Leading ladies - The Royal Marsden

Private
care
ISSUE 9
EQUIPPED FOR
EXCELLENCE
High-tech scanning in our
diagnostic imaging suites
DIAGNOSIS
AND CARE
Patient support from
our urology experts
Leading ladies
Meet the women at the forefront of
research at The Royal Marsden
Issue 9
CONTENTS
PRIVATE CARE FEATURES
Welcome
In this issue of Private Care, we take an
in-depth look at the diagnostic imaging units
at both our Chelsea and Sutton hospitals.
Our multi-million-pound investment in the
units ensures that the hospital has the latest
in MRI and PET/CT scanners. This means
we can now scan more private patients
more efficiently and in more comfortable
surroundings. In addition, the equipment
allows us to expand the scope of clinical
trials to help develop new treatment options.
Also, Mr Pardeep Kumar, Consultant
Urological Surgeon, discusses the signs
and symptoms of urological cancers. The
Royal Marsden’s new Private Care Rapid
Diagnostic and Assessment service includes
a one-stop, new patient assessment clinic
for these cancers.
Finally, we are pleased to introduce our
two Private Care Clinical Nurse Specialists
Gwynedd Burgoyne and Suzy Halliday, who
are an integral part of the Breast Unit team
at both Chelsea and Sutton.
We hope you enjoy reading the updates
and news in this issue of Private Care.
Mr Satvinder Mudan, Divisional Medical Director
Louise McNamara, Divisional Nurse Director
2 The Royal Marsden Private Care
6. WOMEN IN RESEARCH
We meet three women making
valuable contributions to
research at The Royal Marsden
8. INVESTMENT IN
DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING
Our new MRI and PET/CT
scanners are set to boost
patient treatment and trials
10. UROLOGICAL
CANCERS Q&A
Consultant Urological
Surgeon Mr Pardeep Kumar
outlines the symptoms of
urological cancers and how
they are diagnosed
11. STAFF FOCUS
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Gwynedd Burgoyne and Suzy
Halliday explain their role in
guiding and supporting breast
cancer patients from diagnosis
through to treatment
PRIVATE CARE NEWS
3. UPDATE
New technology to treat ovarian
cancer; Critical Care Unit’s key
values; prostate cancer drug’s
UK approval; GP Education Days;
paediatric CyberKnife treatment
Front cover photograph:
Dr Susana Banerjee,
Consultant Medical Oncologist,
Gynaecology Unit
Hospital news
UPDATE
Surgeons Mr John Butler,
Mr Des Barton and
Ms Marielle Nobbenhuis
using the PlasmaJet
New technology to tackle ovarian cancer
The Royal Marsden is one
of the first UK centres to use
a new high-energy surgical
device for women with
advanced ovarian cancer.
Introduced at the hospital
by Mr Des Barton, Consultant
Gynaecological Surgeon, the
PlasmaJet device uses the
plasma energy from ionised
argon gas to cut through
and dissect tissue, stop
bleeding and destroy cancer
cells safely. Unlike most
other energy devices used
in surgery, it can destroy
cells on the surface of organs
and tissue with minimal
collateral effect.
In particular, the
PlasmaJet has applications
in advanced ovarian cancer,
where the disease is typically
in multiple nodules or
‘sheets’ on the surface of
organs and tissue in the
abdomen and pelvis. After
a trial period at The Royal
Marsden to assess its
applicability, safety and
efficacy in ovarian cancer, it
is now an essential part of the
hospital’s surgical apparatus.
Ms Marielle Nobbenhuis,
Honorary Consultant
Gynaecological Surgeon,
said: “During PlasmaJet
surgery, cancer cells are
removed from structures such
as the bowel and diaphragm,
without causing damage
to the surrounding tissue.
This means there is often
no need to resect or remove
the tissue in these areas.
“Previously, many women
undergoing extensive
surgery for ovarian cancer
had to have parts of their
bowel removed in order
to eradicate the disease.
Extensive removal of bowel
tissue can mean that a
stoma is required, which
has a serious impact on a
patient’s quality of life after
their surgery and the amount
of time they need to spend
in hospital afterwards.
“There is a clear correlation
between the amount of
residual visible disease
following ovarian cancer
surgery and the patient’s
survival. With the PlasmaJet,
not only can we completely
remove or destroy all visible
disease, there is less need for
bowel resection. This has the
most impact on improving
the survival time and offers
the potential for actually
curing these patients.”
The Royal Marsden’s
experience with the
PlasmaJet was presented at
an international meeting last
year. Ms Nobbenhuis said:
“No other surgical device
can safely remove and
destroy the same amount
of cancer cells. At The Royal
Marsden, a leading centre
for the management of
ovarian cancer, we are
starting to deliver improved
outcomes for patients with
advanced disease.”
No other surgical device can remove and
destroy the same number of cancer cells
MS MARIELLE NOBBENHUIS,
CONSULTANT GYNAECOLOGICAL SURGEON
The Royal Marsden Private Care 3
UPDATE
RADIUM-223
PROSTATE
DRUG GETS
UK APPROVAL
A new drug for men with
advanced prostate cancer has
been given approval for use in
the UK, following successful
trials at The Royal Marsden.
Xofigo (radium-223
dichloride) is now available for
the treatment of men with
castration-resistant prostate
cancer who have symptomatic
bone metastases.
The announcement follows
a positive recommendation
from the European Medical
Agency’s Committee for
Medicinal Products for Human
Use. Xofigo has also received
marketing authorisation by the
European Commission, based
on data from the pivotal Phase
III ALSYMPCA study – which
was stopped early as the drug
proved so effective.
Dr Chris Parker, Principal
Investigator of the ALSYMPCA
trial and Consultant Clinical
Oncologist at The Royal
Marsden, said: “The majority of
men who develop castrationresistant prostate cancer will
develop bone metastases,
which can be painful and
even life-threatening. Until
now, treatment for bone
secondaries has been limited
to symptom control, rather
than improving survival.
The source of radiation,
radium-223, acts like calcium
and sticks to the bone,
targeting the tumours.
“This drug enables men
to live longer and experience
less pain and fewer side
effects. Its approval is a huge
step forward for prostate
cancer patients.”
4 The Royal Marsden Private Care
CCU values defined
committed to making these
values more visible.
By looking at how the
Trust’s values translate
into the care it provides, the
Critical Care Unit (CCU)
has become one of the first
departments at The Royal
Marsden to re-evaluate its
working culture. A staff
consultation led to the
identification of four core
values that staff members
believe are most important
For many years, The Royal
Marsden has promoted
a set of 16 distinct values
that define attitudes and
behaviours among our staff,
in order to ensure that
patients receive the best
possible treatment and care.
Following the publication
in February 2013 of the
Francis Report, which
stressed the importance
of putting the patient at the
centre of care, the Trust has
to them and what they aspire to
be: personal, compassionate,
supportive and open.
“Among ourselves, we are
always asking: ‘What can we do
better for our patients?’,” said
Sister Keetje Gull. “Sometimes
feedback isn’t positive, so we
need to be open and listen to
this, then make changes. It
all comes down to the patient
experience. Like other areas
of the Trust, the CCU is helping
patients and their families
get through what is often
a traumatic and difficult time.”
Sister Clare Lucas explained
that the values translate to
behaviours that underpin
our standards. “Part of our
recruitment process is to ensure
that staff share these nursing
values and that they are applied
in relations with both patients
and staff,” she said. “These
values are not new. But we
have worked to articulate
and redefine them.”
Among ourselves,
we are always
asking: ‘What can
we do better for
our patients?’
SISTER KEETJE GULL,
CRITICAL CARE UNIT
THE TRUST’S 16 VALUES
What we are
Pioneering
Aspirational
Knowledgeable
Driven
How we act
Determined
Confident
Open
Resilient
How we
relate to others
Collaborative
Supportive
Trusted
Personable
How we feel
Compassionate
Positive
Calm
Proud
Hospital news
PAEDIATRIC
FIRST FOR
CYBERKNIFE
GP training at The Royal Marsden
GPs play a vital part in their patients’ cancer
care, from referral and diagnosis to supporting
them through treatment and co-ordinating
their follow-up care. The Royal Marsden’s GP
Education Series is a programme of events
and online learning opportunities that allows
us to contribute to GPs’ professional
development by sharing some of our
expertise and knowledge.
Dr Nick Van As, a Consultant Clinical
Oncologist who has been involved in the GP
Education Series since it began in 2009, said:
“GPs are encouraged to ask questions,
discuss issues with colleagues and offer their
professional opinions. Medical and technological
advances can happen quickly in oncology.
This was highlighted at a recent event, where
GPs had the misconception that a colonoscopy
held considerable risks for the patient.
“With the benefit of recent figures – which
showed that from 2010 to 2012, the risk of
serious complication fell from 0.13 per cent
to 0.04 per cent – our consultants were able
to reassure GPs that a colonoscopy, which is
frequently used to diagnose bowel cancers,
is an effective and safe procedure.”
Dr Javier Salerno, a GP from Croydon who
has been attending GP Education Days since
2009, said: “I can’t encourage my fellow GPs
enough to start coming to these events. I have
been especially impressed by the motivation,
engaging teaching skills and enthusiasm
among the consultants to educate and inform
us about the signs and symptoms to look out
for in the early stages of cancer – and about
the management of patients with cancer we
can hopefully cure, if caught early enough.
“Another interesting part is learning about
advances in diagnostic and therapeutic
management of cancers. This is particularly
beneficial when I am talking to a patient in my
surgery who may have cancer. I have found
the diagnostic services at The Royal Marsden
to be fantastic, and if a patient does find they
have cancer, the advantage is they are already
in the right place for prompt treatment.”
For more information about the GP
Education Series and to access case study
webcasts, previous presentations and fact
files, visit www.royalmarsden.nhs.uk/gp
The Royal Marsden has made
NHS history by treating a
paediatric patient with
CyberKnife while he was
under general anaesthetic.
Five-year-old Harry Parkes
was diagnosed with a brain
tumour at just 15 months old.
When he relapsed for the second
time, the decision was made to
treat him using CyberKnife, a
state-of-the-art machine that
delivers radiosurgery with
pinpoint accuracy.
CyberKnife has been used
to treat older paediatric
patients at the hospital before,
but Harry was the first to be
treated under general
anaesthetic, due to his age.
Preparing for the 45-minute
treatment was a multidisciplinary
effort involving consultants,
clinical oncologists,
radiographers, nurses and
the paediatric oncology and
anaesthetics teams. “It was
quite a feat,” said Consultant
Clinical Oncologist Dr Henry
Mandeville, who planned the
treatment, “but it was worth it
to see Harry doing well.”
The Royal Marsden Private Care 5
Research
WOMEN IN RESEARCH
Making their mark
The Royal Marsden is committed to promoting the
role of women in research. Here, we profile three
women who are making a valuable contribution
he Royal Marsden and
The Institute of Cancer
Research (ICR) are
working towards achieving the
Silver Award from the Athena
SWAN Charter – which promotes
women in science, technology,
engineering, medicine and
mathematics – by 2016.
The Royal Marsden and
the ICR represent the only
specialist Biomedical Research
Centre (BRC) for cancer in the
UK. We have a proud history of
supporting and championing
women in medical research,
with several female clinicians
leading studies and trials and
developing new treatments.
The following women are all
making valuable contributions
to our pioneering research.
T
DR SUSANA BANERJEE
CONSULTANT MEDICAL
ONCOLOGIST AND RESEARCH
LEAD, GYNAECOLOGY UNIT
“It is an exciting time to be
working in cancer research
and to be part of the revolution,
improving treatment for women
with gynaecological cancers,”
says Dr Banerjee. “The latest
technologies and knowledge
of molecular biology mean it
is becoming possible to deliver
precision medicine and offer
personalised treatment.”
As the Chief Investigator
for several clinical trials, Dr
Banerjee is collaborating with
scientists at the ICR to increase
the understanding of genetic
and molecular abnormalities
to help advance treatments for
6 The Royal Marsden Private Care
women with gynaecological
cancers. Her research includes
developing treatments for
ovarian cancer patients with
a BRCA gene mutation. Drugs
called PARP inhibitors have
shown exceptional results.
Dr Banerjee was awarded
funding for a clinical trial of
the use of abiraterone – a
drug developed at The Royal
Marsden and the ICR that has
transformed prostate cancer
treatment – in ovarian cancer.
“I am passionate about treating
women who have gynaecological
cancers,” she says. “There is
an urgent need to improve
treatments and survival.
This can be achieved by
clinicians, scientists and
patients working together.”
A consultant at The Royal
Marsden for two years, Dr
Banerjee is a recognisable
figure on the global cancer
research stage and has a
catalogue of awards and
honours. As well as regularly
presenting her research at
international meetings, she is
a Key Opinion Leader for the
European Society of Medical
Oncology’s forum Women 4
Oncology, which aims to build
a network of female oncologists
and help them access
leadership positions.
“I am often asked for career
advice from women training
to be cancer specialists,”
she says. “One of my key
aims is to mentor the next
generation of women in
oncology and research and
to be a positive role model.”
DR AISHA MIAH
CONSULTANT CLINICAL
ONCOLOGIST, SARCOMA UNIT
Dr Miah developed an interest
in research as a trainee in the
Head and Neck Unit, where she
undertook a PhD in Clinical
Oncology under Professors Chris
Nutting and Kevin Harrington.
“What really inspired me was
the patient-centred, ‘can-do’
attitude,” says Dr Miah. “I felt
encouraged by senior clinicians
to pursue research – and this is
still the case. During my time in
the unit, I worked on local and
national clinical trials, which
provided me with excellent
experience to develop a research
programme in my current post.”
Since joining the Sarcoma Unit
in 2011, Dr Miah has developed
the radiotherapy research
programme, participating in a
Phase III study evaluating the
role of pre-operative radiotherapy
in retroperitoneal sarcomas, and
joining with colleagues from
other institutions to look at
the benefits of pre-operative
radiotherapy in specific
histological subtypes.
“I have been grateful to BRC
funding avenues for project
grants for our smaller studies,
which will help me to develop a
larger portfolio of clinical trials
and seek research grants to
support the Sarcoma Research
Unit,” says Dr Miah. “Sarcoma
is a rare cancer so it is essential
we collaborate with national and
international centres to recruit
patients to Phase II/III studies.”
Dr Miah praised the guidance
within the unit from Research
This photograph: Dr Susana
Banerjee. Below: Miss Fiona
MacNeill. Previous page:
Dr Aisha Miah
Lead Professor Ian Judson and
the multidisciplinary approach
to both research and the
treatment of patients. “My
aim is to continue to pursue
the development of future clinical
studies,” she says. “Helping to
improve treatments and patients’
quality of life drives me.”
“IT ISN’T ALWAYS POSSIBLE FOR SURGEONS
TO SPEND A LOT OF TIME IN THE LAB, BUT
BY WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OTHER
COLLEAGUES, THERE ARE OPPORTUNITIES
TO BE INVOLVED IN IMPORTANT RESEARCH”
MISS FIONA MACNEILL, CONSULTANT SURGEON
MISS FIONA MACNEILL
CONSULTANT SURGEON,
BREAST UNIT
A Breast and Reconstructive
Surgeon, Miss MacNeill has
always had an interest in breast
cancer research. It began during
her time as a Clinical Research
Fellow in The Royal Marsden’s
Breast Unit with Professor
Trevor Powles, who retired in
2003, and working in the
research laboratories with
Professor Mitch Dowsett, who
is now Head of the Centre for
Molecular Pathology.
Developing new surgical
techniques is a major focus.
Miss MacNeill and her surgical
colleagues have been key in
the development of oncoplastic
breast surgery – combining the
best cancer and plastic surgery
techniques to maintain the
breast’s appearance.
She says: “It isn’t always
possible for surgeons to spend
a lot of time in the lab, but by
working in close partnership with
scientists and other colleagues,
there are many opportunities to
be involved in innovative and
important research.”
Miss MacNeill continues to
work with Professor Dowsett
and Professor Ian Smith, Head
of the Breast Unit, in clinical
trials. Together, they found
that significant changes take
place in the proteins of a breast
cancer tissue sample within 30
minutes after its removal from
a patient and before its arrival
in the laboratory, where it is
preserved for further analysis.
Miss MacNeill, who was
responsible for collecting the
tumour samples in the operating
theatre, adds: “This collaborative
study led to an important
scientific paper, which will
influence how we design future
trials that rely on examining
cancer-tissue biopsies.”
The Royal Marsden Private Care 7
Cancer focus
Both our Sutton and Chelsea
hospitals have received new
scanners thanks to a multimillion-pound investment
8 The Royal Marsden Private Care
Diagnostic imaging
INVESTING IN SCANNERS
Equipped for
excellence
With new scanners installed at both our hospitals,
The Royal Marsden is now able to offer patients a
more flexible, efficient and personalised service
he Royal Marsden has upgraded
its diagnostic imaging services
in Sutton and Chelsea, following
a multi-million-pound investment.
In Chelsea, the Reuben Imaging Centre
has two new, high-tech MRI scanners,
thanks to £6.9 million raised by The Royal
Marsden Cancer Charity. Having a 1.5T and
a 3T MRI scanner will allow the maximum
flexibility in clinical practice, which will aid
the development of personalised treatment
plans and give patients access to clinical
trials that rely on very high-resolution
images. The new centre, which is due
to be completed later this year, will also
include two new CT scanners.
MRI scans are particularly important
for soft-tissue cancers – such as brain,
spinal cord, bowel, gynaecological and
prostate cancers – as the magnetic
T
resonance uses the properties of the soft
tissue to create the detail in the image.
The combination of two MRI scanners
with different performance specifications
enables us to deliver a comprehensive
service. The 1.5T MRI scanner has
a larger field of view, which can facilitate
the future development of whole-body
imaging. In contrast, the 3T MRI scanner
provides incredible detail over a smaller
field of view, allowing us to undertake
clinical research trials that require this
level of visual detail.
Over in Sutton, a newly opened
PET/CT imaging facility, co-funded by
The Royal Marsden and The Institute of
Cancer Research, is equipped with two
state-of-the-art PET/CT scanners. As one
of the UK’s largest hospital-based providers
of PET/CT scanning, the Trust can now
scan more private patients more efficiently
and in more comfortable surroundings.
PET/CT scans can help to diagnose
cancer and show what stage it is at. They
also help specialists to decide whether
a patient should have surgery or another
form of treatment and to assess how
well a treatment is working. Capable of
distinguishing between scar tissue and
active cancer tissue, the scans can also
indicate whether a cancer has returned.
Bernadette Cronin, Deputy Director for
Clinical Services, says: “Since The Royal
Marsden installed its first PET/CT scanner
10 years ago, the use of this technology
for routine diagnosis, follow-up and
support of Phase I, II and III research
trials has increased substantially, from
500 to 3,500 examinations every year.
“The new facilities across both sites
mean that we can now scan more patients
more efficiently using state-of-the-art
technology – and offer our patients and
research teams the best standard of care.”
PATIENT CASE STUDIES
Marcia Gardner
Marcia (pictured above left), who is being
treated for lung cancer as a private patient
under the care of Dr Mary O’Brien (above
right) and her team, has had two PET/CT
scans at the new facility in Sutton.
Marcia says she was impressed with
the new facilities and the quality of her
images. “The lovely facilities and the staff
working there make it a lot easier to have
the scans, and the 3D image that they get
afterwards is really impressive,” she says.
“It is important for me to be able to see
what is going on inside my body. Not only
does the image help the team caring for
me plan my surgery in detail, it also makes
it easier for them to explain to me what is
going on inside me and what that means
for my treatment.
“This is the fourth time I have had
cancer so it is very important to me that
I know what is going on, and the scans
really help me with this.”
Seth Stiles
Private patient Seth, 46, is being treated by
Professor Kevin Harrington and recently
had a scan at the hospital.
Seth was originally diagnosed with
cancer of the tonsils in Canada in 2010,
and became a Royal Marsden patient at
the beginning of 2013 after it was revealed
that his cancer had spread to his lymphatic
system. Following treatment, he began to
receive follow-up scans every three months
to see if his cancer has been successfully
treated. A recent scan has shown an
anomaly in his lung and he is now
awaiting further results.
“My experience of the hospital has
been very positive,” says Seth. “The facilities
there are fantastic and the staff are great
and very reassuring. I am feeling well in
myself and, whatever happens in the future,
I know that with Professor Harrington
and the whole team helping to treat me,
I have the best care.”
The Royal Marsden Private Care 9
Urological cancers
EXPERT Q&A
Diagnosis without delay
Mr Pardeep Kumar, Consultant Urological Surgeon, explains the
diagnostic process for urological cancers at The Royal Marsden
hat are the signs
and symptoms of
urological cancers?
Urinary tract symptoms that
should prompt rapid referral
include blood in the urine, pain
in the loin, atypical urinary
symptoms or a new palpable
lump within the scrotum.
Symptoms of urinary tract
cancers are non-specific, so
any patient presenting with
the above symptoms requires
investigation to rule them out.
Blood in the urine is often the
presenting sign in bladder
cancer, and may also lead
to the diagnosis of kidney
or prostate cancer.
Difficulty passing urine
or symptoms of urinary tract
infection that do not respond
W
to antibiotics also require
investigation. The typical
presentation for testicular
cancer is a young man who has
felt a new lump in the scrotum.
How are they diagnosed
at The Royal Marsden?
Patients referred for rapid
diagnosis come to the Rapid
Diagnostic and Assessment
Centre (RDAC) in the morning
and undergo urine and blood
tests, along with imaging that
is appropriate to the case. This
will depend on the patient, but
could include ultrasound, CT
or MRI scans.
In men who are suspected
of having prostate cancer,
careful counselling takes
place prior to commencing
the diagnostic pathway. This
may include repeat urine
testing and a PSA blood test.
Appropriate patients may
proceed to a prostate biopsy
on the same day. A targeted
prostate biopsy using the
latest techniques is possible
by carrying out MRI scanning
and incorporating the
information into biopsy
technology that is unique to
The Royal Marsden in the UK.
What techniques or
equipment are used?
The Royal Marsden’s RDAC
has the latest diagnostic
equipment available. Our
MRI scanners produce the
highest-resolution images
available commercially. In
prostate cancer diagnosis,
we use a method of combining
MRI scans with real-time
ultrasound to target lesions
within the prostate – a
unique system in the UK.
What is the referral process
for private patients?
If a patient requires a rapid
diagnosis of a suspected
urological malignancy, call
our central referral line on
020 7811 8111 to make an
appointment that is convenient
for your patient – it is open
seven days a week.
“IN PROSTATE CANCER
DIAGNOSIS, WE
COMBINE MRI SCANS
WITH REAL-TIME
ULTRASOUND. THIS IS
UNIQUE IN THE UK”
MR PARDEEP KUMAR, CONSULTANT
UROLOGICAL SURGEON
10 The Royal Marsden Private Care
Staff profile
STAFF FOCUS
Gwynedd Burgoyne and Suzy Halliday
Clinical Nurse Specialists in breast care
wynedd Burgoyne
(above left) and Suzy
Halliday (above right)
are Clinical Nurse Specialists
(CNS) for The Royal Marsden’s
Private Care service in Chelsea
and Sutton respectively. Working
closely with the plastics, pain
and metastatic CNSs as key
members of a multidisciplinary
team, they are on hand to
support breast cancer patients
throughout their cancer journey.
“We usually meet a patient
at their diagnosis with the
surgeon,” says Suzy. “We take
part in the diagnosis discussion
and are involved in every step
of the treatment. A large part of
our role involves counselling.”
After the meeting with the
G
surgeon, the CNS talks through
everything again with a patient,
going over any concerns or
questions. “Patients might be
offered surgery followed by
adjuvant chemotherapy, or
neo-adjuvant chemotherapy,”
says Gwynedd. “If women
opt for reconstructive breast
surgery, we prepare them for
this major intervention to help
facilitate a smooth recovery.”
At this stage, a CNS may
show patients pictures of
different types of breast surgery
to give them an idea of what to
expect and to help them make
a decision. “Our role is also to
support patients on the ward
after surgery,” continues
Gwynedd, “to discuss practical
issues such as bras, wounds,
healing and recovery at home.
During this time, we triage
patients regularly on the phone.”
At the follow-up consultation
for histology results, which will
dictate the rest of their treatment,
a CNS is available to support the
patients. At this stage, patients
“WE ARE INVOLVED
IN EVERY STEP OF
THE TREATMENT.
A LARGE PART OF
OUR ROLE INVOLVES
COUNSELLING”
SUZY HALLIDAY,
CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALIST
will be referred for chemotherapy
or radiotherapy, overseen by a
medical or clinical oncologist.
Gwynedd says: “We discuss
the treatment regime, which is
tailored to suit each patient, and
any side effects. Around three
to five weeks after surgery – if
chemotherapy has already been
given neo-adjuvantly or is not
required – patients may have
radiotherapy. We support them
closely through this process too.”
An important part of a CNS’s
role is preparing patients for
the future. Losing the regular
attendance at hospital can be
daunting. A CNS will continue
to support a patient regularly at
this stage, providing continuity
and helping to dispel fears.
The Royal Marsden Private Care 11
Only Royal Marsden Private Care offers
exceptional standards of personalised care
supported by the knowledge, expertise and
world-leading approach of The Royal Marsden.
Private patients see their chosen consultant
throughout their treatment and receive the
full support of our specialist cancer teams
in exclusive private facilities.
Private patient
services
Inpatient and
outpatient private
wing and Medical
Day Care Unit;
daycare facilities.
Diagnosis
Rapid Diagnostic
and Assessment
Centre and Clinical
Assessment Unit;
specialist pathology
services.
Surgical theatres
and critical care
Imaging services
Extensive CT and
Eight state-of-the-art MRI facilities and
theatres; the UK’s
the latest PET/CT
only Level 3 Critical scanners.
Care Unit for cancer.
The Royal Marsden welcomes NHS and private patients.
For more information on our Private Care Service, or if you would like to refer
a patient from either the UK or overseas, please call our Central Access and
Referral number on +44 (0)20 7811 8111 or email privatepatients@rmh.nhs.uk
The number is staffed by both English and Arabic language speakers.
For information on our consultants, please visit www.royalmarsden.nhs.uk