RM M A G A Z I N E WINTER 2019
HEALING HANDS How physiotherapy provides relief for cancer patients
The leading work of our expert plastic surgeons Inside the brand-new Maggie’s centre
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.
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EXECUTIVE NOTES
CONTENTS 4 Bulletin What’s happening around The Royal Marsden 12 A warm welcome A tour of the brand-new Maggie’s centre in Sutton 14 Life in plastic The vital work of our expert oncoplastic surgeons 17 It happened to me Jo North recounts her daughter Freya’s melanoma diagnosis 18 The new recruits Meet some of the latest group of newly qualified nurses 20 A day in the life We spend time with lead physiotherapist Thyone A Pana 22 We are what we eat Why hospital food is a high priority at The Royal Marsden 25 Uncommon ground The NIHR Biomedical Research Centre’s work in rare cancers 26 Fundraising News from The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity 28 Foundation news Updates from our Foundation Trust and Governors
WELCOME to the winter 2019 edition of RM, the magazine for our staff, patients, carers and Foundation Trust members. Every year, we are delighted to welcome a new group of newly qualified nurses as they start their careers in nursing at The Royal Marsden and join our wonderful teams working across the hospital. Read more about their stories on page 18. On page 14, we focus on the role of our oncoplastic surgeons, who work closely with the other surgical teams to ensure our patients have the best aesthetic, qualityof-life and survival outcomes. We also focus on the work of our oncologists and research teams, who recently received global media coverage for their exceptional work in improving outcomes for patients with melanoma, prostate cancer and lung cancer after trial results were announced at this year’s ESMO conference (page 7). This issue also looks at research updates in radiotherapy (page 5) and paediatric cancer (page 9), which demonstrate benefits for patients not only at The Royal Marsden, but also across the UK and around the world. I hope you enjoy this issue.
30 Puzzles and prizes Test your wits and win a prize with our crossword 31 Stay in touch Your comments on social media, plus hospital contacts
Cally Palmer CBE, Chief Executive, The Royal Marsden
ON THE COVER Thyone A Pana, Clinical Lead of Physiotherapy Outpatients
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B U L L E T I N W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G A R O U N D T H E R O YA L M A R S D E N
On the beam TOGETHER, THE ROYAL MARSDEN and The Institute of Cancer Research, London (ICR) have laid the foundations for today’s pioneering radiotherapy technology, which is improving outcomes for patients around the world. In the 1990s, we conducted one of the first trials of conformal radiotherapy, which evolved into intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). The Royal Marsden was the first NHS hospital in the UK to install the CyberKnife machine, which has been used in recent research (see opposite). And we have also marked a year of patient treatment on the MR Linac, the latest in radiotherapy technology (see page 6). This groundbreaking work will continue with the support of RadNet, a new nationwide research network that will accelerate the development of advanced radiotherapy techniques through world-first exploratory projects.
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INCREASING DOSES Dr Nicholas van As with the CyberKnife
? DID YOU KNOW? The Royal Marsden was shortlisted for the Best Recruitment Experience Award at the Nursing Times Workforce Summit Awards for its campaign to digitise recruitment for a tech-savvy workforce.
Picking up the PACE ADVANCED RADIOTHERAPY technology could safely deliver curative treatment for some prostate cancer patients in just one or two weeks, according to new research by The Royal Marsden and The Institute of Cancer Research, London (ICR). This is a significant reduction from the current standard of one to two months, and the first occasion that such a short timeframe of treatment has been investigated in a Phase III trial. In the PACE-B trial, published in The Lancet Oncology, researchers used ultra-hypofractionated stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) to deliver five higher doses of radiation to patients over one to two weeks. They found that in the three months after treatment, the side effects were no worse than those in patients who had the conventional therapy of moderate doses over a longer period.
Researchers are still awaiting data on long-term side effects and overall efficacy, with the treatment technique currently only available in a trial setting in the UK. Chief Investigator Dr Nicholas van As, Medical Director and Consultant Clinical Oncologist at The Royal Marsden, and Reader at the ICR, said: “We are focused on developing smarter, better and kinder treatments for patients across the UK and internationally. Developments in radiotherapy, such as SBRT, mean we can target tumours much more effectively. “Using SBRT to deliver this treatment would mean that patients could be spared numerous visits to hospital, allowing them to get back to their lives sooner.” During this trial, SBRT at The Royal Marsden was delivered by the CyberKnife machine, which was funded by donations to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. RM magazine 5
MR Linac: one year on THE ROYAL MARSDEN has marked its first year of treating patients on the UK’s first MR Linac. In September 2018, we became the first centre in the UK, and only the third in the world, to use the revolutionary machine, treating prostate cancer patient Barry Dolling as part of the PRISM trial. Our multidisciplinary team of clinical oncologists, physicists and therapeutic radiographers have gone on to treat almost 30 patients with prostate, rectum
The MR Linac allows us to see the anatomy in greater detail at the time of treatment
and bladder cancers, and recently treated the first cervical and ovarian cancer patients. All these patients are part of the clinical trials PRISM (for prostate cancer) and PERMIT (for multiple cancer types, including rectal, bladder, breast, gynaecological, pancreatic, oligometastatic – limited secondary tumours – and head and neck). The MR Linac combines two technologies – an MR scanner and a linear accelerator – to precisely locate tumours, tailor the shape of X-ray beams in real time, and accurately deliver doses of radiation to moving tumours. Consultant Clinical Oncologist Dr Susan Lalondrelle revealed that the MR Linac has allowed us to see the anatomy in greater detail at the time of treatment
and, in turn, adapt the radiotherapy plan accordingly each day. She said: “The progress we have made in the past year has been exceptional and a credit to the team. We are working towards using the imaging quality and real-time image acquisition to improve the pinpoint accuracy of treatment in fewer sessions and with less toxicity. “For some tumour sites, the MR Linac has enormous potential to transform the way we treat cancers and significantly improve patient outcomes. “We have so much to look forward to over the next year, with the team expanding the technical indications to include breast, head and neck, pancreatic and oligometastatic tumours – to benefit so many more patients.”
A STEP AHEAD Clockwise from far left: the MR Linac poised for action; patient Barry Dolling; the machine allows for more tailored treatment
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BULLETIN
Experts at ESMO
Theo’s special science teachers BUDDING SCIENTIST TheodoraAngelica Acha has been keeping up with her schoolwork during treatment, thanks to some special help from experts at The Royal Marsden and The Institute of Cancer Research, London (ICR). During treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma in the Oak Centre for Children and Young People, 12-year-old Theo found that she missed school and her studies –
especially the sciences. So the Paediatric Psychological Support team spoke to colleagues across The Royal Marsden and ICR, and more than 40 physicists, chemists and biologists offered to help Theo with her studies, giving one-to-one lessons on topics ranging from how radiotherapy machines work to space travel. Her mum, Zuoke, said: “The response really lifted her spirits.”
More than 40 scientists offered to provide lessons
BACK TO SCHOOL Young patient Theodora-Angelica Acha with scientists Ruby Callister, Oliver Gurney-Champion, Carol Box and Corrinne Brooks
? DID YOU KNOW? After entering for the first time, the Friends of The Royal Marsden, Chelsea won the award for Best Charity or Social Enterprise at the Kensington & Chelsea Business Awards.
Consultants from The Royal Marsden presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology Congress (ESMO) in Barcelona, where 25,000 attendees convened this autumn to learn about new advances in oncology. Professor James Larkin, Consultant Medical Oncologist, shared study results showing that a combination of two immunotherapy drugs has stopped metastatic melanoma advancing in more than half of cases, with one in two patients living beyond five years. Professor Chris Parker, Consultant Clinical Oncologist, presented his findings from the largest-ever trial of postoperative radiotherapy in prostate cancer, which indicated that men with the disease could be spared radiotherapy after surgery. Finally, Professor Sanjay Popat, Consultant Medical Oncologist, presented insights into his mesothelioma trial, the results of which could provide clues to developing improved treatments for many lung cancer patients.
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WELCOMING A SPECIAL GUEST In September, The Royal Marsden welcomed Lucy O’Riordan, the great-greatgreat granddaughter of our founder, William Marsden, who established the hospital in 1851. Lucy, a practice nurse from Gullane, near Edinburgh, was aware of her connection to The Royal Marsden through her family tree; her great grandmother Constance was William Marsden’s granddaughter. After attending a cancer care course in Scotland, she was inspired to visit us and discover more. Lucy and her husband Robert were given a tour by Chief Nurse Eamonn Sullivan, visiting areas such as the Critical Care Unit. The couple met ward staff and learned more about the hospital’s work. Lucy said: “It was great to have a tour and see all the old leather-bound accounts, records and old committee meeting books dating back to William Marsden’s time.”
AN IMPRESSIVE LEGACY William Marsden’s relative Lucy O’Riordan with husband Robert and Eamonn Sullivan
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MAKING THE CUT Bill Turnbull opens The Banham Marsden March earlier this year
Following Bill’s journey BILL TURNBULL, JOURNALIST and radio presenter, was the focus of a one-hour programme this autumn documenting his life after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Cameras followed Bill for a year as he underwent treatment at The Royal Marsden. Bill said: “For my family and me, it’s been a tough year, but one that we wanted to show on camera. By portraying my journey – with all its ups and downs – I hope to raise awareness about prostate cancer, and how important it is that it’s caught early. “The treatment and care I’ve received at The Royal Marsden has been amazing. The staff are so kind and compassionate, and I know I’m in the right hands.” The film – titled Bill Turnbull: Staying Alive – was broadcast on Channel 4 in October. It captured the uplifting moment
when Bill cut the ribbon at The Banham Marsden March in May, and his speeches to the 4,000 participants as they started their 15-mile walk from Chelsea to Sutton. He added: “Speaking to the people taking part – patients, friends and families – it was great to hear why they were getting involved and giving back to the hospital that helped them or their loved ones.”
“For my family and me, it’s been a tough year, but one we wanted to show on camera”
BULLETIN
Targeted drug approved for young patients A NEW CLASS of cancer drug that was trialled in the Oak Paediatric and Adolescent Drug Development Unit at The Royal Marsden has been approved for use in Europe. The Royal Marsden was the only UK centre to trial larotrectinib, a ‘tumour-agnostic’ drug that targets a specific genetic abnormality called an NTRK gene fusion. Dr Julia Chisholm, Consultant in Paediatric and Adolescent Oncology at The Royal Marsden, is the Principal Investigator for the ongoing SCOUT study, which tests the safety and efficacy of the drug for the treatment of tumours with NTRK gene fusion in children. She said: “The beauty of this drug is that it targets the abnormality in the tumour, and it is a step towards treating cancers based on genetics rather than site of origin in the body.” NTRK gene fusions can be found in sarcomas and some brain, kidney, thyroid and other cancers. Two-year-old Charlotte Stevenson was diagnosed with infantile fibrosarcoma at 14 weeks
old at her local hospital in Belfast. After a year of standard treatment, she was recruited onto the trial at The Royal Marsden. Her mum, Esther, said: “When we were told about the drug trial, it seemed very daunting, but we knew that our options were limited. We decided to give it a try and are so glad that we did. “We have been able to watch Charlotte develop at a rapid rate, making up for lost time and amazing us all with her energy and enthusiasm for life. She can now live a relatively normal life and, best of all, the drug has had an incredible impact on the tumour.” The Oak Paediatric and Adolescent Drug Development Unit is funded by The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
“It’s a step towards treating cancers based on genetics rather than origin”
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FAST FACTS The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity
£36.1m
raised from donations and legacies in 2018/19 – a 39% increase on the previous year
70
volunteers give up their time to help at Charity events
44,787
walkers have taken part in The Banham Marsden March since it started in 2011
3,000
Celebrate a Life stars are hung on the Christmas trees in Chelsea and Sutton each year
INCREDIBLE IMPACT Two-year-old Charlotte Stevenson received larotrectinib as part of the SCOUT trial
£100m raised over four years, funding equipment, research, treatment and care, and patient environments at The Royal Marsden
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IN BRIEF
Estée Lauder visit
Pictured above are Professors Ian Smith and Mitch Dowsett hosting a visit from Elizabeth Hurley, global ambassador for the Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign, in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. They also spoke to ITV’s This Morning about the progress being made in breast cancer research.
Founder’s plaque
A plaque commemorating William Marsden’s birthplace was unveiled in Sheffield in August. As a young man, William left the Yorkshire city to study in London before establishing the hospital now known as The Royal Marsden in 1851, following the death of his wife from cancer.
Musical youth
Young patients at The Royal Marsden can benefit from music-making sessions following the expansion of the Vocal Beats project to the hospital. Thanks to support from The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, the project, run by rb&hArts from the Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, is now taking place at the Oak Centre for Children and Young People.
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Q&A: ACOUSTIC CLUSTER THERAPY Professor Udai Banerji, Deputy Director of the Oak Drug Development Unit at The Royal Marsden and the ICR, discusses a trial that aims to enhance how we deliver chemotherapy Q What is acoustic cluster therapy? A An innovative approach, acoustic cluster therapy uses microscopic clusters of liquid droplets and bubbles to enhance delivery of chemotherapy drugs to tumours. A Phase I clinical trial of this therapy will be the first time that it has been delivered to patients anywhere in the world. The trial aims to evaluate
the safety and tolerability of acoustic cluster therapy, and will initially be carried out in patients with secondary liver tumours that have spread from the bowel, and those with pancreatic primary tumours. Q How will this therapy be delivered? A Delivering this treatment is a cross-team effort,
“It’s the first time this therapy has been delivered to patients anywhere in the world”
involving a radiologist, physicist and at least two nurses. One nurse is responsible for administering the standard chemotherapy the patient normally receives and, midway through, another nurse will mix up the microbubbles and droplets into microscopic clusters. These clusters are then injected into the patient along with their chemotherapy. At this point, the radiologist uses a standard ultrasound scan to convert the clusters into an activated form within the tumour. Once activated, with further ultrasound, the clusters help to ‘pump’ the drug into the tumour, greatly increasing the amount of the drug reaching the cancer cells. Q How will this benefit patients? A It could improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy by better targeting the tumour, reducing exposure to the rest of the body, and hopefully lowering the rate and severity of treatment side effects. Q What are the next steps? A If the trial is successful, acoustic cluster therapy could enter larger clinical trials or trials in other cancer types. We’re hoping it will be of notable benefit in tumours that are typically more difficult to treat, such as those of the pancreas.
BULLETIN
Vacuum biopsy technology on trial EMPLOYING TECHNOLOGY THAT uses vacuum power to take tissue samples from the breast could help surgeons map out where cancer remains after chemotherapy more precisely. Researchers at The Royal Marsden studied the benefit of using the minimally invasive imageguided vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB) technique in selected breast cancer patients who had finished their chemotherapy regime. The team found that VAB accurately
“This technique could pinpoint women with no remaining disease”
identified areas of residual cancer and which patients had successfully responded to chemotherapy. Lead author Ms Victoria Teoh, Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon, was awarded the Conquer Cancer Merit Award for the research at the ASCO Breakthrough meeting in Bangkok in October. Senior author Mr Marios Tasoulis, Locum Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon, said: “What is particularly exciting is the potential for this technique to accurately pinpoint women who have completely responded to chemotherapy with no remaining disease. We are carrying out further research to confirm whether surgery could be safely omitted for these women.”
It’s good to talk
? DID YOU KNOW? RM Partners was highly commended in the System Leadership Initiative of the Year category at the 2019 HSJ Awards, recognising the clear and collective leadership it provides through its partner organisations.
For the past three years, Schwartz Rounds have provided Royal Marsden staff with emotional support and a chance to reflect, listen and learn from each other. The monthly lunchtime sessions invite four members of staff to talk about the challenges of their work and what they have learned from a specific case. After this, audience members are given the opportunity to discuss their own similar experiences. Anna-Marie Stevens, Nurse Consultant in Palliative Care, is one of the facilitators of the Schwartz Rounds, and said that the format of the sessions works for both clinical and non-clinical staff. She said: “We have received some really positive comments from staff – in particular those working in nonclinical roles, who said the Schwartz Rounds have given them an opportunity to share the emotional aspect of working in a hospital. “Knowing that, for some staff, the rounds are contributing to making them feel valued and less isolated is so important.”
BETTER BIOPSIES Breast surgeons Mr Marios Tasoulis and Ms Victoria Teoh
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A WARM WELCOME
The Maggie’s centre at The Royal Marsden in Sutton opened its doors in October. We take a look inside the brand-new facility
Maggie’s offers free cancer support and information to patients, as well as to the friends and relatives of past and present patients. The services on offer at the new centre in Sutton will enhance the psychological support already provided by The Royal Marsden.
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Want to know more? Visit maggiescentres.org
MAGGIE’S CENTRE
Designed by Ab Rogers Design with landscaping by landscape architect Piet Oudolf, the centre provides a breathing space away from the hospital. With no need for a referral, anyone living with cancer can drop in for support in areas ranging from managing stress to money worries.
Maggie’s’ professional teams are developing a programme of groups and activities designed to make coping with cancer easier. Our Psychological Support and Pastoral Care team, funded by The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, is working with Maggie’s to ensure patients access the most appropriate support for them.
The centre is designed to be a bright, airy and comfortable space to help patients and their friends and family feel relaxed, and to provide a break from the clinical environment of the hospital. Here, visitors can meet people who understand what they’re going through or just take a quiet moment to reflect.
Patients and their family and friends can simply drop in – even if it’s just for a cup of tea and a chat. Patients who receive treatment in Chelsea can also visit Maggie’s at The Royal Marsden or, if more convenient, the centres at Charing Cross Hospital, Barts Hospital or the Royal Free Hospital. RM
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LIFE IN PL AS T IC At The Royal Marsden, oncological and plastic surgeons work side by side, using increasingly sophisticated reconstruction techniques to give patients a better quality of life than ever before THE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN The Royal Marsden’s oncological and plastic surgeons ensures that every patient who needs surgery is offered the most advanced options – not only to remove their cancer, but also to reconstruct their body and ensure the best possible aesthetic outcome. Each year, we carry out more than 630 oncoplastic surgical procedures, mostly involving breast cancer patients. However, reconstruction is a vital component of surgery for patients with many other cancer types. Mr Kelvin Ramsey, Consultant Plastic Surgeon and Clinical Lead in the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, says: “We meet regularly with surgeons across different tumour types to ensure we take the best combined approach, and review post-surgery. This is hugely beneficial for patients.” PLASTICS PARTNERS Consultant General Surgeon Mr Andrew Hayes (left) works with Consultant Plastic Surgeons Mr Aadil Khan and Mr Kelvin Ramsey
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For example, our plastic surgeons work closely with experts in the Sarcoma Unit. As a national and global referral centre for sarcoma, The Royal Marsden sees cases in which soft-tissue sarcomas – located, for example, on the back – have grown to many kilograms in weight. Once removed, they leave patients with a large defect that needs reconstructing. Sarcomas also occur on the arms and legs, and thanks to the shared expertise of the surgical and plastics teams, we’ve seen a reduction in the number of limb amputations for sarcoma patients over the years. Combined surgery Mr Andrew Hayes, Consultant General Surgeon and Surgical Oncologist, specialises in melanoma and sarcoma and regularly works on combined cases with plastic surgeons. He says: “The advances in free flaps – where a healthy piece of skin is removed from another part of the body and reattached using
microsurgery after the tumour is removed – means we are able to offer sarcoma patients a better quality of life than ever before.” Primary skin cancer is also increasingly managed by plastic surgeons in conjunction with the Skin Unit. Melanomas are most commonly found on the legs and trunk, while non-melanoma skin cancers such as squamous cell carcinomas often occur on the face. After surgical removal, both types leave a visible wound that requires reconstruction with skin grafts from elsewhere on the body or local flaps. Plastic surgeons regularly work on combined colorectal cases, usually involving locally advanced rectal carcinoma. The patient has major structures such as their colon, rectum and anus removed by colorectal surgeons before plastic surgeons take over to fill any voids with muscle, skin and fat from the abdominal wall or skin and fat from the buttock. And in complex gynaecological cases where a number of structures are removed from the pelvic >
ONCOPLASTICS
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area, the patient’s own healthy tissue is used to prevent empty pockets filling with fluid and becoming infected. Breast expertise Many women undergoing breast surgery benefit from our plastic surgeons’ ability to use the patient’s own body to reconstruct their breast. About 80 per cent of The Royal Marsden’s plastics cases are breast reconstructions, and most women who undergo a mastectomy are able to have microsurgical reconstruction in the same operation if they wish. This includes the deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap procedure, which involves removing skin and fat from the abdomen to form a new replacement breast, and the transverse upper gracilis (TUG) flap, which uses the upper thigh instead of the abdomen. Mr Stuart James, Consultant Plastic Surgeon, says: “We are leaders in breast reconstruction surgery and have a huge amount of experience in complex microsurgeries. We’re very proud of our success rate with this technique, which is well above the national average. We have just reviewed our last 1,000 DIEP flap reconstructions, and the failure rate was just 0.2 per cent.” Some breast cancer patients require affected lymph nodes under the arm to be removed to reduce the risk of cancer spreading, but this can result in a swelling called lymphoedema. Until now, the only treatment has been the use of compression garments, but The Royal Marsden is pioneering a new surgical technique – lymphaticovenous anastomosis (LVA) – to relieve the swelling. “The procedure involves rerouting the lymphatic fluid by joining lymphatic vessels to small veins positioned just under the surface of the skin,” says Mr Aadil Khan, Locum Consultant and co-author of a study of LVA published in the British Journal 16 RM magazine
of Surgery. “We have recently opened the world’s first randomised control trial in this technique, which has the potential to become the standard of care for breast cancer patients and to make a big difference to their quality of life.” Nurses on hand In addition to the skill of our surgeons, nursing care is critical to the success of reconstructive surgery. Every morning, the plastics nursing team – Advanced Nurse Practitioner Jon Knox and Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNSs) Lynn Worley, Laura Spence and Laura Powell – check on patients who have had reconstructive surgery. They ensure wounds are healing correctly and provide wound management advice. Each CNS also runs their own wound management clinic for the ongoing care of patients and is trained in nipple tattooing – a highly specialised skill that involves matching the look and shape of a breast reconstruction to the existing breast. RM
POST-SURGICAL CARE Clinical Nurse Specialists Lynn Worley and Laura Spence
A PATIENT’S PERSPECTIVE Delilah Jeary, 43 “I was diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma – a type of breast cancer – in November 2017 and was eligible for a DIEP flap reconstruction along with my mastectomy. “For me, it was important to still feel like myself after the operation. The surgeons explained that the advantage of a DIEP flap is that it uses part of your own body and could last much longer than an implant – possibly even forever. “The operation took eight hours in total, and I went home after five days. I feel incredibly lucky that I’ve gone through this process, healed quickly and had no complications. It’s just amazing to get back to my family and my life.”
IT HAPPENED TO ME
NOW MY DAUGHTER HAS FINISHED TREATMENT, WE’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO ENJOYING THE SIMPLE LIFE Jo North, 45, mum of melanoma patient Freya, 10
Freya had just turned nine when she was diagnosed. When we were given the news, our clinical team at the Oak Centre for Children and Young People said that as it was so rare for someone of her age to get melanoma, they would design her treatment plan with input from the adult oncology team that specialised in the disease. Very early on, Freya wanted the doctors and nurses to talk directly to her, not just to her parents. The oncologists, plastic surgeons, doctors, nurses and specialists took the time to explain everything to her so well that she wants to be a surgeon or a nurse when she is older.
“Aside from the excellent treatment Freya has received, we have been so well supported emotionally”
AS MANY PATIENTS and families who have had treatment at The Royal Marsden will understand, you have something in your head that you’re most looking forward to doing when it’s finally all over. For my daughter Freya, who has recently completed a year of immunotherapy, it was ringing the bell to mark the end of her treatment. But for me, it was something far simpler: getting back to a normal and quiet life.
I can’t wait for friends to ask what we have been up to so I can say “nothing much”. During the past three years, my husband and I, along with Freya and her two sisters Sadie and Carys, have moved back to the UK from Australia, moved houses and schools several times, started new jobs and dealt with the absolute shock of Freya being diagnosed with melanoma.
She is so fond of all the team that she named her chickens after them. We have Villy after her plastic surgeon, Angelini after her consultant and Vicki after one of the nurses. Aside from the excellent treatment Freya has received, we have been so well supported emotionally by all the staff. It’s incredible how a cancer diagnosis can change everything, including the way you live your life. Before, we were preoccupied with everyday things, racing around and working too hard. Now we have managed to rearrange our work to spend more time with the kids, and we are looking forward to finding ways to enjoy the simple things in life. RM
Dr Paola Angelini Consultant Paediatric Oncologist “Freya’s parents had to make many difficult decisions over a short time, based on limited evidence. They wanted to have all the information, and they involved Freya from the start. The adult melanoma team and I worked closely together in every aspect of Freya’s care. Thanks to this, we were able to offer Freya the best possible treatment.”
Freya says:
“When I was diagnosed, I didn’t understand how serious it was until I was told I’d need a whole year of treatment after two operations. Although the treatment has made me feel tired, I don’t mind coming into the hospital. Mum and I love reading RM magazine and learning about the hospital, and I really like the nurses as they are so kind. I also liked that I could order crisps and juice from the kitchen while having my treatment.” RM magazine 17
T HE NE W R ECRUI T S THIS AUTUMN, MORE THAN 50 newly qualified nurses (NQNs) – who have all completed a BSc in nursing, or a conversion course if they had previously served as a nurse overseas – joined The Royal Marsden. Over the next year, these nurses will be supported in their roles by their preceptor – an experienced nurse who helps their NQN to learn new skills, to deal with the pressure that comes with being a nurse, and to seek out further training and education opportunities. Eamonn Sullivan, Chief Nurse, says: “I still remember the excitement and pride I felt at putting on my first uniform as a fully qualified nurse and knowing I had my whole career in front of me. “This new group is the next generation of nurses and joins everyone else at The Royal Marsden to deliver the best treatment and care to every single patient.”
Every year, NHS trusts across the country welcome an intake of newly qualified nurses. We meet four rookies who are taking the first steps in their nursing careers at The Royal Marsden
Jade Scott, 24
Granard House Nursing runs in my family. My grandma and mum were both nurses and I’ve always loved what they did. Nursing isn’t something you just do – it’s something you love doing. One of my university placements in Dundee was in oncology and I really felt at home in that environment. The consultant there spoke very highly of The Royal Marsden, so I was thrilled
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when I was accepted as an NQN here. I’ve been made to feel incredibly welcome by both the staff and the patients – it’s as if I’ve been here forever.
“Nursing isn’t something you just do – it’s something you love doing”
NURSING
Amanda de Oliveira, 34
Horder Ward I qualified as a nurse in my home country of Brazil in 2010. When I moved to the UK, I could not immediately join the nursing register, so I became a healthcare assistant at The Royal Marsden. After four years, I enrolled on an 18-month adaptation course at university, and I am now a staff nurse on Horder Ward. My mum was a healthcare professional and I knew that I wanted to do the same thing and help people. I’ve felt incredibly welcome at The Royal Marsden – everyone is working together to give every patient the best treatment and care they can. I can never see myself doing anything else – being a nurse is who I am.
“I’ve felt incredibly welcome – I can never see myself doing anything else”
Brydie-May Forzani, 24
Critical Care Unit Like so many others, cancer has touched my family. This made me want to provide a positive experience for individuals and families going through such a difficult and vulnerable time. It inspired me to become a healthcare assistant on West Wing at The Royal Marsden, where I stayed for two and a half years before starting my nursing training. As part of my nursing degree, my final placement was in the Critical Care Unit (CCU). Here, it all clicked into place, so that’s where I applied – and I was thrilled I got accepted. You care for your patients one-to-one on CCU, which allows you to get to know them incredibly well and promotes individualised patient-centred care.
Tapiwa Sahondo, 24
Bud Flanagan West I come from a family of healthcare professionals – nurses, midwives, pharmacists and doctors – so caring for people is in my blood; it’s all I wanted to do. If I won the lottery, I’d still want to be a nurse. As soon as I did my placement in haematology at The Royal Marsden, I fell in love with it and knew I wanted to stay here. I’m so glad I made that decision and I now want to learn as much as I can, increase my knowledge in oncology and haematology and be the best nurse I can for my patients. RM RM magazine 19
A DAY IN T HE L IF E OF
T H YONE A PA N A CLINICAL LE AD OF P H Y S I O T H E R A P Y O U T PA T I E N T S I’VE BEEN WORKING as the Clinical Lead of Physiotherapy Outpatients at The Royal Marsden in Chelsea for just over a year. I have more than 15 years’ experience as a musculoskeletal specialist, so I’m really happy to be able to bring my expertise to cancer patients. The physiotherapy teams across Chelsea and Sutton work together – each physiotherapist has a different area of expertise and we value each other’s knowledge. The team also supports junior physiotherapists and students through their journey of development. I arrive at work at 8.30am and go through my emails, process referrals, book appointments and write reports before my clinic starts at 9am. I book an hour for new referrals, and follow-up appointments tend to be 30 minutes long. A holistic approach On busy days, I could see as many as 12 patients, but I normally see about eight on average. Trying to prioritise our patients is crucial, as early intervention often means better outcomes. I would never compromise on quality, regardless of the volume of referrals. I believe in a holistic approach to therapy based on the latest 20 RM magazine
A D AY I N T H E L I F E
“I’ve known patients to cry with relief after I’ve helped them regain movement” evidence, and my aim is to improve patients’ quality of life – both physically and psychologically. One of the most common problems I treat is when a breast cancer patient’s radiotherapy has been delayed because they can’t lift their arm into the required position. This is a result of axillary web syndrome – also known as cording – which sometimes develops as a side effect of sentinel lymph node biopsy or lymph node removal in surgery. By manually stretching out soft tissue and gently ‘breaking down’ the cording, I can increase the patient’s range of movement, allowing them to continue treatment. I’ve known patients
to cry with relief after a session has helped them regain movement. Aiding recovery My aim is to reduce the severity of musculoskeletal problems by facilitating movement and managing pain. It is important that I listen to my patients and tailor my treatments for a more personalised outcome. This includes getting to know them and their families, listening to what they want to achieve and helping them reach their goals. I use techniques such as myofascial release – which is a hands-on technique working on connective tissue – scar tissue release, joint and spinal mobilisation, postural correction, and exercises to help increase range of motion and muscle strength. To complement treatment, I can also provide acupuncture for pain and symptom management. Working with colleagues across the Trust is essential. I work closely with occupational therapists, the lymphoedema team, speech and language therapists, the pain
HANDS ON Thyone uses physio methods such as manual therapy and acupuncture to help improve cancer patients’ quality of life
management team, consultants, and our Exercise Specialist Adrian Fautly. Having Adrian on our team means we can provide our patients with both pre- and post-operative rehabilitation. My clinic usually finishes around 5pm, after which I complete that day’s notes and start prepping for the next day. I love working at The Royal Marsden – helping my patients and their families is incredibly rewarding. RM RM magazine 21
WE ARE WHAT WE E AT The Royal Marsden’s award-winning catering team ensures that patients, staff and visitors alike are served fresh, tasty and nutritious food during their time in hospital 22 RM magazine
H O S P I TA L F O O D
WHAT’S COOKING?
214,255
inpatient meals were served at The Royal Marsden in 2018/19 –
1,512
HOT AND FRESH A patient receives a nutritious meal (left); food is prepared by The Royal Marsden’s in-house catering team (above and far left)
EARLIER THIS YEAR, hospital catering made the headlines when the government announced a review of the food served to patients across the NHS. The Royal Marsden’s Catering Department has long been a leader in this area, providing award-winning food for patients, staff and visitors alike. The Trust featured in a number of TV news bulletins when the review was launched back in August, which gave us the opportunity to highlight the quality of our food and our fantastic catering teams, as well as to hear from Consultant Dietitian Dr Clare Shaw and patients on the wards. Every day, we serve around 1,250 freshly prepared meals across Chelsea and Sutton, putting food at the heart of care for our patients and supporting the health and wellbeing of our staff and visitors. With all food being prepared on
the premises, a 138-strong catering team comprising skilled chefs, kitchen staff and ward hosts works tirelessly to ensure fresh, tasty and nourishing meals are delivered to the wards on time for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We also run two restaurants – the Cherry Tree in Sutton and the Mulberry Tree in Chelsea – that offer a range of nutritious hot and cold food options for staff and visitors. The high quality of our food is demonstrated by our two Food for Life accreditations: Silver for patient catering and Bronze for retail catering. This award scheme from the Soil Association provides a framework to help hospitals ensure that staff, visitor and patient food is ethical, sustainable and fresh, is free from additives and trans fats, and meets nutritional guidelines. The hospital also scored highly in the 2018 CQC
Adult Inpatient Experience Survey for the food it provides. “The catering team are immensely proud of the services they run in the hospital, and a lot of hard work has been done to ensure we deliver nutritious and delicious food to our patients, staff and visitors,” says Dominic Gunn, Head of Catering. “The Royal Marsden’s catering team and dietitians work closely to ensure we meet the highest quality standards.” Supporting nutrition For cancer patients in particular, eating the right food is crucial. This is why Dr Shaw created The Royal Marsden Cancer Cookbook, which features 150 delicious and healthy recipes that help patients and their families eat well before, during and after cancer treatment. Her clinical work covers all methods of nutritional support for people >
hot and cold drinks are served to Royal Marsden inpatients every day on average –
629kg
of British Farm Assured roast beef was cooked at The Royal Marsden in 2018/19 –
140m+
meals are served to NHS patients across the country every year
RM magazine 23
H O S P I TA L F O O D
“Diet has a strong bearing on your ability to withstand treatment” on what food can support and nourish them during their cancer journey.”
receiving treatment for cancer, including intake of food and fluids, enteral tube feeding and parenteral nutrition. “I’m very proud of the service we have here at The Royal Marsden,” Dr Shaw says. “We cook everything in-house and discuss with the catering team about the sort of food we want to provide, as well as tasting it before it goes on the menu for patients. “The proof is in what our patients say, and they speak very highly of the food here. We get their feedback and then we act on what they’ve said – we’re always looking for ways to improve the patient experience.” Supporting cancer patients from a nutritional perspective is critical for their overall recovery, says Dr Shaw. If a patient’s nutrition is not addressed, they don’t cope as well physically or 24 RM magazine
MEALS ON WHEELS Food is cooked in one of The Royal Marsden’s busy kitchens (above) before being delivered to the wards (below right)
psychologically and can end up staying in hospital longer. “Diet has a strong bearing on your overall health and your ability to withstand treatment; there is much truth in the saying ‘you are what you eat’,” says Dr Shaw. “The food we consume affects whether we lose or gain weight and can influence our muscle strength and how we feel. “For many people, a diagnosis of cancer leads them to reconsider their diet and how it can be improved, or they may want to ensure they can continue to eat the right balance of foods. There may be times during or after treatment when people are required to follow a special diet, and some treatments may lead to side effects such as loss of appetite, sore mouth or changes in taste. Our team is always on hand to help and advise patients
Tastes and treats As well as teams catering for adult patients across the hospital, there is a dedicated service at the Oak Centre for Children and Young People (OCCYP). Shirley Moore, OCCYP Head Cook, says: “We cook whatever our patients would like to eat – within reason – as their taste buds often change with treatment. We’re always looking at new ways to encourage patients to eat, such as hosting parties for the younger children and handling requests for their favourite meals. “We work closely with the clinical teams and parents to ensure the younger patients are eating as well as they can. For the teenagers, we host brunches – we’ve had hundreds of these to date – and themed food evenings on a Friday, such as American Diner night or Italian night, where we make pizza as a treat.” RM
UNCOMMON GROUND Our researchers are at the forefront of efforts to understand and treat rare cancers such as brain and spinal tumours RARE AND LESS COMMON cancers – those other than the four most common malignancies of breast, prostate, lung and colorectal – account for 46 per cent of all cases but 54 per cent of deaths. It is this disparity between diagnosis and mortality rates that means The Royal Marsden and the ICR’s research into these 200 or so diseases – particularly brain and spinal tumours – is so crucial. There are two main aspects to the work of The Royal Marsden’s Neuro-oncology Unit. The first focus is on primary brain and central nervous system tumours. The second is on secondary cancer – where it has spread to the brain or central nervous system from another area in the body.
“Compared with other types of cancer, these are rare and hugely varied,” explains Dr Liam Welsh (pictured), Consultant Clinical Oncologist. “We aim to treat patients to maximise their quality of life and overall outcomes. With treatment, some can have a long life expectancy, and sometimes even a cure. “For primary tumours, we’ve seen improvements in diagnosis, thanks to better tools for classification. If we are able to distinguish the microscopic differences between tumours, we can give patients more appropriate and personalised treatment. “Another improvement we’ve seen is that thanks to advances made in imaging and radiotherapy
technology, we can target tumours more precisely, which means fewer side effects for patients.” Dr Welsh is working closely with The Institute of Cancer Research, London (ICR) and St George’s University Hospitals to build a preclinical programme of research. “We’ve established a brain tumour tissue biobank in the Centre for Molecular Pathology,” he says. “Analysing these samples will enable further characterisation of tumours at a molecular level. With the ICR, we hope this could lead to new ideas for treatment – it really is an example of ‘bench to bedside’ and back again. “It’s a unique scenario to have the NIHR BRC here at The Royal Marsden and ICR. With our Drug Development Unit, we are able to develop Phase I trials, which are so crucial with this specific tumour group.” One of the key aims of the NIHR BRC is to translate biological understanding into improved diagnosis, treatment and outcomes. This is reflected in the work of the Neuro-oncology Unit. “We need new drug treatments,” says Dr Welsh, “so our focus is on learning what we can about tumours, identifying new drugs, and rapidly evaluating their effectiveness.” RM
Want to know more? Learn about the BRC’s work at cancerbrc.org
What is the Biomedical Research Centre?
As a Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), The Royal Marsden and The Institute of Cancer Research, London receive funding from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) to support our groundbreaking work. RM magazine 25
Wyndham’s Walk
10 years and counting THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY of The Banham Marsden March next year will be special for many people for many reasons, but especially for those walkers who have taken part every year since the event started in 2011. Mary Woods, Nurse Consultant at The Royal Marsden, is one of those walkers. “The Banham Marsden March is a key event in my diary each year,” she said. “It’s an opportunity to support the
“The Banham Marsden March is a key event in my diary each year” 26 RM magazine
hospital and, more importantly, the patients on their cancer journey. “I’m proud to add my support and join in this event each year to raise funds and awareness of the ongoing treatment and care offered by The Royal Marsden.” At the 2020 event, we’ll be fundraising for a very special cause: the construction of the Oak Cancer Centre in Sutton. Due to open in 2022, the centre will vastly improve patient facilities and help speed up the development of new treatments – transforming the lives of cancer patients at The Royal Marsden and around the world.
Want to know more? There are still some places left for the event on Sunday 3 May, but sign up quickly at royalmarsden.org/march to make sure you don’t miss out!
SHOW OF HANDS Supporters during the 2019 Banham Marsden March
Henry Wyndham (above), renowned auctioneer and ex-Sotheby’s Chairman, has raised almost £600,000 for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity after hiking more than 185 miles along Offa’s Dyke Path in stifling heat this summer. The walk was in memory of his older sister, who died in 2015 from breast cancer, and his close friend, who died in January 2019 from lung cancer. It was the second trek he has completed for charity, and raised funds for equipment to aid early diagnosis. “I don’t know anyone who hasn’t been touched by cancer,” Henry said. “Both deaths were big blows to me personally and instigated the idea for another fundraising walk. I’ve always been a strong believer in turning a negative into a positive, and I thought if I could help prolong even one life, something good will have emerged.”
T H E R O YA L M A R S D E N C A N C E R C H A R I T Y
IN IT FOR THE LONG RUN MORE THAN 260 runners joined Team Marsden in October to brave the rain and mud and take on the Royal Parks Half Marathon. Royal Marsden staff joined patients, former patients, friends and family members to run 13.1 miles through the beautiful parks of central London, all to raise money for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. Special congratulations go to Adrian Fautly from The Royal
Staff joined patients, friends and family to run through the parks of central London
Treadmill triumph in Harry’s memory
Marsden’s physiotherapy team, who finished 18th overall out of nearly 16,000 runners. And a big thank you goes to everyone who came to volunteer their time and cheer on our runners – we couldn’t do these events without their help. We will have a team of 40 joining us in the Virgin Money London Marathon in April 2020. If you were lucky enough to get a place in the general ballot, we would love you to join Team Marsden and help us continue to improve the lives of people affected by cancer at The Royal Marsden and beyond.
Want to know more? For more information about running for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, contact rachel.johnston@rmh.nhs.uk
TEAM SPIRIT One of the 260 supporters in the 2019 Royal Parks Half Marathon
Ex-Royal Marine Alex Crump raised more than £23,000 after running an epic 26 hours on a treadmill – and covering the equivalent of four back-to-back marathons – in London’s Broadgate Circle to raise money for Harry’s Giant Pledge. Set up by James and Charlotte Shaw three weeks before their son Harry died after being diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, Harry’s Giant Pledge has so far raised more than £324,000 for research into the disease. Harry, who passed away in June this year, would have celebrated his sixth birthday the day before Alex, a family friend, started his challenge. Alex said: “It was exhausting – both physically and emotionally – but it really was the least I could do. I drew on Harry’s can-do spirit to get me through, and I’m delighted to have completed the challenge in his memory and to raise money to help others in the future.”
Contact The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity Telephone 020 7808 2233 Email charity@royalmarsden.org Visit royalmarsden.org Registered Charity No. 1095197 RM magazine 27
PROGRESS UPDATES AT AGM GUESTS AT THE ANNUAL General Meeting, held in Chelsea in September, had the chance to attend two fascinating presentations about ongoing work in radiotherapy and the redevelopment of our Sutton site. As is customary, Chairman Charles Alexander, Chief Executive Cally Palmer and Chief Financial Officer Marcus Thorman first updated attendees on the Annual Report and Accounts for 2018/19. Following this, Dr Katharine Aitken, Consultant Clinical Oncologist, and Dr Helen McNair, Lead Research Radiographer, spoke about the ‘MR Linac – one year on from the UK’s first patient’. They discussed the benefits of the MR Linac for patients and 28 RM magazine
how they are working with colleagues across the world to develop this technology. In September 2018, The Royal Marsden treated the first patient in the UK, and the third in the world, using the MR Linac. Since then, we have treated almost 30 patients as part of clinical trials across a range of tumour types. Following this, Karl Munslow Ong, Chief Operating Officer, presented on ‘The Royal Marsden – building for the future’. He
covered the range of developments taking place and the plans for the Sutton site, including the Maggie’s Centre, Oak Cancer Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research’s Centre for Cancer Drug Discovery and the London Cancer Hub. Karl also updated attendees about the new Private Care diagnostic and treatment centre in Cavendish Square and the digital transformation programme, which will benefit both patients and staff over the next five years.
Our Chief Operating Officer spoke about the plans for the Sutton site
MAKING HEADWAY Dr Katharine Aitken spoke about the MR Linac
F O U N DAT I O N N E W S
PARTNERSHIPS AND QUALITY
WE WERE DELIGHTED to host our members’ event on Partnerships and Collaborations from a research, digital and cancer alliance perspective this summer. Dr Naureen Starling (pictured), Consultant Medical Oncologist and Associate Director of Clinical Research, highlighted the innovative research that the Trust is involved in with other partners.
Following this, Dr Christina Messiou, Consultant Radiologist, presented on the Trust’s Digital Research Strategy and the ways that artificial intelligence can enhance whole-body imaging. Finally, Nicola Hunt, Managing Director of RM Partners, of which The Royal Marsden is the host, explained how the West London Cancer Alliance is working
together to improve cancer survival outcomes. The autumn members’ event focused on Quality Improvement. Andrew Dimech, Deputy Chief Nurse, summarised the Trust’s quality priorities from the previous year, and members were asked to provide feedback on the quality priorities proposed for the coming year. Attendees also heard from Jatinder Harchowal, Chief Pharmacist and the new Head of Quality Improvement, about the Trust’s Quality Improvement Strategy. Members were also invited on an exclusive tour of the new Maggie’s Centre, which opened its doors in October. Find out more on page 12. We would like to thank all our members who attended these events, as well as the speakers for their presentations. Want to know more? If you are not already a member and would like to be invited to our next event in the spring, please contact Rebecca Hudson, Member and Governor Lead, on 020 7808 2844 or email trust.foundation@rmh.nhs.uk
GOVERNORS ON THE WARDS As part of our membership and engagement activities, our Governors are taking part in a series of visits to our wards and clinical areas to meet patients, the public and staff, who in return can provide feedback about their experiences. Shirley Chapman, Public Governor, said: “It’s important that we understand both the staff and patient experience. “I’m particularly keen to know whether patients understand the role of supportive therapies and whether there is enough access to these opportunities, both during and after treatment.” Tom Brown, Patient Governor, added: “My most important role is to bring the experience and voice
of the patient into how the hospital is run, so we can make the journey for patients as humane, efficient and effective as possible. Clinical visits and ward rounds will be a vital part of my duties.” Carer Governor Tim Nolan paid a visit to Smithers Ward and the Medical Day Unit in Sutton. He said: “My late wife Sue was treated on the Drug Development Unit here, so it was good to visit different areas of the hospital. “All the staff I met were simply fantastic and it was great to hear their feedback. It was very reassuring to hear how visible they felt the hospital leadership was and how supported this made them feel.”
Dates for your diary Board of Directors meeting 25 March 2020 Council of Governors meeting 1 April 2020 Board of Directors meeting 9 June 2020 Council of Governors meeting 1 July 2020 To attend any of these meetings, please call 020 7808 2844 or email corporate. governance@ rmh.nhs.uk
Keep in touch To contact your Governor, email governors@ rmh.nhs.uk or telephone 020 7808 2844
Become a member To sign up and become a member, visit royalmarsden. nhs.uk/ membership or call 020 7808 2844 to request a membership form
RM magazine 29
PUZZLES & PRIZES
PRIZE CROSSWORD
Send your crossword with your name and contact details to RM, PR and Communications Team, The Royal Marsden, Fulham Road, Chelsea, London SW3 6JJ. The entry closing date is Friday 7 February 2020. See below for prize draw rules. Autumn 2019 crossword solution Across 1 Cacti 4 Basle 6 Sardine 8 Demon 9 Emoji 11 Ellen 13 Steam 14 Scented 16 Chess 17 Music Down 1 Chandlers 2 Caramel 3 Ibsen 4 Barge 5 Ski 7 Enigmatic 10 Ocelots 12 Notes 13 Sodom 15 Ewe Congratulations to Mr GF Swaine, the winner of the autumn 2019 issue’s crossword prize. 2
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THE TEAM
Try the fiendishly tricky numbers puzzle – it’s just for fun
FOR THE ROYAL MARSDEN
4
The lucky winner of our prize crossword will receive a £50 John Lewis & Partners gift card.
1
SUDOKU
17
6 7 3 4 7 8 9 7 9 4 8 1 2 4 9 8 4 3 8 1 7 5 2 4 1 6 4 9 3
CROSSWORD CLUES Across 2 Minute portions of matter (9) 6 Alphabet (1.1.1) 7 Flower (7) 8 Famous tower (6) 9 Gemstone (4) 11 Spice (4) 12 Central American country (6) 16 Floating, frozen mass (7) 17 Distress signal (1.1.1) 18 Precious stones (9)
Down 1 Long-legged bird (5) 2 Ocean (7) 3 Monetary unit of India (5) 4 Part of the eye (4) 5 Not big (5) 10 Clergymen (7) 11 Sends by post (5) 13 Composer (5) 14 Support for painting (5) 15 Netting (4)
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WINTER 2019 PRIZE CROSSWORD ENTRY FORM Fill in your details below when sending in your crossword competition entry. See above for details of our address. NAME ADDRESS
POST CODE TELEPHONE
30 RM magazine
PRIZE DRAW TERMS AND CONDITIONS 1. The Prize Draw is 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 Friday 7 February 2020. Only one entry per person per draw. 3. Responsibility cannot be accepted for entries that 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 prize 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. 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 crossword prize of a £50 John Lewis & Partners gift card will be the first correct entry drawn out of the bag. 9. The Promoter is The Royal Marsden, Fulham Road, London SW3 6JJ.
Rachael Reeve Director of Marketing and Communications Elaine Parr Head of PR and Communications Abby Samuel PR and Communications Manager Catherine O’Mara Senior PR and Communications Officer Hannah Bransden Senior PR and Communications Officer Francesca Vitale Senior PR and Communications Officer Orla Anandarajah PR and Communications Assistant
FOR SUNDAY Marc Grainger Editor Mark Wheeler Art Director Sian Purdy Designer Jenny Hogan Account Director Richard Robinson Content Director Sam Walker Creative Director Toby Smeeton Managing Director RM magazine is published by The Royal Marsden in partnership with Sunday: wearesunday.com © The Royal Marsden 2019. 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.
S TAY I N T O U C H
COMMENT, LIKE, SHARE Join the conversation on Twitter @royalmarsden and @royalmarsdenNHS Facebook @royalmarsden, @royalmarsdenchelsea and @royalmarsdensutton Instagram @royalmarsden Twitter
Foodwise Women @FoodwiseWomen A big thank you for the NHS’s older nurses. Having a ‘motherly’ figure help me through an uncomfortable procedure made all the difference. She must have been at least 10 years younger than me but I felt about nine and well cared for. #RoyalMarsden #oldernurses #wonderfulNHS travelprincess99 @ruth_clark #billturnbull my Mum was treated at The Royal Marsden @royalmarsden it’s an absolutely amazing place, they do wonderful work.
Ray Jones I attend here every 4 months for an MRI scan on my brain tumour, one of the cleanest hospitals I’ve been in and all the staff from reception to consultants are amazing, in particular the radiologists, they are the best.
Simon Lovestone @Simon_Lovestone Grateful to the NHS – especially Royal Marsden for fantastic treatment. Wonderful teams, superb modern medicine but it’s a nurse’s kind words in the middle of a hard night during chemo that I remember the most.
Gayna Ryan I was in CCU on the 30th July. I was treated amazingly. Everyone is so lovely. Then transition to the ward with hand over, so kind. Even hellos from the staff when other patients were moved onto my ward. I can’t praise enough. Such support when you are so scared. Thank you x
Louella10 @louella10 Three years to the day since my breast cancer surgery I’m delighted to say I’ve just had my scans and I’m so grateful to be in remission. Thanks to my amazing surgeon Fiona MacNeill of @royalmarsden [above]
STAY IN TOUCH WITH THE ROYAL MARSDEN CANCER CHARITY
CONTACT THE FRIENDS OF THE ROYAL MARSDEN, CHELSEA
CONTACT US CALL THE ROYAL MARSDEN, CHELSEA
020 7352 8171
CONTACT THE ROYAL MARSDEN HELP CENTRE For confidential chat, support and information, call
CALL THE ROYAL MARSDEN, SUTTON
0800 783 7176
020 7808 2233
CALL US
CALL US
VISIT US ONLINE royalmarsden.nhs.uk
or visit royalmarsden.nhs.uk/ your-care/royal-marsdenhelp-centre
EMAIL US charity@royalmarsden.org
EMAIL US friends.chelsea@rmh.nhs.uk
VISIT US ONLINE royalmarsden.org
VISIT US ONLINE formc.uk
Registered Charity No. 1095197
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020 8642 6011
WANT TO WORK AT THE ROYAL MARSDEN? Visit jobs.royalmarsden.nhs.uk READ RM MAGAZINE ONLINE royalmarsden.nhs.uk/ rm-magazine
For general feedback, compliments, concerns or complaints, send us a message royalmarsden.nhs.uk/ contact-us/get-in-touch
020 7352 3875
Look out for the spring 2020 issue of RM – coming March 2020 RM magazine 31
Dr Hubank
Head of Clinical Genomics
Paula Proszek Research Scientist
Cancer. It affects the lives of people all over the world. So we’re bringing world-leading experts together to stop it. Ready to join our team with a monthly gift? Discover more and give now at royalmarsden.org/team or call 020 7808 2233. Let’s stop cancer together. Registered Charity No. 1095197