Connect: how our biggest technology project ever will transform the Trust
Creature comforts: therapy dogs bring joy to the wards
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.
4 Bulletin
What’s happening around
The Royal Marsden
11 Connect four
We meet the Connect Digital Health Record team
14 Hounds on the rounds
How therapy dogs are bringing joy to the wards
16 Revealing research
Our experts unveil key findings at the 2022 ESMO Congress
18 The imaging innovators
Embracing new technology in diagnostic imaging
21 It happened to me Emma Campbell’s 12-year cancer journey
22 A day in the life
With Fiona Fox, Aseptic Services Technician
24 Family matters
How therapy helps families cope with cancer 26 Fundraising
News from The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity
28 Journeys into research
Two early-career researchers discuss their work
29 Foundation news Updates from our Foundation Trust and Governors
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
ON THE COVER
Fiona Fox, Aseptic Services Technician
Some photographs in this issue were taken prior to the COVID-19 pandemic and may not reflect current PPE guidelines
to the winter 2022 edition of RM, the magazine for our staff, patients, carers and Foundation Trust members. In this issue, we meet some of the team behind our revolutionary digital programme, Connect, powered by software provider Epic, which is launching in spring 2023 (page 11). Connect will transform the way we work by replacing many of our current paper- and computer-based systems with a single electronic patient record system. When a young person is diagnosed with cancer, it is often an intensely stressful and emotional time for the patient and their family. In this edition, we highlight how
The Royal Marsden supports young patients and their families with our Paediatric and Teenage Psychological Support Service, which is funded by The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. You can read all about the service and how it has supported a young patient on page 24. Animal therapy is accepted as having powerful benefits for hospital patients, so we are delighted to welcome our five new therapy dogs. On page 14, you can meet Buddy, one of the dogs bringing some positivity by providing comfort and companionship to our patients and staff.
I hope you enjoy this issue.
IT’S BEEN 160 YEARS since The Royal Marsden first welcomed patients at its then-new site on Fulham Road, shown here in this 19th-century illustration. Founded as the Free Cancer Hospital in 1851 by Dr William Marsden, the hospital was the first in the world dedicated to the study and treatment of cancer. It was initially located at 1 Cannon Row, Westminster, but quickly outgrew its original premises and moved several times during the 1850s. Then, in 1855, a generous loan of £3,000 from the hospital’s patron, Baroness Burdett-Coutts, made it possible to purchase the Fulham Road site, which opened to patients in 1862. The hospital was granted its Royal Charter of Incorporation by King George V in 1910 and was named The Cancer Hospital (Free), becoming The Royal Cancer Hospital in 1936. Later, in 1954, it was renamed The Royal Marsden Hospital in recognition of Dr Marsden’s vision and commitment, and is known today as The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.
Right: sarcoma surgeon Mr Myles Smith. Below: Sirius Pintuition’s magnetic seed
ROYAL MARSDEN SURGEONS have become the first in the UK to perform a sarcoma operation guided by Sirius Pintuition, a hi-tech device that locates disease with millimetre precision.
Developed by Sirius Medical, Pintuition consists of a small magnetic seed –roughly the size of a grain of rice – and a detector. Ahead of surgery, a radiologist inserts the seed into the site of the tumour. The surgeon then uses the detector to precisely locate the seed and remove the cancerous tissue.
The device was originally designed to help locate early-stage breast tumours, and, in 2021, The Royal Marsden became the first UK centre to use it in this setting.
Consultant Surgical Oncologist Mr Myles Smith, who led the sarcoma procedure, said: “Sarcomas can be found anywhere in the body. Locating the disease during surgery can be challenging.
“Fortunately, we’re entering a golden age of surgical planning and guidance, with many technologies – like Sirius Pintuition – being developed to make cancer surgery more precise and effective.
“Next, we plan to use this technology for other tumour types, including melanoma and other soft-tissue sarcomas.”
The Royal Marsden has joined forces with Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust to share research data and recruit patients to clinical studies, ensuring both trusts can maximise the benefits of their research for cancer patients.
The partnership will involve The Royal Marsden contributing anonymised digital mammograms and associated radiological and pathological data to the Royal Surrey’s OPTIMAM breast-imaging database, which will be used for exploratory or specific academic research and training purposes.
In addition, both trusts will collaborate on recruitment for research in head and neck and upper gastrointestinal cancers. For example, Royal Surrey surgeon Mr Nima AbbassiGhadi will recruit patients to a study looking at new techniques for diagnosing oesophageal cancer earlier, led by Mr Sacheen Kumar, Consultant Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeon at The Royal Marsden.
ROBOTIC SURGERY CAN improve survival rates and reduce recovery times for some people with recurrent head and neck cancer, an international study led by researchers at The Royal Marsden has revealed.
The RECUT study, which received funding from The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, looked at 278 head and neck cancer patients who had transoral robotic surgery (TORS) at 16 centres across the globe. It found that
72 per cent of this group survived for at least two years – an improvement on other current treatments.
It also found that TORS patients may recover faster, reducing the need for medical equipment to support breathing and eating.
Patient Michael Thick, 72, underwent TORS when he was diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer for the second time in 2019.
He said: “Robotic surgery was a very attractive choice as the alternative would have been open surgery followed by full facial reconstruction. Instead, I was able to go home after just three nights in hospital. My recovery was
thankfully quick and uneventful, and I’m now cancer-free.”
Study lead Professor Vinidh Paleri, Consultant Head and Neck Surgeon, said: “Recurrent head and neck cancer can be incredibly difficult to treat. For these patients, TORS is an extremely welcome innovation.”
“My recovery was quick and I’m now cancer-free”THEATRE TECH Above: a surgical robot at The Royal Marsden. Below: TORS patient Michael Thick
From left: Professors Samra Turajlic, Andrew Hayes and Christina Messiou
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE six Royal Marsden clinicians who have been awarded titles by our academic partner, The Institute of Cancer Research, London (ICR), acknowledging their contributions to academic excellence, teaching and leadership.
Consultant Medical Oncologist Samra Turajlic, Consultant Surgeon
Andrew Hayes and Consultant Radiologist Christina Messiou all gain the title of Professor.
Meanwhile, Consultant Clinical Oncologist Dr Kate Newbold, Consultant Paediatric Oncologist Dr Julia Chisholm and Consultant Clinical Oncologist Dr Anna Kirby now have the title of Reader.
Professor Turajlic, who specialises in using novel therapies to treat kidney cancer and melanoma, said: “I’m delighted with this recognition and would like to thank all my colleagues at The Royal Marsden, the Francis Crick Institute and the ICR for their support.”
Professor Hayes, who specialises in the surgery of soft-tissue sarcoma, malignant melanoma and other rare tumours of the skin and soft tissue, said: “I’m hugely indebted to all my PhD students who have worked with me over the past decade, and to all my scientific collaborators at The Royal Marsden and the ICR. I am looking forward to continuing this research.”
Professor Messiou said: “The award of the title of Professor from the ICR is a huge honour. I am immensely grateful to my collaborators and colleagues.”
Professor David Cunningham, Director of Clinical Research at The Royal Marsden, said: “I am extremely pleased for all who received their academic titles from the ICR.
“The Professor and Reader titles really reflect the breadth of research and teaching these consultants carry out for the benefit of all cancer patients, on top of their clinical commitments, every day.”
From left: Dr Kate Newbold, Dr Julia Chisholm and Dr Anna Kirby
“The titles reflect the breadth of research these consultants carry out”
We have renewed our status as the only National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) specifically focused on cancer.
Over the next five years, the NIHR BRC at The Royal Marsden and The Institute of Cancer Research, London (ICR), will help deliver the key priorities for cancer stated in the NHS Long Term Plan: earlier and faster diagnosis, molecular diagnostics, more effective treatments, better outcomes and faster recovery.
Professor David Cunningham, Consultant Medical Oncologist and Director of the NIHR BRC, said: “I’m extremely pleased that we have once again secured funding for our BRC and welcomed two new partners: the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre and City, University of London.
“The NIHR BRC will continue to play a crucial role in supporting infrastructure and funding, which will provide researchers at The Royal Marsden and the ICR with more opportunities to develop innovative new treatments for cancer patients.”
OLAPARIB, A PRECISION MEDICINE that was pioneered by The Royal Marsden and The Institute of Cancer Research, London, has been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for patients with high-risk early-stage breast cancer.
In the 2000s, our researchers supported several early clinical trials that showed the benefits of olaparib for people with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations in their tumours. For breast
cancer patients who carry these faulty genes, the drug can help prevent their cancer recurring and improve their chances of survival.
Earlier this year, the Phase 3 OlympiA trial, which involved patients from The Royal Marsden, showed that adding olaparib to standard treatment for this patient group cut the risk of death by nearly a third after an average follow-up of three and a half years.
Professor Stephen Johnston, Head of the Breast Unit, said: “This is a vital step for women with early-stage inherited breast cancer, who currently have high recurrence rates. This drug can offer protection against the cancer coming back and, crucially, extend lives.”
“This drug can offer protection against the cancer coming back”
At The Royal Marsden, there are more than 425 volunteers who give up their time to support our staff and enhance the patient experience across the Trust. Let’s meet…
I joined the NHS volunteer team at The Royal Marsden in May this year. Earlier in my career, I worked as a nurse in palliative care and cancer support, so I felt that volunteering here would be a good fit for my skills and personality.
I like to be busy and active, so the role of discharge support volunteer seemed ideal. The role involves supporting the patient discharge team and ward staff by helping to
ensure patients who are heading home are discharged smoothly. My responsibilities include delivering forms to the outpatient pharmacy, collecting medicines for patients to take home, and escorting patients from the ward areas to meet their transport home.
It can be quite daunting for patients to go back out into the world. But I think our presence is often enough to help take the edge off any anxiety that people may be feeling about making the transition from hospital to home. Sometimes, I’ll simply sit and chat to a patient while they’re waiting to be picked up in the discharge lounge.
Belinda enjoys meeting and supporting patients
I love feeling part of a team. I really enjoy interacting with ward staff and feeling busy around the hospital. I also like meeting and chatting with patients and making myself available to support them at a difficult time.
It is an honour and a privilege to be part of the NHS volunteer team at The Royal Marsden. I would highly recommend becoming a volunteer here. Come and join us!
Want to know more? Are you interested in volunteering at The Royal Marsden? Find out how to get involved at royalmarsden.nhs. uk/volunteering-royal-marsden
Sharing the real-life experiences of Royal Marsden patients – through our website, social media channels, fundraising appeals or media opportunities – is really important. When our patients tell us their stories, they can help raise awareness of different cancers and the pioneering work of the hospital. They can help others who have received a cancer diagnosis feel less alone. And they can inspire people to raise vital funds for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
Miranda Ashitey, secondary breast cancer patient, said: “I’m passionate about sharing my story to help others and support The Royal Marsden’s work.
“There aren’t many people like me, who are black, identify as a woman and on the LGBTQ+ spectrum, who share their cancer stories openly. It’s so important to talk – if we normalise cancer by talking, we could even save lives.”
Want to know more?
If you’d like to share your story, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with us at pressteam@rmh.nhs.uk
“Sometimes, I’ll simply sit and chat to a patient as they wait”SPEAKING UP Miranda Ashitey
Congratulations to all who received awards at The Royal Marsden School’s graduation ceremony in October. The Yasmin Drayton Prize was awarded to Helen O’Toole (above, left), Lead Nurse Clinical Educator, to recognise her outstanding contribution to clinical education and practice over the past five years.
Patients are invited to join The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity-funded Sing Out London choir, which meets on Wednesday afternoons at CW+ Studio at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. For people affected by cancer, singing is proven to help reduce anxiety and depression. Please email victoria. hodges@rmh.nhs.uk for more information.
We’re looking for people to join a study of acupuncture for the treatment of fatigue associated with long COVID. The research, funded by The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, is recruiting 160 people with or without cancer whose condition fits the definition of long COVID. To learn more and to register your interest, please email acu-covid@rmh.nhs.uk
Catherine Sharkey, The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity’s Oak Cancer Centre Ambassador and Business Support Officer at The Royal Marsden, discusses our new facility as we count down to its opening
Q What inspired you to become an ambassador for the Oak Cancer Centre?
A I was treated for breast cancer at The Royal Marsden and took part in a clinical trial, so I really wanted to give something back as a way of saying thank you. Becoming an Oak Cancer Centre Ambassador alongside my role at the Trust seemed like a great way to do this. It’s an incredibly exciting project that will bring so much expertise under one roof.
Q What will the centre mean for patients and staff when it opens its doors?
A The centre is going to bring patients, staff and researchers together in one space at our Sutton hospital. With research projects going on right on our doorstep, the aim is that we’ll be able to offer more effective and innovative treatment options to patients. The building will also benefit our staff, as it’s been designed with their needs in mind.
Q What aspects of the new building are you most excited about?
A It has been designed to be a calm, tranquil and welcoming space with access to everything on one floor. The large windows will bring in lots of light, and being able to look out onto a green space will make the whole experience of coming to hospital a lot easier for patients at what can be a scary time in their lives.
Q What does being an ambassador involve?
A I tell everyone I meet and work with about this amazing building, including friends and family. I sometimes think the Oak Cancer Centre is all I talk about! I explain how lucky we are to have this in the local area, in case they or a loved one need it one day. I also tell people how they can raise funds to support it. The Banham Marsden March was a great opportunity to raise awareness among those taking part. I’m so pleased to be continuing this work over the next few months as we move closer to the building opening.
Want to know more? Find out how you can support the Oak Cancer Centre at royalmarsden.org/appeal
“I tell everyone I meet about this amazing building. I sometimes think it’s all I talk about!”
As we get ready to launch the revolutionary Connect Digital Health Record system next spring, we speak to the team spearheading the programme about the exciting benefits for staff and patients. Meet the…
THERE ARE JUST A few months to go until Connect – our new Digital Health Record, powered by Epic – goes live. It’s the largest and most important digital transformation programme in The Royal Marsden’s history.
By replacing many of our current paper- and computer-based systems with a single electronic patient record system, Connect will provide our staff with access to all patient information in one place. This will help them work more efficiently and allow them to spend more time with patients.
For our patients, Connect promises to transform the hospital experience. The MyMarsden patient portal will give them the ability to see their own medical records and contact their clinical teams directly using a computer or mobile device.
Here, some of the team involved in developing Connect discuss their roles, how the platform has the potential to revolutionise our day-today work, and why they’re so excited about it going live in spring 2023.
Contributor: Jo McGillivray, DHR Communications and Marketing Lead“I started working at The Royal Marsden in the finance team. Over time, I began specialising in Digital Transformation finance, and I was given the task of writing the business case for Connect.
“It’s amazing to see how the programme has grown from the outset and how many people have also got the ‘Connect bug’. Everyone on the programme is so excited about the incredible potential of the new system, and they now share the passion I’ve had since the very start. I can’t wait to see the programme through to
completion and for all the benefits we know are possible to come to life.
“One of the biggest challenges we have is how quickly the programme needs to run. We’re a few months away from ‘go-live’ now and can’t waste a day.
Getting there will take a huge amount of hard work.
“Connect will make daily life so much more efficient for our hard-working staff, and therefore better for our patients. I just can’t wait to see what it will achieve!”
“One of the reasons I love working at The Royal Marsden is that we’re at the forefront of emerging treatments and care. It’s been so exciting to be involved in this transformation as it happens.
“From a nursing perspective, our priorities are ensuring patient safety, improving patient outcomes and providing patientcentred care. I believe Connect will help us to do just that.
However, one of the elements I’m most looking forward to is the improvement in communications on so many levels.
“Clinical multidisciplinary teams will no longer have to come out of the patient record to send an email to discuss a patient’s care. They can just drop colleagues a note in a secure chat, which is so much more efficient.
“The MyMarsden patient portal will also ensure patients can communicate directly with their care teams. They’ll have instant access to their own medical records, allowing them to update their care records, interact with medical staff and get involved with research.
“With all these new tools, I’m looking forward to the future.”
“Patients will have instant access to their own medical records”
James Pritchard Charge Nurse and Nursing Information Officer
“Everyone is so excited about the incredible potential of the new system”
Ciara Gill Connect Programme Manager
“I’ve always had an interest in digital technologies in healthcare. My Royal Marsden research is actually looking at wearable technology and how it can help us monitor patients at home while they’re on treatment for cancer. So, when I first heard about the Connect programme, it seemed like an opportunity that aligned with both my research and clinical interests.
“I think the benefits of the programme go beyond just what Connect will do for us immediately, such as increasing
efficiencies and improving patient care. But, more than this, it will also give us information and data to help us with our ongoing research.
“I genuinely believe that with better digital technology, we can make a real difference to patient outcomes. In the future, we may even be able to use digital tech to identify patient deterioration before it happens. This is still a long way off, but there’s such exciting potential.
“For me, ‘go-live’ is the first step into a really exciting future.”
“When I first started working at The Royal Marsden 13 years ago, I came from a hospital that didn’t have an electronic patient record – it was completely paperbased – so having access to a digital system was incredible.
“Over the years, I’ve seen several improvements to our current systems, but Connect
is going to be revolutionary. I can’t wait to have all that information at my fingertips. We do between 50 and 60 CT scans a day, so any added efficiency makes a huge difference to us and the number of patients we’re able to see.
“I also love the fact that the new system will provide safety checks. For example, we always make sure patients with pacemakers are only scheduled for suitable scans, but the system will flag this too – it’s an additional layer of safety.
“The patient is always at the centre of everything we do, and we’re all in this together to improve their lives. Change can be tricky, but if we all pull together, I think we’ll see real efficiencies for our patients.” RM
“With better digital technology, we can make a real difference to patient outcomes”
“Connect is going to be revolutionary. I can’t wait to have all that information at my fingertips”
Khadija Begum Diagnostic Radiographer and Information Officer
Dr Nadia Yousaf Consultant Medical Oncologist and Divisional Chief Clinical Information Officer
Meet Buddy, one of five therapy dogs bringing some paws-itivity to our hospitals by providing comfort, companionship and cuddles to our patients and staff
Buddy meets patient Margaret Preece (above), visits Pharmacy staff (right) and goes for walkies in the Chelsea hospital (far right)
ANIMAL THERAPY IS accepted as having powerful benefits for hospital patients. Studies show that the presence of companion animals can improve patients’ wellbeing simply by making the hospital environment happier, more enjoyable and less overwhelming.
We’ve had lots of requests to introduce companion animals at The Royal Marsden, so we approached Pets as Therapy (PAT) – a charity that enlists volunteers to visit healthcare centres across the UK with their pets – to see if any local owners were keen to bring their dogs into our hospitals.
Now, we’ve welcomed five PAT dogs to the Trust, including Buddy the cockapoo, who is available to visit patients in Chelsea. When they’re around, they’ll provide physical and emotional benefits by helping to lower patients’ blood pressure and overall pain, as well as reducing anxiety, loneliness and depression.
Of course, the health and safety of both our patients and the pets are paramount. Like all PAT dogs, Buddy and the other dogs who visit our hospitals are specially trained and accredited to ensure they have the right
temperament for these unfamiliar environments. They’re also fully vaccinated, and each situation they encounter is risk assessed with the help of our Infection Prevention and Control Team.
Buddy’s owner, Lisa Drewitt, jumped at the chance to volunteer at the Trust, as the hospital has a very special place in her heart.
“Not only was my auntie treated here, but they also cared for me during my own journey with cancer, so it only felt right to volunteer at The Royal Marsden,” she says.
“Within days of bringing Buddy home, we knew he was a special dog with a big heart. He qualified as a Pets as Therapy dog this year.
“It’s lovely to see everyone smile when Buddy is walking around the hospital. The patients really enjoy his presence. He brought two strangers together and, as Buddy and I left, they continued to talk to one another. I left with a smile and a warm feeling in my heart.”
Barry Pridmore, Head of Volunteers, adds: “The aim of the PAT programme is to brighten the moods of people in the hospital. We’ve heard so much positive feedback from patients and staff. It’s been fantastic to see the joy on people’s faces.” RM
Staff can request a PAT dog to visit their patients by emailing volunteer_enquiries@rmh.nhs.uk
“It’s lovely to see the smiles when Buddy is walking around”
Our experts joined leading oncologists from around the world at the 2022 European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress in Paris in September to showcase the latest in cancer treatment and care. We highlight some of the key headlines from the event
Major accolade for Royal Marsden expert Ahead of the congress, it was announced that Consultant Medical Oncologist Professor Samra Turajlic had won the 2022 ESMO Translational Research Award for her outstanding work in the field. She was commended for her studies on cancer evolution, particularly in kidney cancer with the ADAPTeR and TRACERx clinical trials, as well as research into how COVID-19 affects cancer patients through the CAPTURE study, which was funded by The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
Professor Turajlic says: “I am very grateful for this award, which recognises our success in initiating large-scale translational studies at The Royal Marsden and combining
them with leading-edge science at the Francis Crick Institute. My greatest thanks go to our patients and their families for their unreserved commitment to research.”
Above: Professor Samra Turajlic. Below left: Professor Chris Parker
Hormone therapy can help keep prostate cancer at bay Practice-changing results from the Phase 3 RADICALS-HD study, which enrolled nearly 3,000 patients since its launch in 2007, were presented by Professor Chris Parker, Consultant Clinical Oncologist at The Royal Marsden and Professor of Prostate Oncology at The Institute of Cancer Research, London (ICR).
The study found that in men receiving radiotherapy after surgery for prostate cancer, the addition of six months of hormone therapy offered minimal advantages. However, adding a longer, twoyear course of hormone therapy to radiotherapy did improve long-term cancer control.
“The new information from this study will ensure clinicians can
better tailor treatment for prostate cancer patients following surgery,” Professor Parker says. “This will mean some receive a more effective treatment while sparing others from unnecessary interventions.”
Cancer-killing viruses offer hope in advanced diseases
Researchers led by Professor Kevin Harrington, Professor of Biological Cancer Therapies at the ICR and Consultant Clinical Oncologist at The Royal Marsden, have found that RP2 – a modified version of the herpes simplex
Above: Dr Susana Banerjee. Below: Professor Kevin Harrington
virus – showed signs of effectiveness in a third of patients with advanced cancers.
The trial involved patients with a range of cancers – including skin, oesophageal and head and neck – who had exhausted other treatments, such as by not responding to checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy.
These early findings suggest that cancer-killing viruses have the potential to benefit some patients for whom other forms of immunotherapy haven’t worked.
Drug trio shows promise in incurable ovarian cancer Dr Susana Banerjee, Consultant Medical Oncologist at The Royal Marsden and Team Leader in Women’s Cancers at the ICR, presented positive results from a study of a three-drug combination for recurrent ovarian cancer –an aggressive and usually incurable disease.
The Phase 2 MEDIOLA study evaluated olaparib, durvalumab and bevacizumab – as well as a dual treatment of olaparib and durvalumab – in patients with non-germline BRCA-mutated platinum-sensitive relapsed ovarian cancer. More than a third of patients who received
Jacky Phillips, 80, ovarian cancer patient on the MEDIOLA trial
“I was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1999 and had treatment at The Royal Marsden.
“But, in 2017, I ended up back here after doctors discovered my cancer had returned. It was absolutely devastating to be told that it wouldn’t be operable this time and I probably only had a few months to live.
“I was offered the opportunity to join the amazing MEDIOLA trial. It was an absolute lifeline for me. I call the drugs my magic pills and infusions.
“I feel so privileged to be receiving this treatment. I’m so very lucky to still be alive and feeling so well at 80.”
the triple-drug treatment showed no progression in their disease after a year.
Dr Banerjee says: “These results are particularly exciting. Recurrent ovarian cancer can be very difficult to treat, and, for many patients, the disease will progress on chemotherapy. But this innovative drug combination has demonstrated promising results that could see more women having tumour shrinkage and surviving longer without their cancer worsening.” RM
Thanks to its focus on research, the Department of Diagnostic Radiology is at the forefront of developing new ways to visualise cancer inside the body
IN THE LOOP Consultant Radiologist Professor Dow-Mu Koh
IMAGING IS AN essential part of cancer care and research at The Royal Marsden, enabling our clinicians to visualise the structure and function of the body’s internal organs. It’s used to diagnose cancer, assess how a patient is responding to treatment and plan surgery and other treatment options.
Our Department of Diagnostic Radiology uses techniques such as CT, MRI, ultrasound, general and interventional radiology and mammography to scan patients during diagnosis, staging, treatment and follow-up.
“Radiographers work at the forefront of imaging technology,” says Erica Scurr, Lead MRI Superintendent Radiographer. “Part of my role involves working to make sure that radiographers embrace new technologies in order to develop.
“It’s amazing to watch them do well and be such an important part of the multidisciplinary imaging team. Because of the work we all do, new technologies make a real difference to patients’ experiences and treatment outcomes.”
Moving forward Research advances in imaging over the years mean we can diagnose patients earlier, assess their disease more effectively, and better see how
Above: Erica Scurr, Lead MRI Superintendent Radiographer.
Below: Consultant Radiologist Professor Christina Messiou
well their treatment is working, so that the right treatment can be given at the right time.
“Developments in imaging research start with utilising the best equipment, optimising the scanning, and developing new techniques, which we do very well,” says Professor Dow-Mu Koh, Consultant Radiologist. “Then we apply advanced processing to the high-quality imaging output, from which we can extract unique and novel information.”
Thanks to support from the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), the NIHR Royal Marsden Clinical Research Facility (CRF) and The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity-funded AI Imaging Hub, we have been able to expand our imaging
research portfolio for the benefit of cancer patients worldwide.
Between 2017 and 2022, The Royal Marsden’s NIHR CRF was the only one in England dedicated to cancer imaging research. It worked in partnership with the Charity-funded Oak Foundation Drug Development Unit and the NIHR BRC to support early-phase experimental medicine research using advanced imaging techniques. This work was underpinned by our state-of-theart scanning equipment and a multidisciplinary team of specialist clinical research and support staff.
“An important part of our imaging research is around better and earlier diagnosis of cancer,” says Professor Koh. “We are looking at how new technology can solve problems that have not yet been solved – that’s the pioneering spirit behind what we do.”
Today, one of the growing focuses of our imaging research is artificial intelligence (AI). A multi-centre study, funded by the NIHR Invention for Innovation programme, is
“Radiographers work at the forefront of imaging technology”
testing AI-driven software developed by The Royal Marsden and our commercial partner, Mint Medical, which can read whole-body MRI scans and assess the extent of bone disease in patients, including those with prostate bone cancer and myeloma.
“Unlike CT scans, whole-body MRI scans can detect cancer in the bone marrow before it has caused destruction of the outer bone cortex, meaning a diagnosis can be made much earlier,” says Consultant Radiologist Professor Christina Messiou.
can remove some of these timeconsuming tasks, which enables us to get to work more quickly on diagnosing and treating patients.”
Digital-ready
Professor Messiou and Professor Koh are Co-Directors of the AI Imaging Hub, which is bringing academics and clinicians together to develop AI tools, enhance datascience collaborations and uncover new disease markers. Professor Messiou describes the hub as “a digital-ready workforce” that “resembles what an NHS radiology team will look like in 10 years”.
“The data we have generated over the years can be subjected to AI and data-science analysis, which aims to bring another dimension to patient care,” adds Professor Koh. “Some of it is already happening, while more will happen in the future.
We have eight MRI scanners – which use magnetic fields and radio waves to build up detailed pictures of the body – across our sites, and we specialise in functional and whole-body imaging.
We have X-ray equipment at all of our sites, and offer fluoroscopy and dental imaging at Sutton and Chelsea.
Our Rapid Diagnostic and Assessment Centres have a total of six tomosynthesis units that provide 3D breast scans, as well as having biopsy and contrastenhanced spectral mammography capabilities.
Interventional radiology (IR) Our IR service uses realtime imaging to carry out complex image-guided procedures. We are developing robotically guided, minimally invasive procedures to enhance precision and improve patient outcomes.
Computerised tomography (CT)
With five diagnostic CT scanners – which use X-rays to produce detailed crosssectional images of the body –across our sites, we offer dual-source energy and interventional CT capabilities.
“The challenge with using whole-body MRI scans is that they generate a vast amount of data – around 1,000 images for each scan, which need to be examined individually by a radiologist. AI
“This will ultimately lead to us diagnosing patients more quickly and directing better treatment options, and will therefore have an impact on quality of life and survival rates. It’s fantastic to see the progress we are making for cancer patients.” RM
With equipment at all of our sites, we offer general and breast ultrasound procedures, including ultrasound-guided biopsies on various parts of the body.
“Using AI will ultimately lead to us diagnosing patients more quickly ”A PICTURE OF HEALTH Professor Dow-Mu Koh reviews a patient’s scan
The prospect of walking up those foreboding steps to the hospital door as a stage 4 patient felt terrifying.
Fear consumed me. A missed call or hospital letter sent me into a spiral of panic. For a very long time, I simply didn’t know how to manage the dark and intrusive thoughts.
At the beginning of 2019, my cancer progressed once more, this time with tumours in my left breast and a suspected tumour on my right lung. My treatment changed to Kadcyla, which continues to be an incredible drug for me.
The care and kindness I receive at The Royal Marsden is humbling. It’s clear to see the passion and commitment that drives everyone who works here.
This year has been tough, with heartbreaking losses of friends
Professor Stephen Johnston Head of the Breast Unit
“Emma articulates so clearly the endless emotions and fears of living with recurrent breast cancer. But she also highlights the success and benefits of new treatments that keep her cancer in remission while maintaining a good quality of life.
from the cancer community and my own personal struggles. Life with cancer is fragile, but 12 years on, I hope I can show that longterm survival and a good quality of life is possible.
WHEN I WAS DIAGNOSED with breast cancer in 2010, I had no idea what to expect. I simply wanted to live.
I had chemotherapy, a mastectomy, my lymph nodes removed, radiotherapy and hormone treatment. I responded well and went into remission, which felt incredible. But once my treatment had finished, I found the feeling of being emotionally
‘lost at sea’, as my oncologist described it, very hard.
Eventually, thoughts of cancer slowly began to diminish, and I began to feel more positive.
But at the end of 2014, I received the devastating news that my cancer had returned – this time in the skin on my chest.
I was referred to The Royal Marsden in Chelsea under the care of Professor Stephen Johnston.
I ran the virtual London Marathon in 2020 with my friend, Dame Deborah James. We started and finished on the hospital steps. It was the most magical day – the feeling of giving back to a place that works so tirelessly to save, prolong and change lives was simply incredible. RM
Emma’s book, All That Followed: A Story of Cancer, Kids and the Fear of Leaving Too Soon, is available now. Follow Emma on Instagram @limitless_em
“Her positive attitude and her ongoing support of the hospital and The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity are inspirational. As Emma says, living life is what keeps her going.”
“The care and kindness I receive at The Royal Marsden is humbling”
BEFORE I JOINED The Royal Marsden, I worked as a speech and language therapy assistant, a personal assistant and a teaching assistant. But I wanted a new challenge, so in 2020 I decided to change career. I’ve been training and working in the pharmacy department in Sutton ever since.
This job, which involves creating drugs for patients, appealed to me because I like the idea of working with my hands and directly contributing to the care of cancer patients. Plus, I have friends and family that have been treated at The Royal Marsden, so I knew about its amazing reputation.
Keeping clean I arrive at the hospital at 9am, when our manager allocates tasks to me and the other technicians. We work on rotation: we do three weeks in the sterile area, where we make the drugs, and one week outside, filling in worksheets for those inside. The worksheets are essentially recipes for how to make the drug products, which we
generate on computers based on each prescription.
If I’m producing drugs, I start by carefully washing and disinfecting my hands and changing into sterile clothing.
I then carry out environment checks in the sterile area to ensure everything in the unit is functioning correctly, including the air pressure and temperature, and then clean everything.
Ensuring each section of this area is appropriately sterilised to avoid the drugs becoming contaminated is vital for patient safety.
“We produce around 100 different types of drugs in-house”
We produce around 100 different types of drugs in-house, from chemotherapies and immunotherapies to gene therapies and targeted treatments. The paraphernalia needed for each treatment – this could be syringes, needles, vials of drugs, diluents and final containers – is assembled on a tray in the clean room unit by other technicians and then transferred to us through hatches into the compounding room.
The way we prepare treatments varies hugely. For example, some are quick and just need to be drawn from a vial into a syringe. Others are more complex and can take 45 minutes to make, as some use several drug vials that need to rest for five minutes before being mixed. Plus, as a specialist cancer centre, The Royal Marsden runs around
Fiona assembles drug ingredients and prepares our patients’ therapies in a totally sterile environment
800 clinical trials at any one time, which also adds a lot of variety.
I need to make roughly 50 products a day, so good time management is essential. As well as dealing with the differences in preparation, we need to tailor treatments for patients’ specific needs, such as dose. Plus, some treatments need to be used quickly – melphalan, a chemotherapy, expires after an hour and a half – so it’s crucial that we’re efficient and meticulous.
When I’m working outside the clean room, along with filling in worksheets, I’ll also dispense products, do stock checks, send supplies into the aseptic unit and hand out prepared chemotherapies to nurses to take to the wards or day units.
While it can be a high-pressure job, I find it enormously satisfying. Everyone is so committed to patient safety and delivering drugs on time. I’ve been promoted twice since starting in the department and I hope to apply for a managerial position in the next year. It’s a great place to work. RM
Cancer diagnosis and treatment can be really challenging for young patients like Ryan and their loved ones. But The Royal Marsden’s Paediatric and Teenage Psychological Support Service is on hand to help
WHEN SOMEONE IS diagnosed with cancer, it is often an intensely stressful and emotional time for the patient and their family – and this can be heightened when young people are affected.
To help young patients and their loved ones cope, The Royal Marsden provides therapy for families through the Paediatric and Teenage Psychological Support Service, which is supported by The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
One such patient is 16-year-old Ryan Whittall, who, in early 2021, was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma – a rare type of cancer that affects the immune system –and referred to The Royal Marsden. His treatment, which included chemotherapy and steroids, involved extended stays in hospital and time off school, which was incredibly difficult for him.
“When I was told it was cancer, I thought it meant I was going to die,” Ryan says. “It all seemed so unfair. The treatment itself was brutal and I started having panic attacks.”
His mum, Paula, also found it hard to cope. “I had a breakdown myself,” she says. “The treatment altered Ryan’s behaviour and his mental health was really bad.”
Easing the impact Ryan was referred to our Paediatric and Teenage Psychological Support Service, and met Clinical Psychologist Dr Laurie Josephs.
“A cancer diagnosis and its treatment can have a significant psychological impact on children and young people, and the experience can be very traumatic for their family, too,” she explains.
“The support we offer allows patients and families to reflect on the challenges they’ve been facing, while providing an outlet for the difficult thoughts and feelings that often accompany a diagnosis. We give them a safe place to talk and facilitate important discussions that help them unpick problems they’ve
been experiencing. We also support them in developing tools to cope.”
Laurie helped Ryan to manage his experience of panic attacks and to develop tools and coping strategies for when he felt overwhelmed. She also supported Paula in managing Ryan’s high levels of distress, which were partly caused by steroid treatment.
“Laurie was really understanding and spoke to me like an adult, which made me feel that I was able to express myself,” Ryan says. “After the first and second sessions, I felt more composed and able to talk.”
Paula adds: “Laurie was the right person for our family at the right time. For Ryan, she’s been a lifesaver.”
When Ryan returned home from hospital in July 2021, Laurie continued to provide support, helping him manage his anxieties about going back to school.
“I didn’t have much hair because of the chemotherapy, and I was able to talk through my feelings with Laurie and come to the decision not to wear a hat,” Ryan recalls.
“I still use the breathing exercises and coping strategies she taught me when I get stressed about exams or mocks. I definitely wouldn’t be where I am without her.”
Ryan received his GSCE results this year and hopes to eventually go to university to become a counsellor, just like Laurie.
“After the experience I’ve had, I want to support other people in a similar situation,” he says. “The doctors and nurses saved my life, but Laurie saved my mind.” RM
Call the Paediatric and Teenage Psychological Support Service on 020 8661 3676 or email pyapss@rmh.nhs.uk
“We give young patients and families a safe place to talk”
RALPH LAUREN CORPORATION, our longstanding partner, runs its global Pink Pony initiative every year to raise funds and awareness around cancer.
In October, Ralph Lauren donated proceeds from its Pink Pony range to an international network of cancer charities, including The Royal Marsden Cancer
Charity. Ralph Lauren customers also had the opportunity to donate at tills in stores and online.
Ralph Lauren employees across the globe participated in raising awareness and funds for the cause. Here in the UK, staff took part in the Royal Parks Half Marathon and joined the Pink Pony Walk in London.
FORECOURT OPERATOR Rontec has raised over £59,000 for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, smashing its target of £50,000.
Since May, customers visiting its petrol stations across the UK have been invited to
This generous fundraising will help establish the Ralph Lauren Research Wing in the Oak Cancer Centre, which will help speed up the translation of research into treatment breakthroughs for the benefit of cancer patients worldwide.
Want to know more? Shop the Pink Pony range at ralphlauren.co.uk/pinkpony
donate 25p to the Charity via Pennies, a way of donating small change when paying by card or contactless.
Antonia Dalmahoy, the Charity’s Managing Director, said: “We are so grateful to Rontec for supporting the Charity and we were delighted when they reached this incredible fundraising milestone. Their support will help us improve the lives of cancer patients at The Royal Marsden and beyond.”
This winter, the Ever After Garden (above) returned to Grosvenor Square in Mayfair for a third time.
The remembrance garden, featuring more than 20,000 illuminated white roses, is a space to pause and reflect over the festive period. Visitors are invited to dedicate a rose in memory of a loved one, and every dedication is a donation to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
The installation was inspired in memory of the late production designer and art director Michael Howells. Established by his friends, fashion creatives Anya Hindmarch CBE –a Trustee of the Charity –and Camilla Morton, the garden has had thousands of visitors since it was created in 2019.
The Ever After Garden is open until 20 December. See royalmarsden.org/ everaftergarden
CHIEF PHARMACIST Rob Duncombe has raised a fantastic £4,463 by completing the 2022 TCS London Marathon dressed in a tree costume.
Rob ran 26.2 miles in four hours and 40 minutes dressed as an oak tree to support The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity’s Oak Cancer Centre appeal.
He said: “When I was offered the chance to run the London Marathon for the Charity, I wanted to make it a special occasion and do something a bit different.
“Over my career, I’ve seen drugs developed at
The Royal Marsden progress from early trials to being used to treat patients. Amazing advances are being made on a daily basis, and this incredible research can only continue through the support of the Charity.”
Want to know more? Inspired by Rob’s exploits? Find an event and run for the Charity at royalmarsden.org/run
Leaving a gift to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity in your Will can make a huge difference to the lives of people affected by cancer, supporting the development of new life-saving treatments.
Beryl Denton and her husband Alan decided to leave a gift in their Will after Beryl was treated at The Royal Marsden for breast cancer and bladder cancer.
“I’m so grateful for the care I had,” she said. “I’m 77 years old and, because of the treatment I’ve had at The Royal Marsden, I’ve been able to meet all seven of my grandchildren.”
Want to know more?
Read Beryl’s story at royalmarsden.org/beryl
The 2023 Banham Marsden March promises to be a fantastic day, with thousands of supporters coming together on Sunday 14 May to walk five or 15 miles and help transform the lives of people affected by cancer.
The Banham Marsden March at Home will also return, with walkers taking on the challenge in their local area.
And we’re thrilled that our event sponsor, Banham, has extended our partnership to 2025, and will be the title sponsor for both the in-person and virtual events.
Want to know more? Sign up to take part at royalmarsden.org/march
“I wanted to make it special and do something a bit different
As an NIHR BRC-funded PhD student at the ICR and Imperial College London, Maggie is researching ways to improve the treatment planning workflow for stereotactic radiosurgery, a type of radiotherapy that uses 3D imaging to deliver high doses of radiation.
“The traditional approach for discovering what areas need treatment is to combine the CT and MRI scans of a patient and manually review them,” she says. “I want to employ a deep-learning
model and a single novel X-ray imaging technique to automate this process, which could lead to a more accurate picture of what areas need treatment and reduce waiting times for patients.”
It was during her master’s degree that Maggie became interested in pursuing a career in health research, specifically in health machinery and imaging.
“Healthcare is constantly evolving and always considers the benefit to the patient,” she says. “Working in research can be a great way to contribute to this.
“Given the experiences we had during the pandemic, I hope more and more people appreciate the importance of research and progress, especially in healthcare.”
Susanna is a Clinical Research Fellow in the Gastrointestinal and Lymphoma Unit at The Royal Marsden and is studying for a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree, thanks to funding from The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity and the NIHR BRC.
As part of her MD, Susanna is the trial physician responsible for conducting the TRACC study. This UKwide study is investigating whether using liquid biopsies – simple blood tests that look for fragments of DNA released by cancer cells, called circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA), in the bloodstream – could help colorectal cancer
patients avoid unnecessary chemotherapy after surgery.
“Most patients with highrisk early-stage colorectal cancer are routinely offered post-operative chemotherapy in a one-size-fits-all approach,” says Susanna. “We hope to spare patients in whom ctDNA is not detected from unnecessary chemotherapy and its associated side effects.
“Treatments and practice in oncology are developing all the time and I want to contribute to the changes that directly impact patients. Working on a clinical trial has given me the option of working closely with patients while still being part of life-changing research.” RM
The National Institute for Health and Care Research-funded Biomedical Research Centre for cancer is a partnership between The Royal Marsden and the ICR. It supports the rapid translation of leading-edge cancer research from the laboratory to the clinic. Find out more at cancerbrc.org
Margarete (Maggie) Kattau Susanna Slater“Research can be a great way to contribute to healthcare”
What is the Biomedical Research Centre?
We speak to two early-career researchers making big strides with the support of the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) at The Royal Marsden and The Institute of Cancer Research, London (ICR)
ON THE AGENDA
Clockwise, from above: the patient experience, the Oak Cancer Centre, Mr Ricky Bhogal and Ms Marielle Nobbenhuis
THIS SEPTEMBER, the Trust held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in person for the first time since 2019. It took place in the Julian Bloom Lecture Theatre at the Chelsea hospital and was streamed online for those attending remotely.
Chairman Charles Alexander CBE, Chief Executive Dame Cally Palmer and Chief Financial Officer Marcus Thorman updated attendees on the Annual Report and Accounts for 2021/22, then introduced presentations from three of our expert consultants. Here are the top five things we learned from the evening…
An average of 99 per cent of inpatients and 97 per cent of
outpatients said they had a very good or good experience in the most recent patient survey, which demonstrates The Royal Marsden’s extremely high standard of care.
On time and on budget The Oak Cancer Centre, which is funded by The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, is on track to open in summer 2023.
Robotic benefits Consultant Gynaecological Surgeon Ms Marielle Nobbenhuis discussed the benefits of robotic surgery for both patients and surgeons, as well as sharing her highlights of being filmed for Channel 4’s Super Surgeons: A Chance at Life series.
The Trust at its best Consultant Hepatobiliary Surgeon Mr Ricky Bhogal, who also took part in the Super Surgeons series, shared an overview of his specialty and discussed one of his innovative procedures that featured in the programme. He said the series showed The Royal Marsden’s staff and patients at their best.
Our digital future Consultant Medical Oncologist Dr Nadia Yousaf talked about the benefits of the new Connect Digital Health Record system, highlighting how it will enhance patient care when it goes live next spring (read more on page 11).
You can watch the AGM video at royalmarsden.nhs.uk/royalmarsden-annual-generalmeeting-2022
Dates for your diary
Council of Governors Meeting 14 December 2022, 2pm-4pm Council of Governors Meeting 22 March 2023, 11am-1pm
Board of Directors Meeting 29 March 2023, 10.30am-12.30pm
To attend any of these meetings, email corporate governance@ rmh.nhs.uk
Keep in touch Call 020 7808 2844 or email trust. foundation@rmh. nhs.uk. Contact your Governor by email at governors@ rmh.nhs.uk
To sign up and become a member, visit royalmarsden. nhs.uk/ becomeamember or call 020 7808 2844 to request a membership form
Try the fiendishly tricky numbers puzzle – it’s just for fun
Rachael Reeve
Director of Marketing and Communications
Sonya Cullington
Interim Head of PR and Communications
Catherine O’Mara
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 30 January 2023. See below for prize draw rules.
Autumn 2022 crossword solution
Across 2 Bungalows 6 Mac 7 Daisies 8 Barley 9 Iran 11 Aria 12 Acacia 16 Mariner 17 Oak 18 Tanzanian
Down 1 Demob 2 Bacardi 3 Nudge 4 Arid 5 Susan 10 Raccoon 11 Admit 13 Corgi 14 Ankle 15 Inca
Congratulations to Hilary Jones, the winner of the autumn 2022 issue’s crossword prize.
Across
1 Breed of dog (4,7) 6 Part of the mouth (3) 7 (Of paper) plain (7) 8 Freshwater fish (5) 9 Method of detection using radio waves (5) 11 Tree (5) 13 Bottomless pit (5) 15 Language (7) 16 Finish (3) 17 Decorated with stitching (11)
Down
1 Farm machinery (5) 2 Region of northern Europe (7) 3 Facts (5) 4 Measuring tool (5) 5 Jockey (5) 10 Casual clothing (7) 11 Girl’s name (5) 12 African animal (5) 13 Plant-sucking insect (5) 14 Took one side in a debate (5)
Senior PR and Communications Manager
Francesca Vitale
Senior Case Studies Officer
Georgia Tilley Senior PR and Communications Officer
Ella Crumpton
Senior PR and Communications Officer
Ella Griffiths Senior PR and Communications Officer
Marc Grainger Editor
Robert Hearn
Lead Creative
Nina Whitley-Jones Creative
Emma Johnston Chief Sub-Editor
Emma Franklin Group 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
Fill in your details below when sending in your crossword competition entry. See above for details of our address.
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 30 January 2023. 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.
© The Royal Marsden 2022. 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 Geoff Neal Group.
Join the conversation on Twitter @royalmarsdenNHS Facebook @royalmarsdenchelsea and @royalmarsdenNHS
Melisa @melmontagnon
Go & #volunteer it may lead you to your dream #career. It did for me. 14 years ago I stepped into @RadioMarsden at the @royalmarsdenNHS which was my first step into #radiobroadcasting #careerdevelopment #careergoals #Radio #broadcasting
Sam Exworth
@ExworthSamuel
11 years ago today I had a cord stem cell transplant which saved my life from relapse of Non-Hodgkins. I will be forever grateful to cord donor all the doctors & nurses at the @royalmarsdenNHS my
friends & my wonderful family who I couldn’t have got here without. Thank you [above].
Ian Ridley @IanRidley1 At @royalmarsdenNHS today. Very grateful and proud to be part of their anti-growth coalition. #StuffCancer
Izzy Keighley
Lovely Ciara [right] So professional, friendly and wonderful with children. Such an asset to the Marsden!
Richard Field
One of the toughest times of my life is also a special affectionate memory for me thanks to ALL of the staff at The Royal Marsden Chelsea... I wasn’t even their patient, my brother was. They truly care for everyone they come into contact with.
Natlouie Monk
As a student nurse you made my placement experience fantastic and all supported me in my learning journey.
I cannot say enough how special this placement was x
Jobey Walker
Owe my life to this hospital and the incredible people who work here
Doreen K Berllaque
Best hospital in the world, doctors and nurses are heroes.
CALL THE ROYAL MARSDEN, CHELSEA 020 7352 8171
CALL THE ROYAL MARSDEN, SUTTON 020 8642 6011
VISIT US ONLINE royalmarsden.nhs.uk
WANT TO WORK AT THE ROYAL MARSDEN? Visit jobs.royalmarsden.nhs.uk
READ RM MAGAZINE ONLINE royalmarsden.nhs.uk/ rm-magazine
CONTACT THE ROYAL MARSDEN HELP CENTRE
For confidential chat, support and information, call 0800 783 7176
or visit royalmarsden.nhs.uk/ your-care/royal-marsdenhelp-centre
For general feedback, compliments, concerns or complaints, send us a message royalmarsden.nhs.uk/ contact-us/get-in-touch
STAY IN TOUCH WITH THE ROYAL MARSDEN CANCER CHARITY
CALL US 020 7808 2233
EMAIL US charity@royalmarsden.org VISIT US ONLINE royalmarsden.org
Registered Charity No. 1095197
CONTACT THE FRIENDS OF THE ROYAL MARSDEN, CHELSEA
CALL US 020 7352 3875
EMAIL US friendsroyalmarsden @gmail.com
VISIT US ONLINE formc.uk
Registered Charity No. 222613
This May, challenge yourself to walk 15 miles, or our family-friendly 5-mile route, for cancer patients. Walk together with staff, patients and supporters of The Royal Marsden and enjoy our fun-filled finish line celebration.
Together we walk to transform the lives of cancer patients.
Sign up now at royalmarsden.org/march
