursing and healthcare practice within our own context. The experience highlight while healthcare systems may differ, the values of compassion, presence, collaboration, and relational-centred care remain universal.

The visit to Alexander Monro Hospital was both inspiring and thought-provoking, demonstrating how a clearly articulated philosophy of care can shape organisational culture and positively influence patient experiences. It also reinforced the value of international collaboration in sharing innovative approaches that strengthen healthcare practice across diverse settings.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Marjolein de Jong and the team at Alexander Monro Hospital for their warm welcome, generosity in sharing their expertise, and openness in showcasing their unique model of breast cancer care. The visit further strengthened our international partnerships and provided valuable insights that will continue to inform our work in nursing education, research and practice.