Chinwag Spring 2019

Chinwag

Staff Magazine Spring 2019

Alps adventure: our intrepid staff preparing for the trek of a lifetime

Football stars bring festive cheer – P13

new outpatient facilities – P3  Patients benefiting from

in Cold Feet – P12 Our singing stars shine

Introduction & contents

Welcome to the spring  edition of Chinwag 

Welcome to the latest edition of our staff magazine and as ever, it has been a busy time at The Christie over the last few months. Most notably, after many years in the planning, we have been delighted to start treating patients in our new proton beam therapy centre and to also welcome patients into our wonderful new outpatient facilities, which will hugely improve their comfort and experience when attending for appointments. But as is The Christie way, we continue to progress, and in this edition you can read more about various new projects including the latest news on plans to redevelop the Paterson building, plans to overhaul our CT department, and exciting plans to build a new Christie Cancer Centre at Macclesfield. Our charity has recently launched a £23 million appeal to raise the funds needed for this project which is vital to improve access to Christie services for patients in the East Cheshire area.

These new projects are evidence of our biggest commitment at The Christie, which is to put patients at the heart of everything we do and to ensure we provide the highest quality care and treatment with very real patient benefits. Our performance in national surveys and the positive feedback we receive from our patients continue to be a source of pride and encouragement. None of our achievements would be possible without the amazing staff we have at The Christie and it is incredibly important that staff are recognised for the work done day in, day out to care for our patients, whether frontline or behind the scenes. On page 9, you will see details of our annual staff recognition awards which will be held in June and I’d encourage you all to consider making a nomination to help us celebrate the fantastic team we have here.

Chief Executive Roger Spencer

Roger Spencer, Chief Executive

Contents Corporate news

Follow us on Twitter @TheChristieNHS or our charity on @TheChristie

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Like our charity Facebook page facebook.com/TheChristiecharity and our Trust page at facebook.com/ TheChristieNHS

Our plans for East Cheshire

10-11 12-15 16-17

Staff news

Connect with The Christie LinkedIn company profile

Research news

Making the headlines

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Hear from Christie staff, patients, volunteers and fundraisers via our weekly blog christie.nhs.uk/blog

A day in the life

HR news

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Follow our charity on Instagram @christiecharity

You made a difference

Charity news

Get in touch If you have any news, achievements, team updates or interesting stories you would like to share in Chinwag, contact the communications team on ext. 3613 or 3840 , or via email communications.team@christie.nhs.uk

The Christie Private Care

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Education news

Quick quiz

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Corporate news

New £7m outpatient unit opens

It is fully funded by The Christie charity, and aims to offer patients a more seamless experience with more consultation rooms, improved access to testing facilities and a new appointment system with self-check-in screens, that will help to reduce patient waiting times and increase capacity. Patients Janice Kostenko and Pauline Nieri joined Chief Executive, Roger Spencer to cut the ribbon at the entrance to the new unit, accessed via the main hospital corridor. Pauline, 72 from Cheadle, was treated at The Christie for breast cancer in 2013/14, and has been a volunteer here for over 10 years. She said: “I have seen The Christie from both perspectives, as a patient and a member of volunteering staff. It is tremendous to see how the outpatients’ department has developed over time and this new centre is excellent – a lovely light and comfortable space.” Roger Spencer added: “Thanks to advances in cancer care, we celebrate the news that patients are living with Patients and staff came together to mark the completion of our brand new £7m outpatient unit in February, offering patients a more accessible, spacious and comfortable environment for the 95,000 appointments that take place there each year.

Outpatients opening: Chief executive Roger Spencer (right) is pictured with patient Janice Kostenko, volunteer Pauline Nieri and director of operations network services Bernie Delahoyde (left) with staff and patients looking on

cancer much longer than ever before. This means that we are seeing patients in the outpatient clinics over a longer period of time, sometimes for many years. “For many patients, the outpatients department is their first introduction to the hospital so it is important that it matches the same high standards as the rest of the hospital. Our new facility will allow us to cope with increasing capacity while continuing to provide the best experience for our patients.” All outpatient clinics that were previously held at the department on Wilmslow Road have now been transferred to the new department accessed via the main hospital corridor from Palatine Road. Patient check-in screens are at the entrance to the new unit and a new outpatient bloods room is due to open in April. Located next door to the recently refurbished dining room, the new facility provides patients with easy access to refreshments and comfortable seating just a few steps away.

Sister Aishling Sloan and Olivia Samuel, lead operational nurse for outpatients

Dr Was Mansoor, lead clinican on the outpatients development project

Chief executive Roger Spencer is pictured with patient Janice Kostenko, Director of Operations network services Bernie Delahoyde, volunteer Pauline Nieri, Dr Was Mansoor, and lead operational nurse Olivia Samuel

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Corporate news

Proton power

After many years in the planning, we were privileged to start treating patients in the NHS’s first high- energy proton beam therapy (PBT) centre in December. The treatment we are now providing here will make a huge difference to patients who previously had to travel abroad for this specialist form of radiotherapy. One of the first patients to be treated was Mason Kettley, aged 15, who was diagnosed with a brain

Mason’s case was referred to a national panel of experts, who reviewed the details of his case and concurred that he was eligible for PBT treatment which started in January. The Christie is the first NHS high-energy PBT centre in the UK as part

tumour in October last year. Following investigations and scans at Worthing Hospital near his home in Angmering in West Sussex, it became clear the tumour – a benign pilomyxoid astrocytoma – was growing in critical areas of his brain, making it inoperable due to the risk of blindness and other catastrophic complications.

of a £250m programme for a national PBT service funded by NHS England. A second PBT centre is also currently being built at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and is due to open in 2020. To ensure consistency of service, once the two UK PBT centres are operational, some patients will continue to be sent abroad for treatment until both centres have fully developed their capacity of up to 750 patients a year. Mason finished his treatment at the beginning of March and staff who have been caring for him were delighted to watch him ring the end of treatment bell. management, radiotherapy, radiology, rehabilitation, supportive care, surgery, histopathology and cytogenetics. The Christie’s international team, working in partnership with UK based training company, Promedica, has led this initiative, arranging bespoke programmes for each individual through the School of Oncology, to shadow some of the hospital’s world leading cancer specialists. This is the first stage of what is hoped will be a longer- term collaboration involving education and training and expert consultancy advice, which will help generate on-going revenue for The Christie Trust, to be reinvested in patient care.

Mason Kettley

International expertise Congratulations to our international team which received recognition recently at the ‘BD Ports Northern Powerhouse Export Awards’ winning an award in the ‘new to export’ category.

This was for its part in a consortium that was selected to provide expert consultancy advice to the Rong Qiao Group in China. The contract was signed last year for the first phase of what is planned to be a long-term collaboration which will generate revenue to be reinvested in patient care. Work to deliver this contract is now underway and discussions are ongoing about phase two. The next few months will also see the team focus on reinforcing the success of The Christie’s partnership with Cork University Hospital (CUH), Ireland. The expert contributions of Christie colleagues have been instrumental in the development of a new radiation oncology centre, which is due to open there in the autumn. Meanwhile, The Christie played host to staff from the East Kazakhstan Regional Oncology Centre in a collaboration to help improve cancer services in the country. Placements were arranged in a number of key departments giving a group of eight visitors the opportunity to observe the latest practice in cancer

International expertise: Christie Deputy Director Of Business Development Jenny Scott is pictured centre with Askar Ibrayev, Lyudmila Rebenkova, Saule Mananbaeva and Dana Tulebayeva from East Kazakhstan Regional Oncology Centre (left to right)

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Corporate news

Empowering patients with PROMs MyChristie-MyHealth is a two year project to introduce a new form of communication between patients and clinical teams. Patients respond to a set of questions about issues such as symptoms, physical health and quality of life, using their mobile, tablet or computer, or when they come for hospital appointments. The data from these ‘patient reported outcome measures’ or PROMs is fed back to clinical teams to help improve patient care. PROMs is currently being piloted with lung, head and neck and proton beam therapy patients and will be rolled out across the remaining disease groups over the next two years. The first patient data provided was reviewed in clinic in January. The use of PROMs in clinical care empowers patients, facilitates personalised care pathways and can improve both quality of life and survival. Higher quality outcome data also supports improvements to clinical pathways and higher research standards. Participation in the service is not compulsory and patients can opt-out. MyChristie-MyHealth will be available to all Christie patients, including those who are

King Hussein Cancer Centre

The Christie and The King Hussein Cancer Centre (KHCC) in Jordan have signed a memorandum of understanding to support and train a team there in cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC). The KHCC is a not-for-profit specialist cancer centre funded by charity. As part of this, Mr Omer Aziz and Professor

Surgery training: Professor Sarah O’Dwyer with Mr Omer Aziz in Jordan

Sarah O’Dwyer travelled to Jordan in December and performed the KHCC’s first two cases with them. They also delivered a grand round presentation, were invited to see the KHCC patients and to meet with their radiologists and oncologists. Through this initiative, The Christie colorectal and peritoneal oncology centre (CPOC) aims to help establish this treatment for patients with advanced cancers in Jordan and the Middle East. The KHCC team sees The Christie CPOC team as an important partner in establishing CRS/HIPEC in Jordan. The success of this initiative also demonstrates the reputation of The Christie CPOC as a leading expert in CRS/HIPEC. After Mr Omer Aziz and Professor Sarah O’Dwyer returned to The Christie, the KHCC team sent an update from the patients they operated on. OECI re-accreditation In December, 2018 The Organisation of European Cancer Institutes re-accredited The Christie as a comprehensive cancer centre which demonstrates that we meet the quality standards for cancer. An action plan for four areas has been developed

reviewed in other hospitals. For further information about

MyChristie-MyHealth please visit https:// hive.xchristie.nhs.uk/Interact/Pages/ Content/Document.aspx?id=8630

to further enhance the cancer services we offer and will be reviewed in September 2019. We are very proud to receive this ongoing accreditation. Further information can be found at www.oeci.eu/

PROMs is currently being piloted with lung, head and neck and proton beam therapy patients

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Corporate news

E-ordering pilot takes off The first patients have been treated using chemotherapy (SACT) ordered through the pharmacy interface from iQemo to Baxter.

This innovative system is the first of its kind in Europe and only the second worldwide. The collaborative project with the pharmacy EP team, digital services, Baxter and iQemo aims to streamline the ordering of chemotherapy from Baxter to improve efficiencies and reduce waste. Patient safety enhancements such as batch number and expiry checking are in place. Future developments within iQemo will include taking SACT treatments “off hold” and release requests for SACT within the prescribing software, thereby reducing telephone and email traffic and saving valuable staff time. For further information on iQemo

developments, contact the pharmacy EP team on iqemo@christie.nhs.uk

E-ordering is now underway

Helping us see cancer more clearly: a redeveloped CT department for The Christie Plans are underway to provide a redeveloped CT suite funded by The Christie charity. in the number of patients we see, our facilities are in desperate need of an upgrade.

There are many reasons why this area needs charitable support: the current CT waiting area is no longer able to accommodate all of our patients and relatives and it’s often difficult to find space for those patients arriving in wheelchairs, due to the cramped environment. There is no private, dedicated space for patients to speak with their radiographer prior to the scans taking place and the changing facilities are located on one of the main corridors that runs through the department. The new facilities will include a four-dimensional CT scanner (or 4D CT) which combines CT scans with video X-ray, providing enhanced images to make interactive procedures possible during the scanning process. We are hoping to redesign and reconfigure the area. As well as making the most of the latest technology, we also want to ensure it is patient-friendly, private, less clinical and a more comfortable, dignified place for all patients to visit at the start of their journey at The Christie. More details about the plans will be unveiled in future editions of Chinwag.

Seeing more clearly: Our current CT dept is in need of an overhaul.

Virtually every patient we treat uses the CT department before, during and after their cancer treatment. Our scanning machines use X-rays to create detailed images of the inside of the body – and are used to help doctors diagnose and treat cancer by providing essential information about the size and location of tumours. It is one of the busiest departments in the hospital with around 22,000 scans carried out every year. Our CT department currently has three CT scanners – but due to ever changing technology and a sizeable increase

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Corporate news

Pioneering Manchester cancer screening pilot to be rolled out nationwide Manchester’s Lung Health Check (LHC) pilot, which quadrupled lung cancer early diagnosis rates, is being extended to 10 sites across the country in a drive to save lives by catching the condition early, as part of The NHS Long Term Plan.

68% of lung cancers were diagnosed at stage one and 11% were stage four. The Manchester scheme also picked up a range of other heart and lung

to the some of the areas with the highest death rates from lung cancer. The scheme means people aged 55-74 who have been identified as being at increased risk of lung cancer (smokers and ex-smokers) will be invited for a lung health check and be offered a chest scan if appropriate – this scan could take place in a mobile unit or in a hospital setting. The Manchester pilot was led by Greater Manchester Cancer, which is largely based at The Christie. In 2017/18, 2,541 patients were scanned, finding 65 lung cancers affecting 61 patients. Prior to the study, 18% of lung cancers were diagnosed at stage one and 48% stage four. After the study,

Around £70 million will fund 10 national projects that check those most at risk, inviting them for an MOT for their lungs and an on the spot chest scan that include mobile clinics closer to where they live.

conditions, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

In addition to the existing sites set up for the Manchester pilot (Wythenshawe, Gorton and

Four in five cancers were in the early stages (stage one and two), with one in five people having a previously undiagnosed lung condition and nine out of 10 at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The national rollout has the potential to reach around 600,000 people over four years, detecting approximately 3,400 cancers and saving hundreds of lives across the country.

Harpurhey), Tameside and Glossop CCG has now been selected as one of the 10 sites to take part in the first phase of the extension from 2019-20. This means that over 57,000 extra high risk people across Greater Manchester could benefit from this check in the future. The targeted screening will help improve survival rates by going first

You, Me and GatewayC – an interview with Lauren and Deborah

GatewayC is an online education platform for primary care staff, based at The Christie. The team works with a range of clinical oncology specialists and service users to develop the learning content within each course. Courses focus on early diagnosis, clinical decision making and effective communication. You, Me and the Big C podcasters Deborah James and Lauren Mahon recently sat down for an interview with GatewayC GP Lead Dr Sarah Taylor to discuss their own experiences of cancer and their key messages for primary care. Having each had very different experiences of the referral process, they raised the importance of GPs and other primary care staff being able to recognise red flag symptoms, the importance of questioning patients effectively to elicit symptoms and supporting and guiding patients through the next steps to take following referral and diagnosis. Lauren and Deborah’s feedback, along with other user representatives, will be used in future GatewayC courses.

This includes a new course on ‘Improving the quality of your referral’, designed to ensure that primary care provide all the necessary information and prepare patients properly before a referral into secondary care, to minimise any avoidable delays. To watch the full interview, visit www.gatewayc.org. uk/blog

You, Me and the Big C: Deborah James and Lauren Mahon

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Corporate news

Flu campaign 2018/19

This year’s #jabdone flu campaign was the most successful to date at The Christie with more than 2,500 staff members being vaccinated – that’s 87% of front line staff – the best figure in the region and one of the best in the country.

Improving car parking As many staff will be aware, work is due to start this summer on a new tiered car park on the site of the existing Cotton Lane car park.

This will eventually provide an additional 400 spaces, but during the construction works, the existing car park will close, which will mean on site staff parking will be limited. A car park working group has been established to agree on how the remaining onsite parking spaces should be allocated and managed. Various ideas are currently under consideration following an initial parking permit review. These ideas include identifying clinical staff working out of normal hours or across multiple sites as priority users. Any changes will need to be agreed by the car park working group. Current pass holders, along with those already using the facilities, will be given priority access at three park

and ride sites within three miles of the hospital – Withington Community Hospital (Nell Lane, M20 2LR), Burnage Rugby Club (Battersea Rd, SK4 3EA), and

Broughton Park Rugby Club (2 Houghend Cres, M21 7TL). Further information about the plans will be communicated when the details are finalised.

An artist’s impression of the new car park

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Corporate news

Paterson redevelopment project starting to take shape

This is what the future of cancer research in the North West could look like as plans to rebuild the Paterson building begin to take shape. Following the devastating fire in April 2017, the Trust has been working closely with its partners that make up the Manchester Cancer Research Centre – CRUK and The University of Manchester – on ambitious proposals to replace the building with a state-of-the-art facility integrating researchers and clinicians in one building, driving greater understanding

of the diversity and complexity of cancer. With significantly more space than the previous Paterson building, the multi-million pound project aims to develop a centre that will – together with the nearby Oglesby (MCRC) building – become one of the world’s top five centres for basic, translational and clinical cancer research by 2025.

The computer-generated image gives an early indication of what the building might look like. A public consultation on plans recently closed and a full planning application is due to be submitted to Manchester City Council later this year. For more information, please visit www.patersonredevelopment project.co.uk

Annual staff recognition awards 2019

Fluid monitoring The acute kidney injury team has introduced a new fluid balance chart which is currently being rolled out to help us improve the monitoring of patients’ fluid intake and output. The chart has been piloted on four of the inpatient medical wards over the last few months and audits have shown an improvement. We would like to thank all the staff that have supported this project throughout the pilot phase. We hope to continue to make improvements in this area and are happy to be contacted if any areas require further training or advice in terms of acute kidney injury or fluid balance monitoring.

The annual staff recognition awards will be held on Thursday 7th June in the Education Centre. The awards will recognise and celebrate the inspiring and innovative work our staff do across the Trust every day to improve patient experience. You have until 11pm on Friday 26th April 2019 to make your nomination by visiting: www. surveymonkey.co.uk/r/7NX987W Staff who have successfully completed 20, 30 and 40 years service as at 31st March 2018, will also receive formal recognition at the awards. We are currently in the process of checking eligibility and will notify staff who are due to receive an award. Staff who have not received notification by 26th April and believe they are eligible can query their long service by contacting engagementteam@christie.nhs.uk

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Special feature: our plans for East Cheshire

Macclesfield, here we come

For those patients who live furthest away, this can mean a journey time of two hours or more which puts a tremendous pressure on them and their families at a time when dealing with cancer is difficult enough. For radiotherapy in particular, patients have to attend hospital for treatment on a daily basis for up to five weeks or longer. The new centre will give patients the option to have Christie care closer to home to enhance their patient experience during treatment, whilst ensuring the best possible clinical outcomes. The Christie Cancer Centre at Macclesfield will bring together essential cancer services

into one purpose-built unit delivering radiotherapy, chemotherapy, holistic support and information services, outpatient care, clinical trials, palliative care and support services. Dr Andrew Sykes, consultant clinical oncologist at The Christie and the lead doctor for the project, said: “Whilst we know that patients and families are prepared to travel to The Christie for specialist services, we also understand that in reality many would prefer to have those services locally where possible. It saves valuable time and money and can make a difficult time so much easier. “We are delighted to unveil the plans for a new Christie cancer centre in Macclesfield, which will provide the highest standard of cancer care for people in East Cheshire, but far closer to their homes than we have ever offered before.” The Christie has already opened successful local radiotherapy centres in Salford and Oldham, but the new centre in Macclesfield will be the first that offers the full range of Christie services, including access to groundbreaking clinical trials, ensuring patients will benefit from the very latest advances in cancer treatment.

The new Christie Cancer Centre at Macclesfield will be built in the grounds of Macclesfield District General Hospital, providing Christie cancer care closer to home for more than 1,500 new patients a year. The new centre will transform cancer care in East Cheshire, providing local specialist access to radiotherapy, chemotherapy – and for the first time, early phase clinical trials, meaning patients in East Cheshire will be among the first in the country to access new treatments as they become available. While some cancer care is currently available in Macclesfield, patients currently have to travel to The Christie in south Manchester for the majority of their appointments. The Christie charity has launched a major new fundraising appeal to raise £23 million to build a new cancer centre in the heart of East Cheshire.

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Special feature: our plans for East Cheshire

Gemma’s story

It is expected there will be around 40,000 patient visits each year to the centre, including patients from the East Cheshire catchment area, High Peak, the Leighton area and patients south of the M60. Planning for the new centre has also taken into account that East Cheshire has the oldest population in Greater Manchester – meaning there is likely to be an increasing demand for specialist cancer services for older patients in future years. The new centre will be home to two linear accelerators – highly specialist equipment which will deliver more than 15,000 radiotherapy treatments every year. There will also be 18 treatment chairs to deliver more than 4,000 chemotherapy treatments a year. The centre will also have outpatient facilities with specialist examination rooms, a CT simulator where treatments are planned, counselling and complementary therapy rooms. Work on the two storey building is expected to start later this year with the aim of opening during summer 2021.

(Herceptin). She receives this treatment at one of the local Christie clinics in New Mills, Derbyshire. Now retired from her previous job as an NHS discharge co-coordinator in Bakewell, Derbyshire, Gemma is married to husband Ben a roofer and they have two girls, Ruby aged 9 and Scarlett, 7. “The standard of care from The Christie has been exceptional,” she said. “I knew I was in the best place for my treatment, but having to travel so far was very disruptive. It meant I was not able to get home in time for school runs and was having to ring people to ask them to collect Ruby and Scarlett, which was stressful for me and unsettling for them. “A Christie cancer centre in Macclesfield would have made a huge difference to me and my family. I’m delighted that the new centre in Macclesfield will also offer clinical trials as I know that so many patients now benefit from them.”

Gemma Ellis, 36, from Chapel-en- le-Frith in Derbyshire was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2017. She had six cycles of chemotherapy at The Christie in Withington, followed by surgery at Stepping Hill hospital, and then a further 15 sessions of radiotherapy at The Christie over a four week period. A year later, in February 2018, she found out she had developed secondary breast cancer. She is now on an ongoing course of hormone treatment including trastuzumab

The importance of our charity Director of fundraising at The Christie, Louise Hadley, said: “The Christie charity provides enhanced services over and above what the NHS funds and the support we receive makes a huge difference to the care and treatment that The Christie is able to provide to our patients and their families. “We’re planning lots of exciting fundraising events over the next 12 months” Louise Hadley “This new Christie Centre at Macclesfield is an ambitious project for us and we are confident it will help us transform cancer care for the thousands of patients who use our services every year. “To make it happen we need to raise £23m, so we hope staff will get on board and support our fundraising drive. We’re planning lots of exciting fundraising events over the next two years and we’d love to see staff involved.”

The catchment area for our new Christie Cancer Centre at Macclesfield

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Staff news

Singing their hearts out

The choir is made up of staff, current and former patients, and carers. They spent many weeks rehearsing for their starring roles and a day filming at Salford Lads Club last May, before the episodes were screened in February. The choir was originally put together five years ago by clinical nurse specialist Ros Fox, who works with Julie in the Macmillan secondary breast cancer team. Ros said: “Singing in a group is a really good way of creating togetherness, the feeling of being part of something, and of feeling that one belongs. It’s also incredibly empowering to sing as one in that way.

“Those sorts of emotions are all the more important when you’re going through the frightening and often isolating experience of cancer. Singing has been shown to improve overall wellbeing of patients and our group seems to be no exception.” “It was great fun to get involved with Cold Feet when they had the idea to feature a choir. Being on set with them was very exciting, and it was very emotional when we finally got to see our scenes together when the episodes were aired.” The Rhythm of Life Christie and Maggie’s choir rehearses every Monday, alternately in the conservatory or at the Maggie’s Centre. Staff are always welcome to join and no previous singing experience or talent is needed. For more information, email rosalyn.fox@christie.nhs.uk

No cold feet here: The Rhythm of Life choir with the stars of Cold Feet.

Congratulations to our wonderful Rhythm of Life choir which has been receiving national attention after taking part in the ITV drama Cold Feet. The Manchester-based show has featured a cancer storyline in the latest series with one of the main characters being treated for breast cancer. Christie nurse Julie Orford acted as a script advisor, ensuring the plot was as accurate and authentic as possible. Julie is also a member of the Rhythm of Life choir and when bosses suggested they were looking for a choir to help film, they were delighted to get involved.

New car club The Christie has recently started a car club programme to help cut emissions from business travel. We have taken delivery of four new Toyota Yaris hybrids, which are being used by The Christie At Home team, a group of eight nurses who work in shifts to visit cancer patients in the local community. Previously they used their own cars for business trips and claimed mileage reimbursement. The move forms a key part of the Trust’s green travel plan to reduce the need for cars to be brought on-site and lower the emissions for business travel mileage. The four car club vehicles have been taken on a pilot basis, with plans to expand the fleet to cover other staff at The Christie in the future.

Green travel plan: Members of the nursing teamwith the new fleet

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Staff news

Spreading festive cheer

Members of the Manchester United first team visited us in December to spend time with some Christie patients and spread some festive cheer. World Cup winner Paul Pogba was joined by teammates Diogo Dalot, Fred and Andreas Pereira when they visited the teenage and young adult (TYA) unit. The United stars brought gifts, posed for photos and even got involved in a few computer games and table tennis on their visit to the Trust. TYA matron Linda Allen said: “It was a fantastic day for the patients. We have some very keen Manchester United fans on the ward and to be able to meet some of their heroes has made Christmas for them. The players were great and a lot of fun was had by everybody. It will live long in the memory.” Meanwhile, Manchester City Women’s team also joined our patients. England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley and Canadian forward Janine Beckie explored their creative side in The Christie art room while midfielder Jill Scott, forward Tessa Wullaert and defender Demi Stokes visited the TYA unit. The players chatted with patients and played table tennis in the TYA, while in the art room the players got involved in making Christmas cards and monoprints.

TYA patient with Diogo Dalot and Fred

Janine Beckie and Karen Bardsley with patients in the art room

Paul Pogba with TYA patients

Jill Scott andWullaert with a patient in the TYA

Liammeets Diogo Dalot, Paul Pogba, Fred and Andreas Pereira at The Christie Hospital

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Staff news

Teenage & young adult team showcase work in Sydney In December 2018 four members of the teenage and young adult oncology team secured funding from the Teenage Cancer Trust Stephen Sutton Congress Grant and The Christie to attend the Global Adolescents and Young Adults Cancer Congress in Sydney, Australia to showcase innovative work at The Christie.

Charlene Jones, Teenage Cancer Trust community liaison network nurse, presented her work on the establishment of an outreach service which has provided support to hundreds of teenage and young adults who are treated outside of The Christie at local hospitals. Kate Law, community liaison nurse team leader, gave an emotional presentation on her Masters

innovative project ‘Remembering Friends’, developing a bereavement service for teenage and young adults who lose a friend to cancer during their own treatment. It was acknowledged during the conference that this is

not being addressed in any other units across the world. Lorraine and Anna also presented key findings from their body image support group which has been running for seven years to address body image issues for teenage and young adults, helping young patients feel less alone about body image changes and helping them to feel more confident about their appearance.

research ‘Examining the support needs of bereaved parents following the death of a young person from cancer’. Occupational therapist Anna Mackland and Christie youth support coordinator Lorraine Wright presented their

Kate Law

Charlene Jones

Anna Mackland and Lorraine Wright

GTA England Apprentice of the year: finalist Radiotherapy technical services apprentice, George Stewart, was recently shortlisted to attend the GTA England Apprentice awards at the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry. George was one of 10 finalists in the highly competitive and largest sector; Engineering & Construction. received and showcased himself, The Christie and his training organisation SETA in a very professional manner. We are very proud to have such a valuable member of our team recognised in such a prestigious national awards and wish every success to George in the next stages of his career.

There were a total of 18 finalists, shortlisted across the three categories, from a network of approximately 12.5k apprentices and 24k employers, including household names such as Rolls Royce and Siemens. The apprentice’s applications were judged based on commitment, contribution and success by an independent panel of GTA England board members. The applicants also submitted short videos which were played to the audience. George’s video was excellently

Well done George: George is pictured with his fellow finalists second from the left.

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Staff news

National award for Helen Congratulations to Helen Johnson who was named nurse of the year by the Urology Foundation in November. Helen was nominated by her manager, Jane Booker, for her work to develop co-ordinated pathways to make sure every prostate cancer patient receives the same high standard of care and the same messages about their illness.

Christie library reading group The Christie library reading group, led by Ingrid Francis, one of the library team, meets bi-monthly at lunchtime to discuss a book, with hot drinks and cake provided. done so everyone can enjoy the titles without feeling pressured to have read the whole thing. To receive regular updates about the group and the current book, email library@christie.nhs.uk The library team is also looking for volunteers to become a shared

The first meeting took place in December talking about The Girl with Nine Wigs, a cancer memoir written from the perspective of a student. The group is open to all staff and volunteers at The Christie, and you can drop in for some or all of the meetings, depending on your work commitments. The idea is that a group of staff can come together who may not usually get the chance to meet, and discuss and enjoy the books chosen. During each meeting some reading aloud of extracts from the book are Congratulations to the Hulmes! Laura Hulme, major relationship manager for The Christie charity welcomed little baby Emily to the world in January. Emily weighed 6lbs 8oz and is enjoying life at home with mummy and daddy. Congratulations to Laura and Pete!

reading group leader, either taking an occasional session with staff or looking to develop a group with patients, carers or families. Training will be provided for this with The Reader organisation.

The Christie library reading group’s novel new book club

Happy birthday to Oldham! Staff and patients came together in March to celebrate nine years of Christie radiotherapy treatment in Oldham. The Christie centre opened in 2010 and was the first local radiotherapy centre to be built as part of our commitment to treat patients closer to home where possible.

Farewell to Rowena The communications team said farewell to communications officer Rowena Fay at the end of March. Rowena is taking up a communications manager role at Manchester University NHS FT. Rowena has worked here for more than six years and will be sadly missed. We wish her well in her new job.

Members of the Oldham team

Hatches, matches and dispatches

Please don’t forget to share your news with us. If you have had a new addition to your family, celebrated a wedding, or your favourite colleague is retiring after many years loyal service, let us spread the word. Email communications.team@christie.nhs.uk

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Research news

 The NIHR Biomedical Research Centre Manchester  needs your help

TrueNTH post-surgery follow-up study The Christie is leading recruitment to a study looking at the impact of surgery on men’s lives following removal of their prostate. A total of 26 centres across the UK are recruiting to the TrueNTH post-surgery follow-up study, which is now in Phase II. The aim of the study is Precision Cancer Research Partnership During December, biotech company Roche announced up to £20m of new investment for a Precision Cancer Research Partnership with The Christie. This aims to help patients with less common cancers benefit from personalised treatments. The Christie is already leading the way in personalised medicine, matching cancer treatments to the specific genetics of a patient’s cancer. This new partnership will ensure that more patients than ever before at The Christie can benefit from this kind of individual treatment targeting. For further information please contact wes.dale@ christie.nhs.uk It is a great opportunity for anyone to get involved in one day of research. The work has been funded NIHR BRC Manchester and MAHSC. For more information, email ellena.badrick@manchester.ac.uk Researchers in the cancer prevention and early detection theme have been turning research on its head, asking those who have been affected by cancer, what they consider the most important questions around detecting cancer early. This Priority Setting Partnership (PSP) is supported by the James Lind Alliance and aims to balance research ideas that advance knowledge, and those with a more direct patient benefit. Researcher Dr Ellena Badrick has collected over 500 responses from clinicians, patients, carers and public. On 26th June 2019, the PSP is holding a workshop to review the responses from the survey, and to choose the top 10 research priorities. They require input from a broad range of health professionals who practice at any stage of the cancer pathway.

The Detecting Cancer Early Priority Setting Partnership Steering Group

Cancer Futures

Cancer Futures is a new publication from The University of Manchester that showcases a snapshot of the stories and people in Manchester who are transforming lives through their research. It can be viewed online or you can request a copy from cancerfutures@ manchester.ac.uk

Spotlight on trials nurses Three research nurses, Alison White, Amy Smith and Chloe Thomson are the stars of a new video for the digital experimental cancer medicine team. The video highlights how the role of the trials nurse is changing through technology and how the digital ECMT supports nurses to gather patient-reported outcomes and experience. This helps to monitor patient safety between clinical visits, ensures patients feel informed and involved, and provides convenience for patients with active lives. The information gathered helps to improve the quality of trial data collected and improves clinical decision making. Watch the video at https://hive.xchristie.nhs.uk/ Interact/Pages/Content/Document.aspx?id=9589

to develop and evaluate a survey that could be routinely used to monitor the patient-reported outcomes of surgery. A total of 133 patients at The Christie have so far consented to participate, meaning the Greater Manchester site is comfortably the top recruiter.

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Research news

Welcome to Sheeba Abraham Sheeba is our new matron for the Clinical Research Facility (CRF). Previously she worked as a nurse manager for four years at Manchester Royal Infirmary. Sheeba lives in Withington and enjoys reading books and going for walks in her spare time.

Congratulations to Susan Neeson Congratulations to Susan Neeson who has successfully been accepted onto the first NIHR 70@70 Senior Nurse and Midwife Research Leader programme. There were over 170 applicants

Farewell Elaine In March, we said farewell to Elaine Blowers, lead cancer research nurse and operational director for NIHR CRF at The Christie. Elaine has been at The Christie since 2002 and we wish her well in her retirement.

for this opportunity and we are thrilled that Susan has been recognised for her valuable contribution to clinical research nursing and academic research by being selected. Well done Susan!

CRUK clinical research nurse advisory group

Lorraine Turner has been invited to join the CRUK Clinical Research Nurse Advisory Group to help shape the work it is doing to support research nurses working on cancer clinical trials with their professional and educational needs. Well done Lorraine!

Dr Sian Hanison has been appointed as the operational director of NIHR Manchester CRF at The Christie and will take up her post in May. The post of lead research nurse is still being recruited to.

Exceptional minds are vital to our future success

The Academic Investment Plan (AIP) was developed by The Christie and the University of Manchester to attract and nurture exceptional minds and deliver world-leading cancer research. Funded by The Christie charity, the project has helped helped us win £12m of BRC funding and supported the retention of ‘major centre’ status for the CRUK Manchester Institute as well as other important partnerships and collaborations. Professor Peter Trainer has helped recruit several new faces. He says: “It’s catapulted Manchester into the international spotlight. It’s created untold opportunities for researchers in Manchester and has inspired the brightest homegrown minds to shine. We’ve retained key people through it, and systemic therapy research will benefit from plans to recruit ten new clinical fellows this year.”

David Thomson is one of the consultants who has benefitted from the AIP. “Professor Rob Bristow’s appointment as MCRC Director and Chief Academic Officer for The Christie has created opportunities that simply would not have been realised previously.” “I’ve learned so much from exceptional

people like Marcel Van Herk and Karen Kirkby. The work they are doing will ensure that The Christie has one of the strongest clusters of radiotherapy-related research in the world.” Further recruitment is underway aligned with our research strategy.

David Thomson

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MAKING THE HEADLINES As always the work of our staff, patients, volunteers and fundraisers has received lots of media attention over the last few months.

The Christie Blog Don’t forget to have a look at our blog page from time to time – featuring news and views from both our patients and staff. Recent features include Dr Victoria Lavin talking about her own experiences being treated for breast cancer, and patient Richard Jackson

Mason’s moment We were delighted to welcome the national news media to our new proton beam therapy centre in January to cover the story of Mason Kettley – one of the first patients to be treated in our fantastic new facilities. Mason’s story featured on BBC Breakfast,

Dr Victoria Lavin

discussing the benefits of taking part in clinical trials. To read more please visit www.christie.nhs.uk/blog

Channel Five News and ITN News as well as in every national newspaper, as well as many regional and local newspapers. On the horizon Keep your eye out for our new proton beam therapy centre featuring in a special BBC 2 edition of science documentary Horizon. The Horizon team has been filming with The Christie for more than 12 months, following the journey of our staff and patients as we drew closer to going live. A screening date is still to be confirmed. Watch out on HIVE and Newsflash for more details.

Radiotherapy in the spotlight Staff at The Christie at Oldham were recently involved in filming a drama with actress Maxine Peake who was keen to get a true reflection of radiotherapy in action. Team members spent the day with actors and crew recreating a CT scanning session. A totally different experience for those involved but hopefully this will raise the profile of radiotherapy and its many different aspects across the country. Tentatively titled ‘Paper Canoe’ the programme does not yet have a transmission date.

The force was with us Thank you to Star Wars super fans The UK Garrison in December who went down a storm (trooper) with patients, staff and visitors alike. May the force be with you.

Join the conversation

Facebook

@Flipping_Pages On #world cancerday2019 THANK YOU to the @NHSuk staff, GPs, District nurses, oncology and chemo teams at @TheChristieNHS and the wonderful people at @ ECHospice, who gave me 5 more years with my best friend Allyson than cancer wanted us to have.

@AudsDisease Ding a ling a ling. I’m finally done with #Chemotherapy Thank you to @TheChristieNHS the #Oncology Department the wonderful Nurses and to you guys for keeping my spirits up during the past 20 weeks.

Twitter

Sharon Groocock Well what can I say but thank goodness for this hospital, it has been home from home for me lately however each time I have made a visit, the staff have been caring, helpful & very reassuring throughout, from cleaners, retailers right through to the medical teams.

Matt Barlow Officially discharged from Christie, seven years since I finished treatment for testicular cancer, think I deserve a celebratory pint.

Scott Bickerton Passed my ‘cancer free’ MOT and that’s me away from here for another six months. Two years with no surgery now.

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A day in the life

Professor Janelle Yorke

The Christie employs a wide range of staff doing very different jobs. In each edition, Chinwag will follow one member of staff to find out what a day in their life is really like…

Q. Tell us a bit about your job A . I have the honour of holding the first joint Chair in Nursing at The Christie and The University of Manchester. I started in 2015 with the remit to develop a programme of cancer research and research capacity and capability of Christie nurses and allied healthcare professionals (AHP). I lead the Christie patient centred research (CPCR) group which employs a team of 10. We conduct research relating to patient patient-centred outcomes and experience. I also lead the newly developed Christie clinical academic pathway (CCAP) to encourage nurse/AHP research and the Christie ePROMs programme. Q. What’s the first thing you do when you arrive? A . I always make a cup of tea! Each day varies depending on meetings, deadlines for reports, grant applications, publications and student supervision and teaching requirements. This morning I

Email communications.team @christie.nhs.uk if you want Chinwag to profile your job in the next ‘A day in the life’. conference poster/presentation acceptance, publication, funding grant, audit completion or graduation from a research related qualification. nurses/AHPs is being increasingly recognised as integral to the Trust research strategy. I am extremely proud to be part of that process. Q. What is a challenging part of the day? A . As with many people – time is a challenge. But when you truly believe that your work contributes to better patient outcomes and enhanced research opportunities for nurses and AHPs then you find the time. Q. What’s the high point of your day? A . When CPCR or one of the nurses/AHPs we support has a success for example a

occupational therapist to discuss CCAP, reviewed a colleague’s application for a research award, met with a CNS to discuss her results from a Urology UK funded project, and wrote this article all by 11am. Q. What’s the last thing you do before you leave? A . I usually spend the last part of my day trying to not be in meetings and complete my list of jobs. The last thing I did yesterday was to check the online courses I am teaching this semester (lung cancer and quantitative research methods) and responded to the students’ online posts. Q. What do you think makes The Christie such a special place to work? A . The Christie is a ‘yes we can’ place to work which is what I love. Research is at the forefront and ultimately that is how we can improve patient outcomes. Since joining in 2015 I have seen a cultural shift in our approach to ‘team science’ where research led by our

finished marking an MRes dissertation, met with an

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