Patron Letters

Our New Patron

I am a consultant urological Surgeon at Guy’s and St Tomas’ hospital in London specialising in functional, reconstructive and Adolescent urology. During my training I spent time with Dan Wood & Christopher Woodhouse at UCLH as well as a Fellowship in the urology department at Great Ormond Street Hospital learning my craft. I am passionate about delivering holistic care to those with congenital, neurological or childhood issues with their bladder through adolescence and adulthood. I am honoured to take over as Patron to Mitrofanoff Support, to help inform and support those who undergo a Mitrofanoff reconstruction as well as their friends and families.

Claire Taylor

Letter from America

I was delighted to hear of the success of the recent patient education day for Mitrofanoff Support.It means a huge amount to me that the Charity ourishes and I know you will receive wonderful input from Claire Taylor – your new Patron. We moved to Denver in August and after a few days of settling in, I began work at Children’s Hospital Colorado and University of Colorado Health (the adult hospital). This is a huge university medical centre, in one of the most beautiful states in the country. The team here have been wonderfully welcoming and supportive. There is lots to do in establishing our service; it is truly exciting to be part of that. I am working closely with a big team to make this happen and we already have a big group of patients to work with, I will stay in touch with Mitrofanoff Support and let you know of our progress.

Dan

Rachel Busuttil Leaver

It is with enormous sadness that I write to inform you that Rachel Leaver passed away on 6th November 2021, aged 59yrs. Rachel was a close dear friend and colleague for over 30 years and I know that many of you will have known her for being your “Mitrofanoff Nurse” way back as far as the 1990s. Rachel developed a close bond with all her patients. She was knowledgeable both clinically and academically, but above all she cared passionately about her patients. She understood that those within her care were unique individuals undergoing a unique surgical experience. Rachel was known within both the nursing and medical worlds for leading the way in caring for adult and adolescent patients with complex urinary tract reconstructive surgery. As a clinical lecturer practising within Southbank University and as editor of the British Journal of Urological Nursing, she ensured that future generations of nursing and medical students acquired knowledge about Mitrofanoff surgery and the care patients require. As well as her professionalism, academic achievement and undisputed nursing excellence, there was an artistic and immensely family-oriented side to Rachel. She adored and was so very proud of her family in Malta. They, and all things Maltese, were always in her thoughts and she had a whole volume of amazing anecdotes and stories to tell. She followed the arts, lm and theatre. She was a member of the Rock Choir. She organised our clinic nurse specialist lottery syndicate. She was also known to stay up all night to watch the live commentary of the Oscars, tennis grand slams and Formula 1 grand prix. She was also an avid reader of celebrity gossip! There will be so many tributes to Rachel. She will be honoured by doctors, patients and nurses alike. Rachel made a difference. We will miss her greatly. It was an honour to know her and her legacy of love, professionalism, respect and above all fun, will never be forgotten.

Rest well Rachel.