Cancer care in Croydon is "helping to set an example" for the rest of south-west London, a report has said. 

London Cancer Alliance's (LCA) annual review praised Croydon Health Services NHS Trust for leading the way on reporting patients' crucial diagnostic information. 

It was one of only two trusts in the region to score over 70 per cent for 'staging' - the process of determining which stage a patient's cancer is at.

The trust is one of six London hospitals that will soon pilot the Cancer Diagnosis in an Acute Setting research project, aimed at establishing best practice in cancer diagnosis.

And it is one of only two piloting new acute oncology staff and patient experience surveys to help improve services.

The report also praised the appointment of Mr Muti Abulafi, consultant colorectal surgeon at Croydon University Hospital, as chair of the LCA’s colorectal pathway group.

Professor Arnie Purushotham, LCA's clinical director, said: “I am delighted that it is helping to set an example for other trusts on what can be achieved in this area.”