RM Magazine, spring 2012

Life demands excellence

magazine – spring 2012

Research grants help lead the way Celebrating staff achievements Meet one of our hospital chaplains

Spotlight on bowel cancer How The Royal Marsden is taking a multi-faceted approach to pioneering treatment

At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is.

And when people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That’s why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do.

RM MAGAZINE

Executive notes

Contents 12 Bowel cancer focus How we’re working together to take on the disease

17 Television times

Behind the scenes of the new BBC Horizon documentary set at The Royal Marsden

22 Staff celebrations Highlights from our 2011 staff awards ceremony

26 Charity plans Chairman R. Ian Molson on the year ahead for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity

Regulars 04 Hospital news 20 Day in the life 25 PCAG 25 The Friends 26 Fundraising 28 Foundation news 30 Puzzles & prizes

Welcome

to the spring 2012 edition of RM, the magazine for our staff, patients, carers and Foundation Trust Members.

In this issue, we explore the advances that we are making in the treatment of bowel cancer and how this is changing patients’ lives (page 12). We also look at personalised medicine. We’re delighted to be part of Cancer Research UK’s Stratified Medicine Programme (page 5), a project that fits closely with our Centre for Molecular Pathology. We spend a day with one of our hospital chaplains, John McLuckie (page 20), and also look ahead to The Marsden March (page 27). Last year, we raised more than £800,000 for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, which was a fantastic achievement.

This year, we are aiming to reach our £1 million target.

I hope you enjoy this issue.

Cally Palmer, Chief Executive, The Royal Marsden

RM magazine 03

Hospital News

Integrating cancer care systems across london n 2009, Healthcare for London published the Cancer Case for Change document, which highlighted the need to improve cancer services outcomes.

In response to this study, the Cancer Model of Care, written by more than 45 leading cancer clinicians and endorsed by Professor Sir Mike Richards, National Clinical Director for Cancer and End of Life Care, was published in January 2011.

This agreed model of care sets out how providers could work together in provider networks or ‘integrated cancer systems’ to deliver seamless cancer care.

Work is under way on the development of two such systems – the London Cancer Alliance (LCA) West and South (southeast, northwest and southwest London) and

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London Cancer (northeast and north central London). The Royal Marsden sits within the LCA, and our Chief Executive, Cally Palmer, is leading the development of these proposals.

The best patient experience The LCA’s aim is to reduce the number of preventable cancer deaths in London, estimated

by Professor Richards to be 1,000 lives per year – or 600 for the LCA area.

“With 16 hospitals, two academic health science centres and one of the country’s leading cancer hospitals and research centres, we will ensure that care is localised wherever possible for common cancers and centralised where appropriate for rarer cancers, to improve outcomes and ensure that we deliver the best patient

experience,” said Cally Palmer.

“The LCA will work to improve access to screening and diagnostics to ensure treatment begins at an earlier stage, and seek to redress the imbalance that currently exists across London. Better access within the system to clinical trials for all patients will advance cancer care for all in our community, and improve outcomes and the patient experience.”

Equal access to care To deliver on these objectives, certain challenges need to be overcome, including the unique demographic profiles and socio-economic deprivation in the communities we cover.

There is a poor uptake of screening and an even poorer recognition of the early signs and symptoms of cancer,

resulting in late presentation.

This results in an inequality of outcomes and experience of cancer patients across London.

There are solutions. By promoting the prevention and early detection of cancer, and by supporting GPs, we can influence public health messaging and improve outcomes while offering equal access to excellent clinical care and unified world-class research.

A Clinical Service Plan has been developed and all the partners are working on the governance model and metrics to ensure that this system can deliver results.

We will improve outcomes and deliver the best patient experience Cally palmer, chief executive, The Royal Marsden

Hospital news

First patients enrol in personalised treatment project Clinicians and scientists at The Royal Marsden and The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) are participating in a ground-breaking project that could lead to personalised cancer treatment.

The Cancer Research UK Stratified Medicine Programme aims to establish a world-class NHS genetictesting service in the UK that will help doctors match cancer patients to the most appropriate treatment.

The Royal Marsden and ICR’s Clinical Director for Research and Development, Professor Stephen Johnston, said: “As individuals with the same type of cancer may respond differently to the same treatment, molecular diagnostic tools can help identify who may benefit from different therapies.

It means treatment can be tailored to suit individual needs, rather than using the traditional one-size-fits-all treatment approach.”

Up to 9,000 patients will take part in the project’s first phase, which covers breast, bowel, lung, prostate, ovary and melanoma skin cancer.

One of the project’s seven UK centres, The Royal Marsden and ICR have produced the first results from lung cancer patients’ tumour samples.

More than 100 of our patients have been recruited to the project so far.

The project follows The Royal Marsden and ICR’s existing work on providing patients with a routine molecular diagnosis as part of our personalised medicine programme.

Centre for Molecular Pathology

topping out marks building milestone Progress on The Royal Marsden and The Institute of Cancer Research’s (ICR) new Centre for Molecular Pathology (CMP) in Sutton reached a major milestone when it was ‘topped out’ late last year.

The new £9.6-million centre, expected to be completed this November, will help advance cancer research and treatment.

It will include four laboratory suites and support facilities with state-of-the-art equipment.

Professor Stephen Johnston, Clinical Director for Research and Development at The Royal Marsden and ICR said: “The CMP was conceived nearly five years ago. It’s exciting to think that later this year it will be up and running and benefiting its first patients.”

Dr David Gonzalez de Castro, Head of Molecular Diagnostics, whose team will relocate to the CMP once it is open, said: “The Royal Marsden and ICR are leading the way in providing patients with routine molecular diagnosis that will help identify which patients will benefit from which therapies. This new centre will drive a move towards personalised medicine, bringing scientists and clinicians together to continue revolutionising the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

“Together with our work on Cancer Research UK’s Stratified Medicine Programme (see left) this is an exciting time for cancer research, with the prospect of significant improvements in patient care.”

Erica at work (above) and receiving her award (below)

Recognising excellence

Royal Marsden radiographer wins award Erica Scurr, Lead MRI Superintendent Radiographer at The Royal Marsden, has received the 2011 Radiographer of the Year Award for the London Region. Nominated by colleagues, she was awarded the title in recognition of her excellent work in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

Erica, who is the cross-site lead for delivering the clinical and research MRI service, said: “To be recognised in this way is a tremendous achievement. It reflects positively on the whole imaging team at The Royal Marsden, who work very hard to achieve the highest standards in imaging and patient care.”

Erica received her award at a ceremony at the House of Commons last November.

Professors Stan Kaye (left) and Stephen Johnston of The Royal Marsden and ICR ‘top out’ the Centre for Molecular Pathology in Sutton

RM magazine 05

Funding future research

head and neck uniT research grant win he Head and Neck Unit at The Royal Marsden, led by Dr Chris Nutting and The Institute of Cancer Research’s (ICR) Dr Kevin Harrington, has been awarded a £1.5-million research grant from Cancer Research UK. The Clinical and Translational Research Programme grant will fund research into head and neck cancers over the next five years. The Royal Marsden was one of only four institutions out of 80 initial applicants to be awarded the grant.

The resulting research will form a series of specific interrelated projects looking at: ◆ the use of new radiosensitising drugs ◆ using new MRI and PET scanners to more accurately determine whether radiotherapy should be delivered to an individual. This is image-guided

Dr Kevin Harrington (above) and Dr Chris Nutting (right)

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radiotherapy, a state-of-the-art diagnostic scan that identifies which parts of the tumour to concentrate on (for further details of the hospital’s new PET scanners, turn to page 10) ◆ improving understanding of how normal, non-cancerous tissues are affected by radiotherapy treatment.

“A programme grant is one of the biggest to get, so we are thrilled we were successful,” said Dr Nutting. “This gives us more opportunity to do further research into head and neck cancer treatment.

“It is through The Royal Marsden and the ICR’s long-standing partnership that we were in a position to apply for and win this grant.

Dr Harrington and I are a double act, bringing together the two interdependent strands of clinical practice and science.”

funding for SKIN CANCER patient trial The Royal Marsden and The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) are to test an experimental drug in patient trials to combat advanced skin cancer, with the assistance of a £3-million grant from the Wellcome Trust.

The BRAF inhibitor has the potential to treat more subtypes of malignant melanoma than any other targeted treatments for this cancer. Scientists also believe that it will not cause the serious side effect of squamous cell carcinoma that has been linked to an existing treatment.

The Wellcome Trust will work with The Royal Marsden and the ICR through its Strategic Translation Award programme to further refine the candidate compounds and take the most promising ones into clinical trials.

The Wellcome Trust funding will enable the team in the ICR’s Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit to select the best drug candidate for initial

safety testing and determine an appropriate dose to give to patients. Clinicians in The Royal Marsden’s Melanoma Unit will then lead the early clinical trials.

The team will also examine the different types of melanoma for which the drug is effective, including whether it can benefit patients who have relapsed after taking vemurafenib.

Dr James Larkin from The Royal Marsden said: “We are delighted by this partnership between The Royal Marsden, the ICR and the Wellcome Trust, and are thrilled with the commitment from the Wellcome Trust to our research.

“We know that BRAF inhibitors such as vemurafenib benefit a large number of melanoma patients with BRAF mutations, but most patients become resistant to treatment.

There is, therefore, a need to develop more effective drugs and also to target melanomas that do not have BRAF mutations.”

Hospital news

New drug extends life for prostate cancer patients

clinical trials: the facts What are clinical trials and what do they look at?

These medical research studies involve people and look at: ◆ risks and causes: how genetics, lifestyle and other factors can increase people’s risk of cancer ◆ preventing cancer: using drugs, vitamins or diet to reduce risk ◆ screening: for people at higher than average risk, or for the general population ◆ diagnosing cancer: new tests or scans ◆ treatments: new drugs or combinations, new types and methods of giving treatment ◆ controlling symptoms or side effects: new drugs or complementary therapies.

What are their objectives?

They aim to find out if a new treatment or procedure:

is safe or has side effects works better than currently used treatment ◆ helps people feel better ◆ has been thoroughly tested – for example, a new drug is investigated first in the laboratory. If it looks promising, it is carefully studied in people. ◆ ◆

Are there different stages?

There are four phases of trials: ◆ Phase I trials look at whether a trial treatment is safe or has any harmful effects – as well as the best dose to use ◆ Phase II trials consider how well a treatment works – only those that get through these two phases go into Phase III testing ◆ Phase III trials test a new treatment against the existing standard treatment – if it gives better results, it may become the new standard treatment.

Usually, a new treatment has to

go through a few Phase III trials before doctors are confident enough to accept it as the new standard treatment. One good result could happen by chance or because of a poorly designed trial. This is not likely if several trials have the same results. ◆ Phase IV trials are carried out after a drug has been licensed – information on side effects, safety and long-term risks and benefits of a drug is collected.

Most well-planned trials include studies of impact and side effects or a ‘quality of life’ study.

How useful are the trials?

Not all clinical trials result in new, better treatment. Some find that the trialled treatment doesn’t work or has worse side effects than existing treatments. But this information is still useful for researchers, doctors and, ultimately, patients.

A new type of hormonal treatment has been shown to extend life for men with advanced prostate cancer, according to an interim analysis of a Phase III trial jointly led by Professor Johann de Bono from The Royal Marsden and The Institute of Cancer Research.

The once-daily pill, known as MDV3100, is the first in a new class of drugs called androgen receptor signalling inhibitors (ARSIs). Prostate cancer relies on testosterone to grow, so the drug has been designed to bind to the receptors on prostate cancer cells and block their interaction with testosterone.

The drug has been tested on 1,199 men with advanced prostate cancer who were previously treated with docetaxel-based chemotherapy. Patients treated with MDV3100 lived an average of nearly five months longer than those given a placebo.

“It’s a major advance,” said Professor de Bono. “Until recently, men with advanced disease that had proved resistant to treatment had no drug options. Now there are a handful of drugs for latestage prostate cancer. Five more months for these men, who are at a very late stage of cancer, is a huge benefit.”

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Hospital news

Arts Forum competition

WINNERS EXHIBIT PHOTOS ast year, the hospital’s Arts Forum held a photographic competition that was open to patients, their families, carers and staff. After receiving more than 240 wonderful entries, the winners were celebrated at the opening night of a special exhibition last November. The exhibition of 35 images included the winners and a selection of the Arts Forum’s favourites from all of the entries.

Professional photographer Tim Flach presented Chris Sargent from Cheam with first prize and £200 of Jessops gift vouchers for his atmospheric black-and-white mountain scene. Sam Murphy from Wallington came second and won £100 of Jessops vouchers for his beautiful picture of a harbour viewed through a window. In addition, The Royal Marsden’s Sue Alexander, Principal Biomedical Scientist and Pathology Services Manager, and Douglas Davies from Coulsdon were both awarded runners-up prizes of £50 worth of vouchers.

The Arts Forum’s own award for their favourite image was awarded to Hannah Wright, 08 RM MAGAZINE

aged 15, for her enchanting photograph of a young child in a field of yellow flowers.

The Arts Forum would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who entered, and hopes they will look out for future competitions. Thanks also to judges Tim Flach, Giles Christopher and David Cockcroft; the Photography and Printing Department for printing the photographs; the Works Department for help hanging the exhibition; and the Mulberry Tree Café for hosting the event.

Clockwise from top: Chris Sargent’s winning mountainscape; Sam Murphy’s harbour view won second prize; Hannah Wright’s image of a child in a field; Tim Flach (right) congratulates winner Chris Sargent at the opening of the exhibition

Hospital news

Excellence in care

COMMITTED TO CARING The Royal Marsden is meeting all the essential standards of quality and safety, according to a review carried out by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) last October. The review stated that patients at the hospital have their privacy and dignity maintained and that their independence is respected. Patients also told the CQC that staff are friendly, helpful and responsive to their needs – most had received enthusiastic and committed care of an excellent standard. The Royal Marsden was also praised for its safe quality care, treatment and support due to an ongoing monitoring process.

OUR RADIO’S NEW PATRON

Nicholas’ infectious enthusiasm and his experience will be of immense value JASON REYNOLDS, CHAIRMAN, RADIO MARSDEN

Radio Marsden is delighted that BBC newsreader Nicholas Owen (left) has agreed to become its new patron.

Following in the footsteps of Gary Lineker, John Cleese, Peter Sellers and HRH The Prince of Wales, Nicholas joins the station after a long association with the hospital, presenting shows and meeting patients.

Nicholas spent 17 years as a newspaper journalist and joined the BBC in 1981. He went on to spend 23 years at ITN, working as anchor for News at Ten and Channel 4 News, and as ITN’s royal correspondent.

He rejoined the BBC in 2007.

Radio Marsden Chairman Jason Reynolds said: “I’m delighted Nicholas is joining us as our patron. His infectious enthusiasm and his experience will be of immense value.”

Readers love RM magazine

Thanks to all who took part in our RM readers’ survey last year. It produced some very helpful feedback, and we were delighted to see that, overall, our readers are very happy with RM magazine and its content.

Respondents thought that the magazine was a good way to receive information about the hospital, with most saying it was easy to read, informative and useful, with a good balance of contents. A few requested more coverage on research projects and some real-life stories, so look out for these in 2012.

Congratulations to Sally Moore, Nursing Research Fellow, who was the lucky winner of the £20 John Lewis voucher.

RM MAGAZINE 09

Hospital news

Royal praise for our food

At a reception hosted by HRH The Prince of Wales at Clarence House in December, The Royal Marsden was congratulated for the excellent work undertaken to improve hospital food, as identified by the Soil Association. The Royal Marsden is one of a growing number of hospitals serving more local, fresh, organic and healthier food.

Attended by 14 of the UK’s highest-achieving hospital trusts, the event celebrated the best of British hospital food.

Chief Operating Officer David Probert, Facilities Manager Gary Burkill, Consultant Dietician Dr Clare Shaw and Catering Manager Mr Gareth Ferguson represented The Royal Marsden.

Sourcing ethical foods

winning ways with animal welfare The Royal Marsden was among 40 hospitals, educational centres and local councils to be awarded a Good Farm Animal Welfare Award. The award was presented by Compassion in World Farming for our efforts to help improve the welfare of millions of farm animals.

The awards’ three categories – Good Egg, Good Chicken and Good Dairy – recognise an organisation’s commitment to improving the lives of animals by sourcing only higher-welfare eggs, chicken or dairy produce for their catering. We were

the only NHS hospital to win a Good Chicken Award.

Denise Satterwaite, Catering Operations Manager, said: “We believe it’s essential to consider the wellbeing of the animals we source for patient and staff meals. For the past three years, we have provided free-range eggs in our restaurants and only organic milk to our patients. We will continue the drive towards sourcing ethical and sustainable food products.”

The Good Farm Animal Welfare Awards have been presented to the food industry

Scanner for Nuclear Medicine Unit A new £3.2-million Nuclear Medicine Unit opened at the Chelsea hospital in December. The new unit means that patients can now benefit from the advanced nuclear SPECT/CT and PET/CT scanners without travelling to our Sutton site or neighbouring London hospitals. Housed on the fourth floor of Granard House, the unit was funded by the NHS. “We have been planning this for three and a half years,” said Bernadette Cronin, Deputy Divisional Director of Clinical Services.

“Naturally it is wonderful to see it up and running.”

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across Europe since 2007. The Royal Marsden was awarded the Good Egg Award in 2010.

Over 265 million hens, chickens, pigs and dairy cows and calves benefit each year as a result of winners’ policies.

Food for thought

18 107 chefs and

other catering staff work across both Royal Marsden sites

667,000 customers a year are served at Sutton and

402,000 customers a year are served at Chelsea

180,000 pints of milk are used in a year

Catering Operations Manager Denise Satterwaite and Catering Manager Gareth Ferguson receive the Good Chicken Award

Hospital news

Award for online learning resource

An e-learning module, Mesothelioma Practice in Cancer Care, developed by the School of Cancer Nursing and Rehabilitation, has been named Best Professional Education Initiative in Oncology at the Pfizer Excellence in Oncology Awards 2011. For the past six years, the awards have recognised and rewarded best practice in oncology management, education and patient care across the UK. Now in its third academic year, the school’s e-learning module is the result of the dedicated teamwork of Patricia Hunt, Lecturer Practitioner; Liz Darlison, Macmillan Consultant Nurse, Mesothelioma UK; Sally Moore, Nursing Research Fellow; Dale Russell, Knowledge Resources Manager; David Gledhill, VLE Administrator; and David Brighton, Professional Development Facilitator for e-Learning and IT. To find out more about this degree- and master’slevel stand-alone module, contact the school at school@rmh.nhs.uk.

From left: Mr David Dunlop, Clinical Director, Specialist Oncology Services, West of Scotland Cancer Centre, Gartnavel General Hospital; Sally Moore, Nursing Research Fellow, The Royal Marsden; Liz Darlison, Macmillan consultant nurse, Mesothelioma UK; Nicholas Owen, broadcaster; Robert Day, Head of Pfizer Oncology UK

Refurb update

wallace wing revamp nears completion he new entrance to the Wallace Wing at our Chelsea site now provides an improved, enlarged waiting area, more toilet space, a new transport office, a discreet interview room and a new reception with ‘meet and greet’ facilities.

When complete, the whole area will reflect the improved quality of recently refurbished hospital departments. The Mulberry Tree Coffee Shop remains but with better seating facilities, while the Radiotherapy Department on the lower ground floor also has a new reception with

T

larger waiting areas to improve the patient experience.

The entrance will incorporate an interactive information kiosk, which will enable patients and visitors to search for and print directions and

The new entrance will incorporate an interactive information kiosk and digital screens

other information. In addition, digital information screens have been installed here and at other key entrances and waiting areas, so the Trust can ensure that patients and visitors are kept informed about news and Trust information.

The screens have been kindly funded by The Friends of The Royal Marsden.

Patients and visitors will soon be able to use the new entrance, at which point the temporary entrance will be closed off and the final phase of work carried out. The project is currently on schedule, with the whole area due for completion by Easter.

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Gastro-intestinal and Breast Clinical Oncologist Dr Diana Tait

Cancer focus

bowel cancer special

A multi-faceted approach to treatment The Royal Marsden leads the way in bowel cancer care. We talk to four of the hospital’s leading clinicians about their pioneering work

he use of radiotherapy in the treatment of bowel, particularly rectal, cancer can be highly effective but it can also result in long-term side effects that affect life quality.

Dr Diana Tait, Gastro-intestinal and Breast Clinical Oncologist, leads a team working to make sure that when radiotherapy is given it is done so having carefully selected those patients that have most to gain from it, rather than using it as a standard treatment.

“At The Royal Marsden, we are using imaging, particularly MRI scans, to select patients whose tumours show high-risk features and who are most likely to benefit from radiotherapy,” says Dr Tait.

“Conversely, we try to avoid giving it to patients whose tumours are low risk and for whom the risks of radiotherapy could outweigh any potential benefits. Our patients are treated with either conformal radiotherapy or intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).”

Pioneering trials

Dr Tait’s team is co-ordinating two national multi-centre trials looking at the effects of radiotherapy in rectal cancer. The first (The Deferral of Surgery Trial) looks at deferring or avoiding surgery for patients who have an excellent response, in terms of tumour shrinkage following pre-operative treatment, and for patients for whom surgery would involve a permanent stoma.

“Avoiding surgery is not the standard treatment,” explains Dr Tait. “We monitor patients very closely within the trial. We try to avoid patients having surgery after chemoradiation where there is no sign of

cancer when the surgical specimen is examined under the microscope. Tumour disappearance is seen in up to 20 per cent of patients following chemoradiation: our aim is to detect these patients before surgery and avoid surgery if possible.

The second trial (The Timing of Surgery) looks at the best time to carry out surgery after chemoradiation for rectal cancer.

About six weeks after chemoradiation is the standard, although many surgeons leave it to 10 weeks or more, aiming to operate at a time of maximum tumour shrinkage.

“Our trial aims to establish the best time for surgery,” says Dr Tait. “By comparing surgery at six weeks with surgery at 12 weeks, we hope to confirm whether it is advantageous or detrimental to select one or the other time.

“Our work has been driven by patient choice. Before our trials started, some patients who responded well to chemoradiotherapy were unwilling to proceed to surgery. We hope to establish which patients can rely on chemoradiotherapy alone and which must still undergo surgery. Outcomes for patients with rectal cancer focus on tumour control but the physical and psychological effects of treatment are also taken into account in the decision-making process.”

We hope to establish which patients can rely on chemoradiotherapy alone Dr diana tait, GI and breast clinical oncologist

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Cancer focus

Pioneering imaging trials

Case study:

John Parnell, 34, manager “I was diagnosed with bowel cancer seven years ago.

I was 27 years old, flying helicopters in the army. I started to experience bleeding and mucus in my stool but didn’t go to my GP for about five months. Following diagnosis, I was sent to The Royal Marsden to explore all options and I was the first patient in the country to go on the Wait and See Trial. The trial used imaging, chemotherapy and radiotherapy rather than an operation to remove the tumour. After a three-month course of chemotherapy the tumour had shrunk. I then had radiotherapy and, due to the intensity of the treatment, I was told that I would be left infertile, so I took up the offer of banking sperm. Fortunately, I didn’t need it.

My wife Anna and I conceived naturally and our first baby is due in February.”

The Royal Marsden has been at the forefront of rectal and colorectal cancer imaging research for a number of years.

Dr Gina Brown, Consultant Radiologist, explains how attention to detail can make a difference to the patient’s treatment plan and has, in many cases, allowed them to avoid the need for a permanent stoma.

Dr Brown is chief investigator for the pioneering multi-centre MERCURY staging study in rectal cancer. The trial resulted in widespread adoption of MRI techniques for rectal cancer and practice changes in the UK and overseas, such as more selective use of radiotherapy.

“Before the results of the MERCURY trial research were known, clinicians were routinely irradiating patients with rectal cancer and, in many cases, removing the whole rectum, often resulting in a permanent colostomy bag for the patient,” explains Dr Brown. “At The Royal Marsden, patients are fortunate to have research-validated knowledge of precise image-based planning, so the unnecessary side effects of extra treatment, such as radiotherapy or extensive surgery, could be avoided, thus enabling patients to lead a better quality of life. This approach has now been rolled out through national radiology training workshops and clinical teams are now also starting to gain this knowledge.”

Following the success of the MERCURY trial, Dr Brown and her team have moved her research forward to predict how well patients will do based on the MRI scans.

“The results of our studies analysing the long-term outcomes of patients in our trials have confirmed that careful interpretation of imaging can correctly identify patients who will be cured by surgery alone,” says

Careful interpretation of imaging can correctly identify patients who will be cured by surgery alone Dr gina brown, consultant radiologist

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Dr Brown. “On the other hand, by identifying those patients at high risk of the tumour coming back, we can intensify treatment and follow up, to try to prevent secondary tumours and recurrences.

“We also have exciting new developments looking at the possibility of patients avoiding surgery completely in a new trial being pioneered at The Royal Marsden,” she explains. “We identify the patients that have had an excellent response to treatment and, if they have no visible tumour on MRI, we can enrol them into a surveillance programme aimed at safely avoiding surgery, thus preserving their quality of life.”

Consultant Radiologist Dr Gina Brown

Cancer focus

Bowel cancer

86%

Professor Paris Tekkis

of cases of patients are over 60 at the age of diagnosis

1.24

million new cases of colorectal cancer were diagnosed in 2008

3rd

most common cancer in men

1in14

lifetime risk of diagnosis in men

1in19 lifetime risk of diagnosis in women

Life-saving surgery

Up until five years ago curative surgery was not an option for patients with advanced bowel cancer in the pelvis. Since then, Professor Paris Tekkis has performed 100 pioneering pelvic exenteration operations at The Royal Marsden: revolutionary surgery that offers hope to many patients who previously would have been given standard life-prolonging chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment.

Patients who are offered the pelvic exenteration operation are identified during The Royal Marsden’s Multi Disciplinary Meetings, a weekly get-together of a specialist team of oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, surgeons and nurses.

The complex operation involves removing the rectum and other pelvic organs including the bladder and part of the bony spine in order to achieve a cure. A team of up to six specialists can be present during the 12-hour operation, including colorectal, urology, gynaecological, spinal, oncology and plastic surgeons. Reconstructive procedures are then used to replace the bladder and rectum.

“There are side effects from the operation but it varies from patient to patient,” says Professor Tekkis. “Some experience bladder

or sexual dysfunction, but for most people the chance of life is more important than the inconvenience of a bag.”

One third of patients who are suitable for the operation have a curative result.

“I have no doubt that our cure rate will increase further in the future, which is really exciting,” says Professor Tekkis.

“We will be able to use new chemotherapy agents and radiotherapy, such as CyberKnife, to get the tumour under control before or after operating. I am sure that we will soon be achieving a 50 per cent cure rate.

“We select patients based on tumour location and the presence or absence of metastatic disease. There are no real age barriers. We have had patients who are in their 80s and as young as 35.

“Every operation is customised to each individual patient and meticulously undertaken by a dedicated specialist team and looked after by a top class anaesthetic and intensive care team. This is what makes it so special and so successful.” rm

Sequisti inct cone pratus maximo bero plabo. Am qu

Case study:

Andy Gibson, 53, musician “I was diagnosed with bowel cancer in January 2010 at Kingston Hospital. I had experienced flu-like symptoms for three months before I actually went to the doctors.

“I went to The Royal Marsden at Sutton for chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Professor Paris Tekkis didn’t initially think I would be suitable for the pelvic exenteration operation because the cancer had spread into the lymph nodes and perhaps even the liver. However, after more chemotherapy at Kingston Hospital, I was able to undergo the operation. It was the only option for me to try to get rid of the cancer entirely.

“My operation lasted 16 hours and involved four consultant surgeons and their teams.

The plastic surgeon spent five hours working on me. I would like to take this chance to thank Professor Tekkis and everyone on his team for their wonderful work. It has been four months since my operation and I am slowly getting my life back together. I’m now back at work playing the trumpet again.”

RM magazine 15

Cancer in focus

Q&A BOWEL CANCER

Dr Sheela Rao, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Gastrointestinal Unit, discusses bowel cancer

as an emergency with bowel obstruction.

In addition, bowel cancer can present asymptomatically, with iron deficiency anaemia found on blood tests.

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosis is usually made by a combination of clinical examination, blood tests and a colonoscopy and biopsy. A colonoscopy is a flexible tube examination of the entire large bowel, and a biopsy is a needle test to take a tissue specimen of the tumour. A CT scan is usually performed to assess the extent of the cancer (staging), and for rectal cancer an MRI scan is necessary to give more detail about the cancer before treatment.

Who does it affect?

Bowel cancer is a disease of the developed world, with a low incidence in developing countries. About 86 per cent of patients are over 60 at the age of diagnosis, but the incidence in patients under 50 is increasing.

It affects men and women in equal proportions up until the age of 50, and there is a higher propensity in women in later life.

How common is it?

What is bowel cancer?

Bowel cancer describes any cancer occurring in the colon (large bowel) or rectum. This type of cancer is known as adenocarcinoma.

What causes bowel cancer?

Most bowel cancers arise from adenomas (small polyps or benign growths) in the colonic mucosa. However, not all adenomas will transform into cancers. The main risk factors for malignant change in these polyps include size, type of appearance and dysplasia (the proliferation of abnormal immature cells). Patients with inflammatory bowel disease have a higher propensity for bowel cancer, and risk factors for sporadic bowel cancer include smoking, alcohol, obesity, low levels of exercise and low-fibre diets. Approximately five per cent of all colorectal cancers can be attributed to a hereditary genetic predisposition.

What are the symptoms?

The signs and symptoms of bowel cancer include: a persistent change in bowel habits, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, fatigue and unexplained weight loss, or 16 RM MAGAZINE

Worldwide, an estimated 1.24 million new cases of colorectal cancer were diagnosed in 2008. It is the third most common cancer in men, accounting for 663,000 or 10 per cent of total worldwide cases, and the second most common in women, with 571,000 or 9.4 per cent of total worldwide cases. Approximately 40,000 new cases of bowel cancer (two-thirds colon and one-third rectum) are diagnosed in the UK each year.

The lifetime risk for men of being diagnosed with colorectal cancer in the UK is estimated to be one in 14 and one in 19 for women.

How is it treated?

The mainstay of treatment for localised bowel cancer is surgery. Chemotherapy is sometimes given after surgery when cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. Rectal cancer is often treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy initially to help shrink the tumour before surgery.

For patients with widespread or advanced cancer that has spread beyond the bowel, chemotherapy, together with a biological targeted agent, is the treatment of choice.

In some cases, where the bowel cancer has spread to the liver or lungs, it may be

possible, after chemotherapy, to surgically remove the tumour deposits in the liver or lungs, thus improving the long-term outcome. There are also localised methods including radiofrequency ablation (targeted heat therapy generated from high-frequency alternating current) that can be used in some cases where the disease has spread to the liver and lungs.

Is any interesting research being carried out at The Royal Marsden?

We have several ongoing trials that are looking at new targeted agents and chemotherapy. Some of these trials run in parallel with research conducted at The Institute of Cancer Research using tumour tissue and blood samples to learn more about tumour biology and identify potential new targets. Newer radiotherapy techniques, including CyberKnife and innovative surgical approaches to reduce length of hospital stay and complications, form part of our extensive research portfolio in bowel cancer.

CASE STUDY:

Linda Maule, 65, retired “In 2007, after 10 years of intermittent IBS, I was sent for a colonoscopy. I was diagnosed with bowel cancer and referred to The Royal Marsden for possible radiotherapy prior to surgery. This was not seen as the best option, so I had immediate surgery to remove the cancer and insert a colostomy, followed by six months of chemotherapy.

“In 2008, I had my colostomy reversed.

This was a very difficult time as my bowel had to learn how to function again. I couldn’t have got through it without help from my GP and her nursing staff.

“A routine CT scan in 2009 showed that the cancer had returned, this time to my liver and both lungs, so I was transferred to Dr Sheela Rao at The Royal Marsden. I was treated with drugs and chemotherapy before surgery and further chemotherapy.

“Since then, I have had further CT scans and three-monthly check-ups with Dr Rao, all of which have shown positive results.

“I cannot praise the consultants, surgeons and medical staff highly enough. The ethos, encouragement and support at The Royal Marsden is tangible the moment one steps through the glass doors.”

BBC Horizon documentary

The Horizon team on location at the hospital

Lights, camera, action

Our pioneering research and treatments made us the perfect location for the BBC’s Horizon series to film a documentary about cancer

ast summer, the award-winning BBC2 documentary series Horizon followed the work of The Royal Marsden and our academic partner, The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), in an hour-long programme entitled ‘Horizon: Defeating Cancer’, to be broadcast this spring. The film focuses on the organisations’ pioneering bench-to-bedside approach to cancer medicine, as well as state-of-the-art treatments used at The Royal Marsden.

“We wanted to find somewhere to film that would enable us to learn about cuttingedge research and see how it was benefiting patients,” explain BBC producers Diana Hill and Naomi Law. “We approached The Royal Marsden because of its reputation as a leading cancer hospital and a place that specialises in researching new treatments.”

The documentary focuses on three areas: breakthroughs in life-extending drugs for advanced melanoma patients; state-of-theart radiotherapy treatment CyberKnife; and robotic surgery for prostate cancer patients, using the pioneering Da Vinci S system.

“We felt privileged to get a behind-thescenes view of the work of the extraordinarily caring hospital staff,” add Diana and Naomi.

“We enjoyed getting to know them over the four months of filming. They made us feel welcome, despite us pointing cameras at them, and were keen to tell us and the Horizon audience about the innovations in cancer care they are helping to pioneer.

“The hospital staff and press office helped us to identify patients who were undergoing new treatments being trialled.

We’re grateful that some were happy to let us film their treatment and touched to be allowed into their lives at such a difficult time. Their stories help to give viewers an insight into the future of cancer treatments.

“Filming in a hospital was tricky as we had to put the needs of patients and staff first. Fitting in interviews in busy wards around consultations put our directing and producing skills to the test! However, it has been worthwhile and we hope this film will help people to understand more about cancer and new ways of treating it.” ➜

RM magazine 17

Filming at the hospital was trickier than usual because we had to put the needs of patients and staff first at all times Diana Hill and Naomi Law, BBC producers

Dr James Larkin – breakthrough treatment for advanced melanoma

A Phase III study led in the UK by Dr James Larkin and his team at The Royal Marsden has brought about a major breakthrough in the treatment of advanced melanoma.

The results show that the pill vemurafenib extends overall survival in advanced melanoma patients compared to standard dacarbazine chemotherapy. Around half of patients with advanced melanoma have the BRAF genetic mutation which drives the cancer cells to grow and spread. The new pill targets and blocks the mutated BRAF protein, causing tumours to shrink. This new drug is an example of the collaborative relationship between The Royal Marsden and The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR).

The BBC filmed with Rosemary Reid, a patient from the melanoma clinic, from June to September, monitoring the progress of this new drug. Filming took place in the clinics with consultants and research nurses, and at the patient’s home.

Dr Nick Van As – CyberKnife

The BBC had unprecedented access to CyberKnife when it performed its first treatment on a patient at The Royal Marsden. Having filmed during several clinics and with several patients to start with, the BBC decided to focus on Ray Dean, who was to be the first patient treated with CyberKnife at The Royal Marsden. The BBC crew filmed the extensive planning that took place over the days

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preceding the ‘go live’ date, as well as on the day itself. The Royal Marsden was one of the first NHS Trusts to install the latest model of the robotic tool, which offers precision-targeted cancer treatment.

Its robotic arm and image sensors track a moving target, delivering hundreds of radiation beams from various angles, with pinpoint accuracy.

Mr Chris Ogden – the Da Vinci S

The Da Vinci S has been termed the ‘vanguard’ of surgical treatment for prostate cancer. It can cut and manipulate tissue through a tiny hole, and so reduce the pain and blood loss caused by open surgery. The Da Vinci S, funded

by The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, operates via a keyhole camera in the abdomen which magnifies the patient’s insides by ten. The BBC crew filmed while Consultant Surgeon Mr Chris Ogden and his team performed the operation on Philip Gerrard. A major benefit of this advanced keyhole surgery is that the patient’s hospital stay and recovery time is dramatically reduced compared to normal surgery. Philip was filmed walking out of the hospital to go home the next day. rm

From above: BBC producers Diana Hill and Naomi Law outside The Royal Marsden and filming a scene

BBC Horizon feature

project. We were not the only project being filmed within the Trust, but were the only one in which the story was unfolding live.

What were the biggest challenges?

Q&A HELEN TAYLOR

CyberKnife’s Lead Radiographer talks about her experiences of taking part in BBC2’s Horizon documentary How did you feel when you were first told about the BBC Horizon idea?

Excited and pleased. I was proud to be part of something that was going to demonstrate the technology we have. It was fortuitous that our project was happening when the Horizon team came, and meant they would film the first patient treated by CyberKnife.

I am used to professional visitors observing treatment techniques, and even being filmed, but this is usually with actors.

The crew didn’t want us to ‘stage’ anything, but we couldn’t let them film the patients’ actual treatment either, so we worked out how to do that without contravening any privacy or dignity issues.

What were your expectations?

I wanted us to be able to deliver the treatment on the day as if the film crew were not there.

Our thorough training on the new equipment gave us the confidence to deliver the treatment as planned, but I didn’t want anyone to be nervous because of the film crew. They filmed us talking to our patient prior to treatment and walking down to the unit before they left us. They recorded images from the CCTV cameras that monitor the patient, so they got all the movements of CyberKnife as it delivered treatment, without being intrusive to the staff or patient. The crew returned as soon as the treatment had finished, and spoke to us and the patient as we walked back to the reception area.

Filming always seemed to take longer than we thought it would and it also meant there were a lot more people around than usual.

Did you know…

Horizon is the BBC’s long-running popular science and philosophy documentary series. ◆

The first programme ‘The World of Buckminster Fuller’ was broadcast on 2 May 1964 and explored the work of inventor Richard Buckminster Fuller. ◆

Did you enjoy it?

Yes. It was quite draining, and I certainly had butterflies about it, but overall it was a great experience. The whole CyberKnife team worked really well together and the Horizon team were supportive and put us all at ease. I hope we have demonstrated the professionalism of The Royal Marsden, and that it is a warm and caring place to be treated.

Horizon has run for 48 series and 1,104 episodes. ◆

Horizon’s audience has risen from between 50,000 and 150,000 during the 1965/66 series to over 2.5 million in today’s multi-channel TV world. ◆

Any memorable moments?

Our first patient, Ray Dean, was so relaxed and calm – a natural in front of the camera.

He was so happy to be part of the first group of patients. CyberKnife came along just at the right time, because without it he would not have been able to have any treatment. On the day, his wife and daughter were really overwhelmed as we walked him down to the unit for his treatment – they were just so grateful he got the excellent care he needed.

Ray Dean, the first CyberKnife patient

A typical episode takes between five and six months to make. ◆

I was proud to be part of something that would demonstrate the technology we have HELEN TAYLOR, LEAD RADIOGRAPHER, CYBERKNIFE

What was the first time filming like?

The crew were very relaxed and easy to work with, and very excited about our

RM MAGAZINE 19

Prayers in the chapel, entertaining in the Oak Centre for Children and Young People, and chatting with hospital staff and patients: all in a day’s work for Reverend John McLuckie

20  RM MAGAZINE

Staff profile

a day in the life

Reverend John McLuckie

b

eing able to help patients come through a life-changing experience is a wonderful job. I am one of two full-time Church of England chaplains at the hospital, and our role is to support patients by listening and encouraging them to be honest about their feelings. Chris Lee, our Senior Chaplain and a Baptist minister, is based in Sutton and we have part-time Free Church, Catholic and Muslim chaplains, and other faith representatives on call.

A friendly face

My day usually starts at 8am with admin, followed by prayers in the chapel at 9.30am, which anyone can attend. I have weekly meetings with clinical staff to find out which patients would like or may benefit from a visit during my call rounds. Most patients are happy to talk to me but, after an initial hello, I can generally tell by their reaction if they want a chat. I think patients feel they can trust me and confide in me, and it’s a relief for them not to have to talk to me about their treatment, as they do with their clinicians, family and friends. I’m also one of the few people here who won’t stick a needle in them!

A sympathetic ear

Patients have a lot to deal with when they are being treated for cancer. They generally swap busy lives for ones focused on their treatment and have to sit for long periods doing very little. I can help nurture that change. I spend 80 per cent of my time

listening to patients, and the rest talking to them. Some worry about their families and friends, and hold back from telling them how they are feeling. With me, they can say anything. Some patients have specific questions about their faith, others start to re-explore their beliefs when ill.

Unfortunately, I’m not able to give simple answers to their questions and sometimes I’m faced with people who are angry with God. I always acknowledge what they are saying and am sympathetic.

One of the most challenging parts of my role is when patients are dealing with the end of their lives. It’s remarkable that many find a sense of peace. They spend a lot of time talking to me about unresolved issues, and I have also helped them by organising special events, such as a wedding or a christening service, before they pass on.

Hitting the right note

My passion for music also helps me in my role. I feel people respond to music and, emotionally, get a sense of peace. During one call round, a lady told me she liked the violin so, on the next visit, I played the fiddle for her. As well as conducting seasonal events and lunchtime weekly services in the chapel, I also pop in to see the younger patients in the hospital’s Oak Centre for Children and Young People once a month and play the guitar at their parties.

Sometimes they’re quite shy, but after a few nursery rhymes, they usually enjoy it. rm

My passion for music also helps me in my role.

I feel people respond to music and, emotionally, get a sense of peace

RM magazine 21

Celebrating our shining stars The Royal Marsden’s annual staff awards ceremony was a night to remember he Royal Marsden held its annual staff awards ceremony at the end of 2011, when colleagues from across the Trust were honoured for their achievements over the past year.

Chief Executive Cally Palmer presented the awards alongside Reverend Dame Sarah Mullally, NonExecutive Director, and said that the night was a great success: “It was a real inspiration to hear some of the nominations. Congratulations to all those who were nominated and especially to those who won an award.”

Pursuing excellence Beth Jackson, Senior Clinical Nurse Specialist/Team Leader, Breast Unit Beth has made continuous improvements to the quality of care for breast cancer patients within the unit. These include helping to initiate two major service developments: Open Access Follow-Up, which provides patients with better quality follow-up services, and the 23 Hour Surgery Pathway, which enables timely discharge following breast surgery.

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Ensuring quality Michael Borella, Ward Clerk, Markus Ward Michael has worked at The Royal Marsden for more than 10 years and always goes the extra mile. During his time here, he has taken over many of the clerical responsibilities carried out by nursing staff, releasing them for clinical care.

The Haemato-Oncology Research Team (Leonora Conneely, Gemma Findon, Emily Blackmore and Lorna Smith) The team has achieved an incredible amount in a short space of time. They have put haemato-oncology back on the clinical research map, raised standards and provided strong leadership to those they have managed and trained.

Driving efficiency Amanda Dibblin, School Nurse Team Leader, Merton School Nurses, Sutton & Merton Community Services Amanda has worked very hard to get the Productive Community Services initiative off the ground. She and her team identify ways of improving patient care as well as working smarter to save time and money.

Staff awards

Receiving their awards from Non-Executive Director Reverend Dame Sarah Mullally and Chief Executive Cally Palmer: (top row, from left) Carrie Weller; members of the Haemato-Oncology Research Team; Dr James Larkin; (bottom row, from left) Lorraine Hyde and Dr Marina Parton; Amanda Dibblin

Mikki Grinstead, Principal Diagnostic Radiographer/Radiology Services Manager, Radiology; and Bernadette Cronin, Radioisotope Services Manager, Nuclear Medicine (now Deputy Divisional Director, Clinical Services) At the end of 2010, the downtime due to equipment breakdowns was considerable.

To maintain services across the Trust, Mikki and Bernadette put together plans to form a diagnostic hub, ensuring each patient receives their scan quickly, which has enabled efficiency targets to be met.

state-of-the-art facility will enable the Trust to treat thousands of patients.

Breaking boundaries Dr James Larkin, Consultant, Skin and Melanoma Unit An extraordinary young talent, James has enhanced The Royal Marsden’s reputation in just a short time and been instrumental in driving the Skin Unit forward. His work has won an EU grant, he is the UK lead for vemurafenib and has a publication on a breakthrough treatment in melanoma in the New England Journal of Medicine.

The CyberKnife Project Team (Jim Warrington, Jim Thurston, Declan Carter, Steve Butler, Trevor Ramsden, Karen Rosser, Jan Balyckyi, Helen Taylor and Sandra Worth) The team has performed outstanding work to find a safe and affordable way of housing the new CyberKnife. This new,

Working together Steven Francis, Head of Information, Information Services Steven has made a considerable and sustained contribution to the Trust over a number of years. He and his team provide the Trust and external stakeholders with a service that truly exemplifies the ethos of excellence at The Royal Marsden.

Rachel Turner, Service Manager; Lorraine Hyde, Matron; and Dr Marina Parton, Consultant Medical Oncologist Rachel, Lorraine and Marina have been described as a “phenomenal team”. They aim to make the patient experience at Kingston’s William Rous Unit of the highest quality and are a fine example of how medical, nursing and management staff can work together to achieve success.

Developing potential Carrie Weller, Lead Trial Co-ordinator, Clinical Research & Development Carrie has shown great commitment to developing training and mentorship programmes for clinical research admin staff. The Royal Marsden’s high retention of research staff is due in large part to her work, which contributes to the success of every research project at the Trust.

RM magazine 23

Staff awards

Outstanding contribution Professor Cyril Fisher, Consultant, Histopathology Cyril, an international authority on the pathology of soft tissue tumours, has made a fantastic contribution to The Royal Marsden over the past 28 years.

Devoted to the application of new diagnostic methods in pathology, he has discovered three soft-tissue cancers and has 465 scientific publications.

Receiving their awards from Non-Executive Director Reverend Dame Sarah Mullally and Chief Executive Cally Palmer: (top row, from left) Jo Brunt; Jo Waller and Kelly McGovern; Chris Lovelace accepting the award on behalf of Steven Francis; (bottom row, from left) Professor Cyril Fisher; Ruth Chandler

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Unsung hero/heroine Jo Brunt, Ward Clerk/Receptionist, Medical Day Unit The relationships Jo has built with her colleagues and other departments have enabled her to synchronise all aspects of the chemotherapy prescription process, so that patients on the unit experience seamless visits.

Outstanding leadership Ruth Chandler, Children’s SLT Service Manager and Professional Lead, Sutton and Merton Community Services Ruth celebrated 30 years of working for

the NHS in 2011. She currently manages 45 staff across two boroughs and is steering through changes to commissioning of services with her usual professionalism, while maintaining her own clinical specialism and case load.

Jo Waller and Kelly McGovern, Sisters/Charge Nurses, Ellis Ward Jo and Kelly are a dynamic duo who have inspiring leadership qualities that have driven a turnaround on their ward – now a cutting-edge surgical ward delivering high-quality care to women with cancer.

The following staff were invited on stage in recognition of completing 20 years’ service at the Trust: Christina Adusei, Kate Brennan, Joy Brennan, Milee Choudhury, Janice Cooper, Patricia Daniels, Amelia Dionisio, Paul Druce, Terence Elliott, Timothy Flook, Tracey Gidman, Joanne Hunt, Richard Keane, Sue McDonald, Anne McLean, Sara McNeill, Trevor Nash, Jane Neil, Anna Orlowska, Anne Page, Janine Salter, Emma Saunders, Nadine Standen, Jane Tidmas, Jo Vick, Alan Williamson, Jackie Woodcock and Jonathan Wright. rm

Hospital groups

Pcag and the friends chelsea and sutton

The Friends of The Royal Marsden

Focus on Food Dr Clare Shaw, Consultant Dietitian, and Gareth Ferguson, Trust Catering Manager, met the Patient and Carer Advisory Group (PCAG) late last year to discuss catering initiatives at The Royal Marsden.

For the past few years, the hospital has been buying in meals from a cook-chill supplier but, in the last year, it has been trying meals produced by the chefs on site. Concerns about nutritional content, and a commitment to buying quality food from local suppliers when possible, has driven this change.

New recipes tested on hospital staff and patients have brought encouraging results, with high patient satisfaction and reduced

We’re listening Helping to improve patient experience at the hospital, The Listening Post meetings enable patients and carers to meet PCAG members and feed back confidentially on what has worked well and what hasn’t at the Trust.

The next sessions are on: Monday 19 March The Cherry Tree Café, Sutton, 1.30pm–3.30pm Friday 20 April Outpatients’ waiting room, Chelsea, 10am–12 noon Tuesday 15 May The Cherry Tree Café, Sutton, 10am–12noon

wastage. The changeover to Trust-produced foods will be completed by March 2012.

Other initiatives introduced to encourage patients to eat include a wider menu choice, reducing ward clinical activity to provide a setting conducive to eating, and offering patients the choice of a nourishing drink during the afternoon tea round. This latter service has been funded by The Friends of The Royal Marsden and is an extra service that is much appreciated by patients.

HAVING A SAY ON transport PCAG members have been working with the hospital’s Procurement Department on awarding a new contract for non-urgent patient transport.

They were involved in the detail of what firms should provide in their service, reviewed tender documents and fed back their recommendations.

Mandie Adams McGuire, Chairman of the PCAG, said: “This is a great example of our members being involved in a project from start to finish and working with other departments for the benefit of patients.”

The Friends, Chelsea The Friends of The Royal Marsden, Chelsea are continuously working to grow as an organisation. According to Jacquie Gulbenkian, Vice Chairman of The Friends, recruiting volunteers is the key to this growth: “It’s been a real challenge to improve the way we recruit. The process is now in line with that for The Royal Marsden’s employees, which emphasises the importance the Trust places on its volunteers.”

The Friends are active in many ways, including running The Friends canteen and shop, shop and hobby trolleys, arranging flowers, helping in the pharmacy, tending the garden and ‘meeting and greeting’ patients and visitors.

Chairman Wendy Crabb, a volunteer of 12 years, is at the forefront of raising The Friends’ profile and fundraising activity and says: “We’re lucky to have such loyal and dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to support the Trust. This will be another busy year for us.”

If you are interested in volunteering or want to find out more, please contact Camilla on 020 7352 3875 or email friends.chelsea@ rmh.nhs.uk

The Friends, Sutton The Friends’ sales in Outpatients continue to be very popular, taking place several days a week. Items sold are principally good-quality donated goods, such as bric-a-brac and unwanted gifts. Occasionally, however, craft items that have been made specially for The Friends are available.

We have to thank all those who make such items, but in particular, we would like to thank Anne Toms, whose Easter and Christmas sales are very popular. She makes all the items herself and donates all profits to The Friends. She has also held sales at Legal & General, which has matched the amount raised with its own donations to The Friends. Her hard work has raised more than £14,000 since 2004. Anne was formerly a member of the Belmont Crafties, who raised £7,000 for The Friends.

Jessica Dodwell, Chairman of The Friends, Sutton, would also like to thank the many generous donors and all the volunteers for their continued hard work.

For more information about The Friends at Sutton, visit www.friendsofthe royalmarsdensurrey.org.uk

Chelsea Friends: service with a smile

Anne Toms’ handmade gifts

RM magazine 25

The royal marsden cancer charity

The year ahead

The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity

Following a successful year for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, Chairman R. Ian Molson looks ahead to the plans and aspirations for the charity in 2012

ast year was an outstanding one for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, with the opening of the Oak Centre for Children and Young People (OCCYP), the installation of our first CyberKnife machine, and the inaugural Marsden March.

In 2012, the charity, with its devoted supporters and donors, is going to be more important than ever. In the current climate, I have no doubt that our reliance on charitable giving is going to increase if we are to deliver our plans for a new imaging floor at Chelsea and a translational genetics centre in Sutton.

As the country’s leading cancer treatment and research centre, we have a fantastic opportunity to position ourselves as the national institution that we are. Over the past three years, cancer charities in the UK have

received, on average, £1 billion a year in giving. Our share of that is £20 million, or two per cent.

This strikes me as too low for the country’s leading cancer centre. We owe it to ourselves, our supporters and our patients to try to increase our share of this support for cancer research and treatment from the UK public.

We are currently recruiting for a Director of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. This individual will help us move towards our goal, heading up the charity within the hospital while representing us to donors across the UK and the world. This work will include increasing support from people who wish to donate to the hospital’s ongoing work, such as our cutting-edge research and ground-breaking treatment, and changing perceptions of us as a local charity to one that has national relevance.

We have wonderful donors who raise money and donate to specific projects – for example, the Critical Care Unit, the OCCYP and the new Centre for Molecular Pathology.

We also want to provide more opportunities to give for those wishing to support our hospital and our work in general.

I am confident that with the work of the charity, the incredible support of our existing donors, and new supporters coming on board this year, the charity will continue to grow and support the work of The Royal Marsden.

We have wonderful donors who raise money and donate to specific projects r. Ian Molson, chairman, the royal marsden

The Oak Centre for Children and Young People’s rooftop terrace

26 RM magazine

Fundraising

parachute challenge If you want to take part in the ultimate adrenaline challenge, here is your chance.

The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity has places available for two parachute jumps taking place at Maidstone Airfield on bank holiday Monday 7 May 2012 and Saturday 22 September 2012. The May jump is filling up fast, so we’ve added a second date in September.

Places are free; all we ask is that you can raise a minimum

a great day out

amount of £395 sponsorship in return for your jump.

Colette Bateman, a nurse on Bud Flanagan Ward, took part in the event last year: “As well as a personal challenge, I wanted to do a sponsored skydive for the charity and help make a difference to our patients. It was nerve-racking, but one of the best days of my life.” To join our team this year, call Sarah Cassidy on 020 8770 0279 or email charity@royalmarsden.org

Marsden March 2012 Last year, 2000 patients, their families and friends joined staff at The Royal Marsden to take part in The Marsden March – a fun 14-mile walk between the Chelsea and Sutton hospitals.

This year, we doubled the number of places and had a fantastic response from our supporters. We hope to reach £1 million this year.

Walkers on Sunday 11 March will include celebrity supporters such as ex-Busted member Matt Willis and actor Nathaniel Parker. In addition to our full

14-mile route, there is a shorter option that follows the last five miles of the main route – a popular choice for families and teams of all generations.

Our walkers can find training tips and a fundraising pack as well as photos and a film from last year at www.royal marsden.org/march. To show your support you can cheer the walkers along the route or volunteer to help out at the event. For details of how you can still get involved, please visit the website.

Events calendar

Set yourself a challenge in 2012 and show your support for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

11 March The Marsden March 7 May Parachuting day 13 May London Olympic Stadia Trekathon 27 May BUPA London 10,000 10 June London Olympic Cycle Ride of Champions 17 June London to Brighton Cycle ride 22 September Parachuting day For information about other challenge events, visit www.royalmarsden.org/challenges

Centre for Molecular Pathology

Sponsor a day that’s special to you Whether it’s an anniversary, a birthday or a milestone in treatment, sponsoring a day at The Royal Marsden is a great way to mark a day that’s special to you and to help the 40,000 patients we see each year. You can sponsor a day either in your name or that of a loved one.

The name will be displayed on our calendar in the reception at either our Chelsea or Sutton site, as chosen by you, as well as featuring on our website on your chosen day. Look out for the Sponsor a day leaflet around the hospital, or sign up online at www.royalmarsden.org/day

The new Centre for Molecular Pathology (CMP) is due to open at the end of 2012. The CMP will bring leading scientists together under one roof, so research discoveries can quickly be converted into better ways to diagnose and treat cancer, making The Royal Marsden’s vision of personalised medicine a reality. To donate and to see a short film about the work of the CMP, visit www. royalmarsden.org/cmp

RM magazine 27

FOUNDATION NEWS

WE NEED MORE MEMBERS!

The Royal Marsden needs your help to increase its membership so that we can demonstrate growth to our regulator, Monitor. It is also important that the communities we serve and to whom we are accountable are fairly represented and involved in the Trust’s development.

Membership is a great way for anyone interested in what we do to make a difference.

Sign up as a Member and you will receive information about our work, including a copy of RM. If you want to get more involved, you can become a Level Two Member and receive invites to special events and tours, as well as more frequent communications.

All Members also have the opportunity to stand as a Governor on our Council of Governors at election time.

Members’ Week To encourage people to join us, we’re holding our annual Members’ Week from 27 February to 2 March. New Members joining that week will have the chance to win a prize, and there will be an incentive for current Members who recruit new ones. If you know friends or family who would like to get involved, encourage them to complete an application form by post or online.

Visit www.royalmarsden. nhs.uk for more details.

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Carer Governor John Preston

Members’ event We are planning to hold an event this summer that will include a tour of the CyberKnife Unit in Chelsea, celebrating its first anniversary at the Trust. If you would like to attend, please contact the Foundation Trust Office.

In the spotlight

environment in which the Trust operates and ensuring we communicate and engage sufficiently with Members.

The Carer Governor tells us why he stood for election and about his ambitions to persuade more people to become Members

Tell us a bit about yourself I’m married with two sons, who are both at university. I live near Battersea Park and work in insurance in the City.

How has The Royal Marsden developed from being a Foundation Trust during your time a Governor?

Excellence and innovation are still the focus. The Board has set a clear strategy and is delivering to a high standard. The Council of Governors has become an increasingly effective part of the overall governance of the Trust.

Why did you decide to stand for election to be a Governor?

When he was 13, my younger son had a malignant brain tumour. The care and advice we received from staff at The Royal Marsden was excellent. I wanted to give something back.

What are your aims as a Governor over the next year?

To become more familiar with the Trust’s operations and to increase engagement with carers who can offer many insights to improve standards and the patient experience.

What does a Governor do and what challenges do you face?

We represent the interests of Members and hold the Board to account for the Trust’s performance. The challenge is in understanding the complex

Why should people become Members?

You will have a greater say in how The Royal Marsden’s services are run. It’s easy and free to join, and the level of involvement is up to you.

JOHN PRESTON

Become a Governor In April, Patient Members who live in South West London or East Elmbridge & Mid-Surrey will be invited to nominate themselves to become a Royal Marsden Governor. The election will be for two seats on the Council of Governors for the South West London constituency and one for the East Elmbridge & Mid-Surrey area. If you are interested, please contact the Foundation Trust Office for further details.

Details of the election of the Public Governor representing Elsewhere in England Members will be included in the next edition of RM. Your Council of Governors Governors continue to be involved in key developments at the Trust. At the last Council of Governors meeting, they gave their views in discussion with the Chairman and the Directors about plans for the Integrated Cancer System (see page 4) and the Trust’s Quality Account. They also formally approved the reappointment of two non-executive directors.

Foundation news

Your Governors at a glance Having a say

MEMBERS’ EVENTS REVIEW he Trust held a special Members’ event in November at Chelsea to give people the chance to have an input into our Quality Account process.

Members learned about action being taken on some of the priorities for improvements that were identified by Members at an event last March.

Members also had the chance to meet Governors and staff, and tour the Ambulatory Care Centre, which includes a purpose-built medical day unit, clinical assessment unit and pharmacy unit.

Hosted by Liz Bishop, Interim Chief Nurse, the event included presentations about the development of the Information Prescription Service, which is being put in place to ensure the Trust improves information provision at every stage of the patient’s journey. Members were also updated on improvements to Patient Transport Services and the planned implementation of a two-stop process to improve chemotherapy waiting times.

Members gave feedback to staff and Governors on how the Information Prescription Service could be rolled out and on

the standards in Patient Transport Services that should be monitored to ensure the services meet patients’ needs.

A further event took place in February at our Sutton site, with guest speakers including Dr Clare Shaw, Consultant Dietitian, who discussed diet and nutrition during different stages of a patient’s pathway.

Members who want to be more involved in such activities (Level Two Members) receive personal invites, so if you would like to be included in this group, then please contact the Foundation Trust Office.

Dates for your diary Members’ event Due to take place this summer in Chelsea. Contact the Foundation Trust Office for more information.

Council of Governors meetings 29 February 2012, 11am–1pm, Board Room, Fulham Road, Chelsea 15 May 2012, 11am–1pm, Cripps Lecture Theatre, Sutton

Patient Governors ◆ Paediatric and Adolescent Stacey Munns ◆ South West London Anita Gray, Fiona Stewart, Raelene Salter, Edward Crocker ◆ East Elmbridge & Mid-Surrey Dr James Laxton, Chris Pelley ◆ Greater London Dr Geoff Harding, Hilary Bateson ◆ Elsewhere in England Sally Mason, Vikki Orvice Carer Governors Lesley-Ann Gooden, John Preston, John Howard Public Governors ◆ Kensington & Chelsea Dr Carol Joseph ◆ Sutton & Merton Tony Hazeldine ◆ Elsewhere in England To be confirmed Staff Governors ◆ Doctor Professor Ian Smith ◆ Nurse Lorraine Hyde ◆ Other clinical professional Nina Kite ◆ Non-clinical Kim Andrews Nominated Governors ◆ Institute of Cancer Research Cathy Scivier ◆ Primary Care Referrer Dr Chris Elliott ◆ South West London Cancer Network Alison Hill ◆ West London Cancer Network vacant ◆ London Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Councillor Robert Freeman ◆ Sutton & Merton PCT Dr Martyn Wake ◆ Croydon PCT vacant ◆ NHS Kensington & Chelsea Mable Wu ◆ Surrey PCT Michael Munt ◆ Cancer Research UK (charity) Kate Law ◆ University Partner vacant If you have any questions or would like to become a Member, call the Foundation Trust Office on 0800 587 7673 or email foundation.trust@ rmh.nhs.uk RM MAGAZINE 29

Puzzles & prizes

Test your wits

Win!

Complete our crossword and you could win a £50 John Lewis voucher SUDOKU

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Star letter

Dear RM, I want to express my gratitude for the amazing care I receive at the Marsden. I was diagnosed with breast cancer four years ago and had excellent treatment from the late Mr Querci and Oncologist Dr Mark Allan. I am now under Ms Rusby’s team.

One Sunday, I found another lump. The next day, I phoned Ms Rusby’s secretary to ask if I could bypass visiting my GP. She offered me a next-day appointment in Ms Rusby’s clinic. I was seen spot on at 3pm by a Senior House Officer and a Registrar, and by 4pm, I’d not only had an ultrasound but also the results.

The service you offer your breast cancer patients is PHENOMENAL and I cannot thank you all enough.

God bless, Claire Lacey

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Across 1 Group of musicians (9) 7 Eye socket (5) 8 Jockey (5) 9 Epoch (3) 10 Part of the foot (6) 14 Shrewd (6) 15 Cacophony (3) 18 Thigh bone (5) 20 Ice hut (5) 21 Court game (9)

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Fill in your details below when sending in your crossword competition entry. See right for details of our address.

Name

address

Prize crossword

Down 1 Woodwind instrument (4) 2 Floor show (7) 3 Consumes (4) 4 Despot (6) 5 Assistance (3) 6 Precipitous (6) 11 One of three (7) 12 Perplex (6) 13 Gaped (6) 16 Flightless bird (4) 17 Metal money (4) 19 Disorderly crowd (3)

contact details

Congratulations to Ian Bradbury, who won the winter issue’s crossword prize.

30 RM magazine

The lucky winner of our prize crossword will receive £50 of John Lewis vouchers.

We also welcome your thoughts on RM magazine and love to hear about your experiences at the hospital. Star Letters win a £50 John Lewis voucher.

Send your crossword or letter with your name and contact details to RM, Press Office, The Royal Marsden, Fulham Road, Chelsea, London SW3 6JJ. The closing date for entry is Tuesday 8 May 2012.

See below for prize draw rules.

PRIZE DRAWS & STAR LETTER TERMS & CONDITIONS: 1. The Prize Draws and Star Letter are open to all readers of RM except employees of the Press Office at The Royal Marsden and Sunday, who produce RM magazine. 2. The closing date for receipt of all entries is Tuesday 8 May 2012. Only one entry per person per draw.

3. Responsibility cannot be accepted for entries which are incomplete, illegible or not received.

Proof of posting is not proof of receipt. No cash alternative is available and prizes are not transferable. Value of prizes is correct at time of going to press. 4. Winners will be notified by post within 14 days of closing date. 5. The Promoter’s decision on any aspect of the promotions is final and binding and no correspondence will be entered into. 6. The Promoter reserves the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value should circumstances make this necessary.

7. Entry implies acceptance of rules. 8. The winner of the Star Letter prize of £50 of John Lewis vouchers is the sender of the best letter selected by RM magazine. 9. The winner of the crossword prize of £50 of John Lewis vouchers will be the first correct entry drawn out of the bag. 10. The Promoter is The Royal Marsden Hospital, 203 Fulham Road, London SW3 6JJ.

in the next issue RM brings you the latest hospital updates, research news, inspiring stories and exclusive interviews. The summer 2012 issue is coming soon…

ew scanning machines N for Sutton and Chelsea hotos from our second P Marsden March pdate on the new Centre U for Molecular Pathology

For The Royal Marsden Rachael Reeve – Director of Marketing and Communications Elaine Parr – PR and Communications Manager Belinda Payne – Senior Press Officer Catherine O’Mara – Senior Press Officer Marie-Thérèse Wright – Press Officer For Sunday Lucy Ryan – Editor Marc Grainger – Sub Editor Catherine Hopkinson – Art Director Lindsay Williams – Account Director Matt Beaven – Creative Director Toby Smeeton – Managing Director RM magazine is published by The Royal Marsden in partnership with Sunday: sundaypublishing.com © The Royal Marsden 2012. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited without prior permission of the Editor. The Royal Marsden and Sunday accept no responsibility for the views expressed by contributors to the magazine. Repro by F1 Colour. Printed by Pureprint.

Up for a challenge?

Are you looking for excitement, new experiences and a real sense of achievement?

Have you considered a challenge event for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity?

Our Challenge Events team can offer you a wide range of adventures from parachute jumps to marathons, walks along Hadrian’s wall, to cycling Vietnam.

The list is (almost) endless.

Email charity@royalmarsden.org or visit www.royalmarsden.org/challenges

Registered Charity No. 1095197