Trust blog
Trust blog
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Read the full story“Dying matters and the way we talk about dying matters”: Meet Christine Dorsett
Here, Christine Dorsett, our mortuary manager, explains the vital role mortuaries play in hospitals, and why it is important to talk about and plan for death.
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Read the full storyThe best protection against measles
Measles cases are rising across the country, with a particular increase in London in recent weeks. TikTok has launched #GrabAJab: an in-app campaign to encourage people to get the MMR vaccine,…
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Read the full story“My rotation with Paddington Life Sciences has provided incredible opportunities”: Meet James Harkness
Junior doctor Dr James Harkness shares an insight into completing a four-month rotation with the Paddington Life Sciences team as part of his Foundation Training.
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Read the full story“As a society, we need to appreciate women’s health as its own entity”: Meet Srdjan Saso
Srdjan Saso is a consultant gynaecologist and gynaecological cancer surgeon. Here, he shares an insight into his role in treating gynaecological pathologies and advances in research and treatment…
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Read the full story“Rare diseases need to be focussed into specialist centres so that patient outcomes can improve”: Meet Professor Michael Seckl
Rare cancers affect less than 6 in 100,000 people a year or 1 in 5 new patients diagnosed with cancer. Professor Michael Seckl is a consultant oncologist at the Trust, director of our national…
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Read the full story"Our local communities are key to successful research”: Meet Maria Piggin
Maria Piggin is partnerships and training manager at the NIHR BRC Imperial Patient Experience Research Centre. In our latest blog, she discusses the importance of involving patients and members of…
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Read the full story“Organ donation is one of the most beautiful things that people can do”: Meet Frank Dor
Frank Dor is a consultant transplant surgeon, clinical lead for transplantation and the chair of the Trust’s Clinical Ethics Committee. Here, Frank discusses organ donation more widely and…
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Read the full storyMeet Asmahan, a patient safety partner at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
A patient safety partner works with the healthcare team to make sure patients are safe and shares the patient's point of view to improve care.
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Read the full story“Ovarian cancer – previously known as the silent killer – is not so silent anymore”: Meet Professor Christina Fotopoulou
Professor Christina Fotopoulou is a gynaecological oncology surgeon at Queen Charlotte's & Chelsea Hospital and a leader in the field of ovarian cancer. Here, she discusses the diagnosis and…
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Read the full story"Imperial College Healthcare is a great place to pursue clinical research": Meet Rowan Boyles
Physiotherapist Rowan Boyles has recently been awarded an NIHR Imperial BRC PhD Fellowship to research the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation, a type of brain stimulation, in spinal cord…
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Read the full storyThe Fleming Centre: Driving the fight against antimicrobial resistance
Professor Ara Darzi, Chair of The Fleming Centre Initiative, writes about the pivotal role this centre will play in the fight against AMR and the far-reaching impact it promises to deliver.
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Read the full story“Around 250 people under 30 in the UK get diagnosed with breast cancer each year”: Meet Alex Barnao
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK. Most women diagnosed with breast cancer are over the age of 50, but younger women can also get breast cancer. Alex Barnao, communications…
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Read the full storyNursing and midwifery at Imperial’s journey on the Pathway to Excellence
Sue Burgis, Deputy Chief Nurse at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, reflects on the Trust's journey so far on the Pathway to Excellence programme at Charing Cross Hospital.
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Read the full storyBlack History Month 2023 'Saluting our sisters' by Joselyn King
When I read the theme for this year’s Black History Month, ‘Saluting our sisters’, I immediately thought about the most influential sisters in my life. Those who have nurtured me, inspired me and…
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Read the full storyCompassionate Communities funding to support patients who are waiting for treatment
The Trust and Imperial Health Charity are working to improve the experience of those waiting for treatment. Dr Liz Bennett explains the Compassionate Communities programme and how organisations can…
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Read the full storyBlack History Month 2023 - A blog from Chenika Goldson
I am a ward manager for an inpatient Oncology department in Charing Cross hospital. I am also a co-chair for the Nursing and Midwifery race equality network at the trust. I started my nursing career…
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Read the full storyThe best thing about working in trauma is that no day or patient is the same”: Meet Sara Logan, major trauma ward matron
Nurses play a vital role in caring for patients who are admitted to our major trauma ward at St Mary’s Hospital. Here, Sara Logan, major trauma ward matron, gives an insight into how nurses work…
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Read the full story"I knew the gut microbiome was important to our health and I wanted to focus my future career on understanding how": Meet James Kinross
An Imperial surgeon specialising in the gut microbiome has published a new book to explain why it is important for our health.
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Read the full storyBrenda Deocampo, Lead Nurse/CXH-Acute & Specialist Medicine, shares her story for ESEA with a blog entry - Never a ‘first class citizen’.
Brenda Deocampo, Lead Nurse/CXH-Acute & Specialist Medicine, ESEA blog
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Read the full storyUsing volunteers to reduce Did Not Attend rate amongst the most deprived
As part of our population health and equity framework, innovative work is underway to design and deliver ways to improve our patient’s access, experience and outcomes and to reduce inequalities.…
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Read the full storyProfessor Onn Min Kon, Head of the Tuberculosis (TB) service at the Trust and Professor of Respiratory Medicine at the National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, originates from Malaysia, and shares his story of how his 'roots' inspired a British education and career in medicine.
Professor Onn Min Kon, Head of the Tuberculosis (TB) service at the Trust and Professor of Respiratory Medicine at the National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College London, originates from…
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Read the full storyWhat is Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome?
Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome (MRKH) is a condition that affects one in 5,000 people. Because of a lack of awareness, those with MRKH often experience delayed diagnosis. To help change…
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Read the full story"Promoting a research culture in emergency medicine is essential”: Meet Mary Dawood, consultant nurse emergency medicine
Emergency care is a vital part of what we do at Imperial College Healthcare, through both our emergency department and major trauma centre. Here, Mary explains the importance of research to this and…
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Read the full story“Teamwork is what carries us through when we treat patients with such horrific injuries”: Meet Kshem Yapa, consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon
No two days are the same in our major trauma centre. Here, Kshem Yapa gives us an insight into his role as a consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon and shares his experience of treating…
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Read the full story“There aren’t many careers where you can save or change a person’s life for the better”: Meet Chris Jordan, consultant orthopaedic and trauma surgeon
Major trauma is made up of various specialist and expert teams who care for patients with the most severe injuries and support them on their journey to recovery. Here, Chris Jordan, consultant…
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Read the full storyCelebrating 51 years of friendship born from our Trust
Last month we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the National Gestational Trophoblastic Centre. Today, we are celebrating the extraordinary story of three friends who met at our National Gestational…
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Read the full story“Heart failure is a big cause of hospital admissions and prolonged hospital stays”: Meet Clare Screeche-Powell
Clare Screeche-Powell, lead nurse for heart failure, discusses the main causes of heart failure and the importance of working collaboratively with colleagues, both inside and outside the Trust, to…
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Read the full storyJinju James, Lead Nurse for International Nurse Registration and Chair of the Nursing and Midwifery Race Equality Network shares her story for South Asian Heritage Month 2023.
Jinju James, Lead Nurse for International Nurse Registration and Chair of the Nursing and Midwifery Race Equality Network shares her story for South Asian Heritage Month 2023.
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Read the full story“The eye can be used as a window into the brain to look at different diseases”: Meet Professor Francesca Cordeiro
Professor Francesca Cordeiro, consultant ophthalmologist at the Western Eye Hospital, gives an insight into the innovative research work being carried out by the Imperial College Ophthalmology…
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Read the full story“Life sciences is key to the future of the NHS” - Professor Tim Orchard
Professor Tim Orchard shares the major role of life sciences in the future of the NHS and the vision for our growing life sciences cluster in Paddington.
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Read the full storySouth Asian Heritage Month 2023: Jazz Thind, Chief Financial Officer
Jazz Thind joined the Trust as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) three and the half years ago and is based at St Mary’s Hospital. Within her role as CFO, Jazz is a voting Executive Director who…
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Read the full storyNHS75: Introducing Dr Alasdair Fraser, a medical student at the start of the NHS
Dr Alasdair Fraser, retired consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology, aged 92, shares some of his memories as a medical student at St Mary’s Hospital at the start of the NHS.
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Read the full storyNHS75: Introducing Lord Moran, the man who won over early opposition to the NHS
Trust archivist Kevin Brown shares how Charles Wilson, later Lord Moran, a consultant physician at St Mary’s Hospital, was instrumental in gaining support from the medical profession for the…
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Read the full story“I am proud of my military service, and I am equally proud of the men and women that serve their country today” – Meet Tom Jacques
Ahead of Armed Forces Day on Saturday 24 June, deputy director of Infection Prevention & Control, Tom Jacques talks about his extensive career in Infection Prevention & Control both in the British…
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Read the full storyFrom Windrush to the wards: Carol Cato-Duncan shares her family story
Nurse Carol shares the story of her father who came to England as part of the Windrush generation, as well as the musical talent that runs through her generations, including famous jazz musician…
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Read the full storyRemembering Windrush: Honouring the Legacy and Advocating for Sickle Cell Disorder
As we commemorate the anniversary of the Windrush generation's arrival in the UK, it is crucial to take some time for reflection. 22 June 2023 marks 75 years since the first arrival of HMT Empire…
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Read the full story“Clinical trials help improve medical practice and discover new treatments” – meet Idah Mojela
Idah Mojela is lead research nurse for HIV & Infectious Disease at Imperial College Healthcare. For International Clinical Trials Day, Saturday 20 May, she tells us what attracted her to a career in…
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Read the full story“You must run clinical trials to develop new drugs, which is why our work is so important” – Meet Dr Marian Donegan
Dr Marian Donegan is a clinical research physician at the Imperial Memory Unit at Charing Cross hospital. Ahead of International Clinical Trials Day on Saturday 20 May, she shares an insight into…
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Read the full story“It is incredibly humbling and empowering to be the first doctor to win MasterChef” – Meet Dr Saliha Mahmood-Ahmed
Dr Saliha Mahmood-Ahmed is a specialist registrar in hepatology and gastroenterology at the Trust. She made history as the first ever doctor to win MasterChef in 2017 and since then she has…
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Read the full story"The photos on the wards were like therapy for me": Meet Hannah Grace Deller
Hannah Grace Deller is the matron for Children's Services at St Mary’s Hospital. Before training as a nurse Hannah studied photography, developing skills that she’d later use to capture life on the…
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Read the full story“At the Trust we are putting our emphasis on achieving equity not just equality”: Meet Hannah Franklin
The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day, Wednesday 8 March, is #EmbraceEquity. Hannah Franklin, health equity programme manager, explains what this theme means for the Trust from a staff…
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Read the full story“It is a privilege to help people during their most difficult times”: Meet Gillian Chumbley
Gillian Chumbley, nurse consultant, has worked at the Trust for 20 years and today marks her 45th year with the NHS. She offers insights into her lengthy research career and changes she has…
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Read the full storyPutting female scientists at the forefront of women’s health research
Dr Lynne Sykes is a specialist in pre-term birth who is seeking to understand what causes premature labour and how it can be prevented in the future. Her work, alongside a programme of research into…
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Read the full story"I feel privileged to be in the position to deliver care”: Meet Dr Brian Wang
Dr Brian Wang is a junior doctor in foundation year 2. An alumnus of Imperial College London, he is currently doing a four-month rotation in emergency medicine at Charing Cross Hospital. Here, Brian…
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Read the full storyProfessor Mark Thursz on looking after your liver and more
To mark Love Your Liver awareness month in January 2023, consultant hepatologist Professor Mark Thursz explains more about the spectrum of liver disease and his career at the Trust.
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Read the full storyMedical director Mr Raymond Anakwe on what inspired him to join the NHS
Medical director, Raymond Anakwe was inspired to join the NHS by his father, whose own journey into medicine began in Nigeria before he moved to Russia and then the UK. Raymond, who has recently…
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Read the full storyWhy this year’s bivalent Covid-19 booster vaccines offer improved protection
Professor Robin Shattock, the head of mucosal infection and immunity within the department of medicine at Imperial College London and one of the first researchers to work on Covid-19 vaccines,…
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Read the full storyInvesting in volunteers to build connections with our communities
Chris Neal, head of volunteering at Imperial Health Charity, explains how the benefits of volunteering to our Trust stretch far beyond the hospital walls.
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Read the full storyFrom the Philippines to Imperial: Building a life at Charing Cross Hospital
Ralph Deocampo, site nurse practitioner at Charing Cross Hospital, came to the UK from the Philippines to work as a nurse. Over 20 years later, he reflects on the hospital where he built his career,…
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Read the full storyChanging the order of breast cancer treatments may lead to better care: Q&A with Mr Paul Thiruchelvam and Mr Daniel Leff
A new study by Imperial College Healthcare has suggested that changing the order in which treatments are given to breast cancer patients could reduce side effects and improve outcomes. Currently,…
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Read the full storyImproving health and equity – everybody’s business
For long-standing observers of healthcare policy, rising interest in population health and health inequalities may feel like Groundhog Day. But it has to be different this time, argue Dr Bob Klaber,…
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Read the full storyObstetrician, Sabrina Das, reflects on providing maternity care in Yemen
Sabrina Das, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, reflections on working in a war zone, and the significance of what is possible when maternity staff…
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Read the full storyImperial consultant's book uses scientific evidence to help people lose weight
A Trust consultant specialising in obesity has published a new book aiming to help people reach a healthy body weight.
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Read the full storyMeet Matthew Swindells, the first joint chair for all four acute trusts in north west London
Matthew Swindells has just taken up his new role as joint chair for the four acute trusts in north west London. He will help guide the leadership teams at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS…
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Read the full storyDischarge before noon takes persistence and planning
Each week, Lady Skinner ward at Charing Cross Hospital consistently manages to complete 80 per cent of their discharges before noon. This frees up space earlier in the day for new patients who need…
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Read the full storyImproving safety through collaboration, connection and behaviour change
Helping Our Teams Transform (HOTT) is a programme developed at the Trust that uses behaviour nudges, human factors and team building to improve safety, effectiveness and efficiency within teams.
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Read the full storyMeet our festive vaccinators!
Our Covid-19 vaccination clinics are offering walk-in slots for first, second and booster vaccines for adults (18+) until 30 December. Meet a few of our friendly (and festive!) vaccinators from…
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Read the full storyReflections on the challenges staff have faced
Fiona Blair, head of service for CONTACT, our staff counselling service, reflects on the challenges staff have experienced throughout the last two years and how we can focus on the things that are…
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Read the full storyWorking together to deliver Covid-19 tests at home
In 2020, we established an in-house Covid-19 testing programme so staff could get tested and back to work quickly. To help us reopen our elective services, we expanded the testing programme and it…
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Read the full storyTogether, we can improve flow throughout our hospitals
Dr Francesca Cleugh, children’s emergency medicine consultant and deputy director of innovation and improvement, explains how wards can set themselves up for success each day and why now is the time…
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Read the full storyHow same day emergency care helps patients avoid hospital stays
Same day emergency care (SDEC) provides specialist care for patients without the need for hospital admissions.
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Read the full storyHow acts of kindness can improve care and strengthen teams
Dr Bob Klaber is a passionate advocate for the importance of kindness in providing care and in working in teams. Here, he shares some of the evidence on how kindness can lead to better outcomes and…
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Read the full storyReducing unnecessary cannulation at Charing Cross Hospital
A project to address unnecessary cannulation in A&E at Charing Cross Hospital has managed to improve patient comfort, create cost savings and reduce carbon emissions.
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Read the full storyHow I’m pursuing research as an allied health professional
Adine Adonis is a clinical specialist physiotherapist in HTLV and neurology at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. Since 2004, she’s been involved in research within the HTLV service, which is a…
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Read the full story“It’s all about representation”: How I gained the courage to chart my path in research
Layla Bolton Saghdaoui is a vascular clinical research nurse at the Trust and pre-doctoral clinical academic fellow at Imperial College London. To mark Black History Month and NIHR’s Your Path in…
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Read the full storyUsing video consultations for children and young people
Chris Bound is a children and young people diabetes lead clinical nurse specialist Over the last 18 months in my role as a children and young people (CYP) clinical nurse specialist, I’ve learnt a…
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Read the full storyA closer look at the NHS Genomic medicine service
From 28 June to 2 July is Genomics Awareness Week, so how can clinicians at the Trust make better use of genomics? Genomic Transformation Manager Demetra Georgiou outlines some of the progress made…
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Read the full storyHow research is showing us the way out of the global pandemic
Research has played a pivotal role in every aspect of the fight against Covid-19, and the Trust, in partnership with Imperial College London, has been at the forefront of research into learning…
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Read the full story"As Black research scientists, these are our observations on the Covid-19 vaccination and ethnicity"
Hadijatou Sallah is a research assistant and part of the group that developed the Imperial College London Covid-19 vaccine, a phase I/II trial that is nearly complete. Leon Mcfarlane is a senior…
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Read the full storyIt’s time to celebrate the incredible resilience young people have shown in the pandemic
As a consultant paediatrician, Dr Katie Malbon sees the amazing resilience and positivity young people often show in coping with chronic illness. But with the pandemic impacting the lives of young…
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Read the full storyBuilding better leaders with Horizons
Last June, senior leaders with a mix of leadership styles started their journey on the Horizons leadership programme. Through a range of activities, the programme helps senior leaders to understand…
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Personal reflections on International Women’s Day
As Chief financial officer for Imperial College Healthcare, Jazz Thind is one of still relatively few women in a top financial role within a major NHS organisation. To mark International Women’s Day…
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Read the full storyBetter health for life through compassionate communities
Hannah Fontana, Strategy, research and innovation programme manager, explains how the Compassionate Communities initiative will help to tackle some of the complex health problems deepened by the…
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Read the full storyHealth providers play a key role in improving the experiences of the LGBT+ community
As part of LGBT+ History Month, NHS general management trainee Lewis Thomas reflects on the inequalities that persist for LGBT+ people, and on the important role healthcare providers have in…
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Read the full storyUnderstanding how Covid-19 spreads
Why does one virus become a pandemic while others don’t? How and where do we catch them? Following on from their presentation at a recent AHSC online seminar, Professor Wendy Barclay, action medical…
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Read the full storyWhy safeguarding victims of domestic abuse is more important than ever
As England goes back into lockdown to limit the spread of Covid-19, those experiencing, or at risk of domestic abuse, can find themselves isolated. Adult safeguarding lead nurse specialist Anoushka…
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Read the full storyImproving antenatal care with genetic testing
Dr Dagmar Tapon is a genetic counsellor at Queen Charlotte’s and Chelsea Hospital’s Centre for Fetal Care. As a successful scientist, Dr Tapon became interested in psychology and decided to combine…
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Read the full storyRelationships, resilience, and collaboration help deepen integration during Covid-19, and for the long-term
Anna Bokobza, integrated care programme director, and Toby Hyde, deputy director of transformation, explain how we have listened to and learned from primary care, the voluntary sector, local…
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Empowering young people to become health conscious adults
Over the past two years, the Trust has been looking at how we can improve the service we provide for young people. A key part of this has been the weekly ‘Big Room’ meetings, which generate ideas…
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Read the full storyLearning from our staff during Covid-19
Lara Ritchie, improvement programme manager, explains how we’ve approached learning from the experiences of staff during the first wave of Covid-19, so we can improve things now.
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Read the full storyRead my lips: the downside of PPE for people with hearing loss, and what we can all do to help
Having to wear a mask is a sometimes uncomfortable necessity during the pandemic. But, for the significant number of patients and staff with hearing loss, who often rely either partly or wholly on…
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Read the full storyTackling race inequality with progress but much more to do
As Black History Month draws to a close and as we publish this year’s workplace equality, diversity and inclusion annual report, our chief executive, Professor Tim Orchard, reflects on what we are…
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Listening and learning from our patients and local communities during Covid-19
Hannah Fontana, strategy, research and innovation programme manager, explains how we’re approached learning from the experiences of our patients and communities during the first wave of Covid-19, so…
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Read the full storyHow Covid-19 has accelerated closer partnership working between health and social care for older people
Kate Sendall, frailty clinical programme manager at the Trust, and Dr Niki Lang, director of public health at Hammersmith and Fulham Council, explain how Covid-19 has accelerated closer partnership…
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Read the full storyHow is Covid-19 affecting BAME communities?
Covid-19 raises important questions on health inequalities and the disproportionate impact it may have had on Black Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) people.
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Read the full storyDeveloping a Covid-19 testing strategy with local, national and global impact
Dr Bob Klaber is a consultant paediatrician and the Trust’s director of strategy, research and innovation. Alongside Dr Fran Cleugh, he has led the Trust’s efforts to develop a Covid-19 testing…
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Read the full storySwapping STIs for ICU – redeployment and cross-skilling in the era of COVID-19
Dr Ellie Crook is a specialist registrar in genito-urinary medicine and HIV at the Jefferiss Wing at St Mary’s Hospital. In a post originally published as an RCoA blog, she writes about how she felt…
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Read the full storyMaking a difference on Charles Pannett ward
Esme Blyth is the lead nurse for general and vascular surgery. She shares her praise for teams adapting to life on newly-created coronavirus cohort wards.
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Read the full storyBehind the scenes: Trust staff on responding to coronavirus
BBC News went behind the scenes at Charing Cross and St Mary’s hospitals to interview staff during the coronavirus pandemic, demonstrating the amazing responsiveness of the NHS as we expand capacity…
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How whole genome sequencing can improve disease management
Living with the symptoms of an undiagnosed condition can lead to significant anxiety for patients and make it difficult to plan for what feels like an uncertain future. Neurogenetics clinics…
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Read the full storyHow reasonable adjustments have helped me succeed in nursing
Sammi Fuller is a staff nurse in oncology at the Trust and a Royal College of Nursing (RCN) steward. She is also deaf. Here, she shares her advice on making reasonable adjustments at work and…
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Read the full storyHow we implemented a command centre to tackle winter pressures
Lewis Thomas, general management trainee in site operations, explains how implementing a digital command centre has helped hospital staff manage bed capacity during the busy winter period.
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Read the full storyHow we reduced our sonographer vacancy rate from 53 to two per cent
By introducing flexible working patterns, an audit programme and new training opportunities for her team, ultrasound services manager Suzanne Beattie-Jones helped bring down the vacancy rate from 53…
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Make kindness your New Year’s resolution
Dr Bob Klaber, consultant paediatrician and director of strategy, research and innovation, explains the value of kindness in delivering great care and how we’re cultivating kindness across our trust.
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Read the full storyHow I’ll use my research fellowship to improve patient care
Layla Bolton is a pre-doctoral research fellow at Charing Cross Hospital. Earlier this year she was awarded a £65,000 research fellowship from Imperial Health Charity to support her research into…
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Read the full storyInternational Day of Persons with Disabilities: How it feels to be a deaf person working at the Trust
Chloe Norton, senior improvement analyst, explores what life is like at the Trust as a disabled person and shares her excitement about the Trust’s new network for persons with disabilities.
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Read the full storyHow our pathology service developed a rapid-result flu test service
Almost 90 per cent of flu tests run across our hospitals see results within six hours thanks to improvements implemented by North West London Pathology. Paul Randell, consultant virologist and part…
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Read the full storyEasing delirium in intensive care
Intensive care nurse Abigail Goodwin explains how she and her colleagues set out to improve delirium management in the our intensive care units through training, support and hands-on experience.
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Read the full storyHow staff commitment led to an ‘outstanding’ CQC rating for maternity services
Miss Mandish Dhanjal, clinical director of maternity and a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, explains the CQC report that rated our maternity services 'outstanding', and what our services…
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Read the full storyShare facts, not flu: Q&A with Dr Anne Kinderlerer
Dr Anne Kinderlerer is a consultant acute physician and rheumatologist at St Mary’s Hospital. Here, she answers some common questions and shares facts about flu.
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Read the full storyOutstanding maternity care: Giving birth at Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea Hospital
Trust maternity risk management support midwife Suzy Ridley shares her natural birth experience at Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea Hospital and explains why she believes our maternity services offer the…
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Read the full storyImproving neonatal care in Democratic Republic of the Congo
Lactation consultant Karen Platonos and clinical speech and language therapist Annie Aloysius of the neonatal service at Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea Hospital on helping improve care for preterm…
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Read the full storyMy day in A&E
Guestblogger Steve Hubbard, marketing and advertising manager at NHS Creative talks about his experiences of interviewing 20 members of staff in A&E
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Read the full storyWhy we still need Pride in 2019
Throughout June and July, London enjoys a host of events celebrating the LGBT+ community – culminating in the London Pride parade on 6 July. This year is the Pride Jubilee, which commemorates the…
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Read the full storyNadia’s Rest Nest: a staff room with a difference
In September 2018, the Lillian Holland ward staff room at St Mary’s Hospital was given a makeover, thanks to the initiative of former ward manager Nadia Tavernier-Gustave, and the expertise of…
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Read the full storyHow you can help a loved one with dementia feel more at ease
Jo James, specialist dementia nurse at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, shares some practical tips to help people with dementia feel more at ease
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Read the full story“Working as a nurse in the NHS is hard, but I think it is an honour to do this role”
Nurses Day is celebrated internationally on 12 May each year. It’s a great opportunity to reflect on and show appreciation for the work nurses do. This year we’ve brought together a senior,…
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Read the full story“My breastfeeding advice for new mothers”
One of the many ways that midwives support women postnatally is by supporting them to start breastfeeding their baby, as this carries a huge number of benefits for babies and mothers. New mums can…
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Read the full story“Midwives are advocates for women during their pregnancy and labour”
Sunday 5 May is the International Day of the Midwife, a day to celebrate midwives all over the world and the vital work they do. Louise Frost, screening lead and matron for fetal medicine and the…
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Read the full storyLet us tackle race inequality together
Ismalia de Sousa, clinical nurse specialist, reflects on the history of the race equality standards in the NHS and what we can do to bring about culture change.
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Read the full storyFrequent A&E visits: the personalised service for chronic conditions
The high intensity users’ service, which started at Charing Cross hospital and has expanded to St Mary’s, exists to support patients who have complex health and social care needs. Here, Emma…
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Read the full story“Why I became a live kidney donor”
Although many living donors know their recipients, some people donate a kidney altruistically. Last year Eric McFarland, 41, became an altruistic donor and gave his left kidney away to a stranger.
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Read the full storyJob-sharing a senior clinical role: the benefits of a portfolio approach to NHS careers
Dominique Allwood and Francesca Cleugh are two consultants at the Trust who share the role of associate medical director (AMD) for quality improvement (QI).
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Read the full story“I feel privileged to have built my career at the Trust, and proud to call my place of work my local hospital”
Consultant research physician Dr Sonya Abraham talking about her 20-year career at the Trust in rheumatology
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Read the full storyLooking beyond the NHS Long Term Plan headlines to deliver ‘better health, for life’
Chief executive Professor Tim Orchard on the implications of the NHS Long Term Plan
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Read the full storyHow we’re ensuring better care for older people with traumatic injuries
Consultant geriatrician Dr George Peck explains how we’re ensuring better care for elderly patients in our major trauma centre, and how trauma medicine is evolving to meet changing needs.
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Read the full story“It’s so rewarding to support nurses to become more confident in what they do.”
Jenny Erisman is a clinical practice educator. She trains and assesses nurses on surgical wards, working with them on a one-to-one basis to help them provide the best care they can. She also plays a…
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Read the full story"How my research led to a change in practice and better nutritional care for patients"
Julie Beckerson, specialist haemato-oncology dietitian at Hammersmith Hospital, explains how a £50,000 fellowship from Imperial Health Charity to conduct research into nutrition among people having…
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Read the full storyHow our hospitals have prepared for winter
Winter is always a challenging time at our hospitals. As we head into the festive season, urgent and emergency care departments are set to be under significant pressure once more, with knock-on…
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Read the full storyLiving with cancer at Christmas: how to get the most from the festive period
Becky Johl, lead nurse in oncology and chemotherapy at Charing Cross Hospital, tells us about her experiences of working on the wards at Christmas, and shares Macmillan Cancer Support’s top tips for…
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Read the full storySpeed dating with a difference – how our apprenticeship programme creates the perfect match between candidate and manager
In a time when student debt is a genuine concern for many young people looking to develop their careers, an apprenticeship (where you earn as you learn) can offer a real alternative. Apprentice…
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Read the full storyThe flu jab: protecting patients and busting myths
As the flu season gears up, we talk to Professor Peter Openshaw about the importance of the flu vaccine for NHS staff. It’s not just for the vulnerable few, but for all of us. Peter is professor of…
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Read the full storyFrom sceptic to convert: why I always get my flu jab
Julian Jeyasingh-Jacob leads a team of occupational therapists and physiotherapists at the Trust and was once a flu-jab sceptic. He tells us what changed his mind and why he now makes time to have…
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Read the full story“Through volunteering, I’ve become more confident”
Tania Hadimadja, 16, is one of Imperial Health Charity’s patient engagement volunteers at Hammersmith Hospital. To mark #iwillWeek 2018, young people taking part in social action, Tania shares her…
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Read the full storySaving precious time for stroke patients: our new thrombectomy service
Dr Soma Banerjee and Dr Kyriakos Lobotesis on how the Trust's new mechanical thrombectomy service helps stroke patients get the latest gold standard treatment.
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Read the full storyLiving and working with sickle cell disease
Annabel Ashalley-Anthony is an administrator in the education centre at Hammersmith Hospital. She is also a sickle cell disease (SCD) sufferer receiving treatment from the haematology team on the…
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Read the full storyCelebrating 200 years of Charing Cross Hospital
As we celebrate the 200th anniversary of Charing Cross Hospital during the month of October, Frances Bowen, interim divisional director for medicine, explains what Charing Cross means to her, our…
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Read the full storySupporting people with learning disabilities into work
Project SEARCH is a programme where employers provide supported placements to young people with learning disabilities, which can lead to full time work. Sherrane Clarke, clinical theatre manager at…
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Read the full storyShirley Dowden for Black History Month: a 46-year career in nursing
Senior sister Shirley Dowden is the longest serving BAME staff member at the Trust with a career at St Mary’s Hospital spanning 46 years. As part of Black History Month, Shirley talks about the…
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Read the full story“Working with HIV/AIDS patients was the highlight of my clinical career”
Since 1982 Professor Jonathan Weber has conducted extensive research into HIV and AIDS. The development of an effective treatment for HIV infection through combining anti-retroviral drugs came as…
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Read the full story“A stem cell transplant let me walk again”
Roy Palmer has multiple sclerosis. After a decade in a wheelchair a stem cell transplant at Hammersmith Hospital gave him the ability to walk again. Here Roy talks about his experience.
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Read the full story“In the pharmacy department, the patient is at the centre of everything we do – and we do a lot”
Ann Mounsey is chief pharmacist at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. Thursday 5 July marked 70 years of the NHS – and Ann’s 30th year at our hospitals. She reflects on how pharmacy has evolved…
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Read the full storyGrandfather of allergy, Dr William Frankland, aged 106, on popularising the pollen count, working with Alexander Fleming and spending 70 years in the NHS
Dr William Frankland, aged 106, has helped transform our understanding of allergies during his long career in medicine. A pioneer in the field, Dr Frankland popularised the pollen count to help…
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Read the full storyNHS 70: Lord Darzi on robotics, career development and how the NHS can respond to changing demands
Professor the Lord Ara Darzi talks to us about his career, how the NHS can respond to the changing health and social needs of our population and the technological innovations he sees as having the…
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Read the full story“I always wanted to be a surgeon,” says first UK female professor of surgery Averil Mansfield
Professor Averil Mansfield spent over 20 years as a vascular surgeon at St Mary’s Hospital. In 1993, she became the first female professor of surgery in the UK and used her profile to encourage more…
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Read the full story"Fifty years in the NHS doesn’t feel like very long…”
Hugh Millington, consultant in emergency medicine, reflects on his long career at Charing Cross Hospital to mark the 70th anniversary of the NHS, and his 50th anniversary as an NHS doctor.
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Read the full storyHelping young people with sickle cell to have a sense of normality
Rachael Brown, clinical nurse specialist at St Mary’s Hospital, has set up support groups for adolescents and their parents living with sickle cell disease.
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Read the full storyHow volunteers “Make a Difference” at our hospitals
Sam Morris is head of volunteering at Imperial Health Charity, which manages a growing community of dedicated volunteers across Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. To celebrate Volunteers’ Week…
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Forty years and still going strong: the variety of a nursing life
Sue Burgis is head of practice development and innovation at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and has worked for the NHS for over 40 years. In the NHS’s 70th anniversary year, she reflects on…
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Read the full storyUsing digital technology to improve sepsis care
Dr Anne Kinderlerer, clinical coach for the Trust’s sepsis big room, explains how the big room approach has helped harness digital technology to improve sepsis care at our hospitals
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Read the full story"After 28 years, I still love being a midwife"
To celebrate International Day of the Midwife, Denise O’Donnell, matron for inpatients at St Mary’s Hospital, explains why she loves her career and why she is proud to call herself a midwife
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Read the full story“We’re creating a Save Your Vein movement to improve care for dialysis patients nationwide”
Mr Jeremy Crane and Dr Christine Hall founded Save Your Vein – a campaign to raise awareness about the importance of vein preservation, especially for people who require dialysis or have diabetes.
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Read the full storyThe rare disease mistaken for asthma
Dr Luke Howard is a pulmonologist and treats patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) – a rare and potentially fatal heart and lung condition that is often misdiagnosed. With symptoms…
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Read the full storyEnsuring safety under pressure
Professor Tim Orchard, Trust medical director, reflects on the issues raised from the tragic death from sepsis of six-year old Jack Adcock at Leicester Royal Infirmary in 2011
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Empowering nurses to make improvements
Stroke clinical nurse specialist Ismalia de Sousa explains how she uses quality improvement to help other nurses make improvements for patients.
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Read the full story“The charity helped us stay with our son”
Emma Garlick explains how a grant from Imperial Health Charity's Hardship Fund supported her family while her son was in hospital.
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Read the full storyWe need to be honest about our challenges this winter, plan ahead and work together
Dr Alison Sanders, clinical director of urgent care and emergency medicine, on how we're working together to prepare for possibly our toughest winter yet.
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Read the full storyAn ultra-sound career: my life as a senior radiographer
8 November 2017 is World Radiography Day, which celebrates the work of radiographers around the world. Radiographers use a range of different imaging techniques (or types of scan) to produce images…
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Read the full storyHow the Care Information Exchange helped me manage my daughter’s care
The Care Information Exchange provides patients with online access to their health records so they can view them anywhere, including when out and about from their mobile phone. Patients can also…
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Read the full storyA job that never gets old: loving life as a ward manager at the Trust
Linda Batten manages Witherow ward at St Mary’s Hospital – a ward dedicated to the care of older patients, where patience, flexibility and good conversation are all part of a day’s work.
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Read the full storyHarnessing the healing power of art and creativity to improve patient care
Artist Fay Ballard volunteers at Hammersmith Hospital as part of Imperial Health Charity's arts engagement programme. Here, she blogs about her experience.
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Read the full storyRegaining your independence: how occupational therapists help patients to return to their life outside hospital
Senior occupational therapist in neurology Fazeela Chharawala explains how she supports her patients to leave hospital and return to their normal lives.
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Read the full storyTackling female genital mutilation through practical partnerships
Female genital mutilation (or FGM) is a serious global issue that causes long-term health problems for a number of women in our local community. In this blog post, Juliet Albert, specialist FGM…
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Read the full storyEnsuring better care and increased efficiency are two sides of the same coin
Episode four of Hospital series two explores how staff at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust are developing new models of care and pushing the boundaries of what's possible technologically, while…
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Read the full storyHow we’re evolving our services to deliver better results for patients
Here Dr William Oldfield, deputy medical director and respiratory consultant, explains how we want to continue to evolve our services to ensure the latest advances deliver better results for patients.
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Read the full storyWhy A&E is struggling to be a ‘place of safety’ for mental health patients in crisis
Waiting times for people with a mental health problem attending one of our A&E departments are steadily rising. Like most acute NHS trusts, we don’t provide mental health services directly. Instead,…
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Read the full storyBehind the statistics: why we need a cultural change in our approach to dementia care
Dr Colin Mitchell, consultant physician and geriatrician at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, explains how acute trusts like ours need to take a new approach to care in the coming years to…
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Read the full storyHospital in focus: the role of private healthcare within Imperial College Healthcare
The role of private healthcare within the NHS has never been without controversy. And increasingly, as episode two of the latest series of BBC Two’s Hospital shows, the choice between NHS and…
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Read the full storyBeyond NHS treatment: Why we support patients to access treatments not offered on the NHS
The NHS funds a variety of proven treatments for cancer. But in some cases, patients may wish to explore paying for drugs or treatments that are not available on the NHS. Here Dr Catherine Urch,…
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Read the full storyFrom overseas battlefields to terrorist incidents at home: how specialist major trauma teams are saving lives
Mr Shehan Hettiaratchy, trauma lead and consultant plastic, hand and reconstructive surgeon at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, explains why advances in major trauma care and plastic and…
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Read the full storyWorking in the midst of a major incident: first-hand experience from A&E
Dr Alison Sanders, the Trust’s clinical director of urgent care and emergency medicine, explains what happened when a major incident was declared at St Mary’s, one of the capital’s four major trauma…
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Read the full storyFor great hospital care, let’s focus on what patients with dementia can do, not what they can’t
Being admitted to hospital can be a confusing and stressful experience for a person who has dementia, so ward staff need to work together to provide the extra support they need. At Imperial College…
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Read the full storyEmpowering young people with severe allergies to share their stories
Paediatric allergy and immunology consultant Dr Claudia Gore worked with young patients and their families to create the video series "Terrific Teens," which stars young people with severe allergies.
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Read the full storyManaging clinical trials when every second counts
Through research, scientists and healthcare professionals seek new ways of making faster, better diagnoses and decisions for patients. The new neuro, emergencies and trauma (NET) research team at…
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Read the full storyTaking part in clinical trials – A patient’s perspective
Michael Newton, a patient at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Here Michael and Ros, his wife and primary carer, explain how they navigated an…
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Read the full storyThe future is personalised medicine
During Healthcare Science Week our medical director Dr Julian Redhead talks about how the science of genomics is laying the ground for individual healthcare in the future, in his role as the…
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Read the full storyAfter brain injury, patients and their families can feel confident to self-manage
Professionals at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust are working to implement a package that supports patients with traumatic brain injuries and their families to manage recovery after discharge.
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Read the full storyHow UK Living Kidney Sharing Schemes mean more patients can receive life-changing transplants
This week we have a guest blog post from Lisa Burnapp, lead nurse for living donation at NHS Blood and Transplant. Here Lisa explains more about living kidney donations and how a special type of…
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Read the full storyWe need support to bring More Smiles to children in London
Dr Simon Nadel, consultant paediatrician, head of specialty and lead clinician on our children's intensive care unit, explains how the unit has grown since it opened in 1992 and what an expanded…
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Read the full storyWhy fewer, more specialist stroke units are saving lives
In this week’s blog post, Dr Arindam Kar, consultant stroke physician at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, explains how the Trust’s stroke service works and why we helped to consolidate…
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Behind the headlines: NHS care and overseas patients
While our care is always provided on the basis of clinical need, for some patients, the delivery of that care will be followed by the delivery of an invoice, as you see in episode four of Hospital…
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The NHS has a critical role to play in pioneering new treatments that draw on the best, new research
Professor Jonathan Weber, director of Imperial College Academic Health Science Centre, explains how we work and reflects on our most innovative and far-reaching achievements to date.
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Our local children’s services offer real evidence that integrated care models can help solve NHS challenges
To provide high quality and safe care we must work closely with our patients, their families and our partners – primary, secondary and community healthcare providers – in order to navigate and…
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Read the full story“Nursing is a grand career”: A day in the life of Alice Markey, discharge nurse
Sister Alice Markey has been with Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust for 25 years. As a discharge nurse, Alice ensures that patients are fit to leave hospital and that the right support is in…
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Behind the headlines: Understanding the complex challenges facing the NHS
Professor Tim Orchard, director of division of medicine and integrated health, features in episode one of BBC Two’s documentary series Hospital. Here, he argues that it’s really important for us all…
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Read the full storyWhy we opened our doors to TV cameras
As the trailer hits screens for BBC Two’s new television series featuring our hospitals, Trust director of communications Michelle Dixon explains why we became one of a growing number of NHS…
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Read the full storyHow a pioneering procedure can reach the brain without a single cut
Consultant radiologist Professor Wladyslaw Gedroyc explains why he advocated bringing the latest MR-guided focused ultrasound technology to Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust as part of a…
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Read the full storyWe’re transforming our outpatient services – here’s why and how
Clinical director of central outpatient services Dr Frances Sanderson explains how the Trust's outpatients improvement programme is beginning to deliver real benefits for patients.
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Read the full storyWe all have a role to play in fighting antimicrobial resistance
This week is Antibiotic Awareness Week and Mark Gilchrist, consultant pharmacist at our Trust, is leading efforts to educate staff and patients about the safest, most effective ways to use…
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Read the full storyHow specialist nurses with ‘extended’ roles are changing the way we provide care for good
The number of cancer diagnoses in the UK is increasing every year. In this blog post, Rebecca Johl, senior nurse for oncology and lead chemotherapy nurse, explains how we’ve achieved big…
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Read the full storyA practical approach to integrated care for chronic kidney disease
CKD education nurse Lynn Dahri and clinical lecturer Dr James Tomlinson explain how a new model of integrated care builds a bridge between hospital specialists at our Trust and community…
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Read the full storyA practical way to join up care and focus on health for all
Integrated care programme director Anna Bokobza explains how an ‘accountable care’ approach – where health providers come together to take responsibility for the quality and cost of care for a…
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Read the full storyWe need to talk about post-mortem exams
Post-mortems are a vital medical tool to identify exact causes of death, promote medical innovation and help train junior doctors and pathologists. Mike Osborn, pathologist at Imperial College…
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Under pressure – how we’re reducing pressure ulcers in our hospitals
Pressure ulcers can be a serious problem for patients who cannot move easily or are wearing medical devices. In this blog post, Sue Burgis, head of practice and innovation in the nursing directorate…
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Read the full storyNHS charities are crucial to the nation’s health; we just need to show how
NHS charities play a vital and growing role in the NHS But each NHS charity has a unique relationship with its partner organisation, so it can be difficult for NHS charities to measure impact.…
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Read the full storyWhy digital communication means more – not less – contact with patients
In 2014, the NHS England committed to delivering a ‘paperless’ NHS by 2020. At Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, we’ve moved to mostly digital patient records over the past six months. We’re…
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Read the full storyA beekeeper with a life-threatening bee allergy and the consultant who saved her
St Mary’s Hospital at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust is home to the UK’s oldest allergy clinic. The clinic provided the first allergen immunotherapy treatment in 1911 and since then has…
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Read the full story#LoveOurEUstaff — why Brexit means we need to make it clear
The UK’s European Union referendum result has led to political uncertainty and left many EU citizens living in the UK with questions about their futures here. In this blog post, Trust director of…
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Read the full storyWhy I wanted to bring baby boxes to the UK
Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust is first in the UK to offer baby boxes and access to Baby Box university to new parents. Consultant obstetrician Miss Karen Joash explains why she wanted to…
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Read the full storyEnabling faster access to specialist care for patients with chest pain
Dr Chris Baker is proposing changes to enable faster access to Hammersmith’s heart assessment centre for patients with chest pain so that more people can benefit from quick access to specialist care.
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Read the full storyBariatric surgery – not just about losing weight
Laparoscopic bariatric surgery – minimally invasive weight loss surgery, such as gastric bypass – has many medical benefits, but it also means profound lifestyle changes for patients. In this blog…
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Read the full storyCaution is key when it comes to ‘vaginal seeding’
In this week’s blog post Dr Aubrey Cunnington, honorary consultant in paediatric infectious diseases, outlines why medical professionals are not in the position to recommend or encourage ‘vaginal…
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Read the full storyCreating moments and memories for people with dementia
Faith Wray is a master’s student at the Royal College of Art and co-founder of Paper Birch, an organisation which develops creative workshops to engage and stimulate people with dementia. Faith and…
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Read the full storyHow Macmillan navigators ease the journey for patients with cancer
Though we have very good cancer outcomes, many patients with cancer have reported feeling bewildered and even lost throughout their journey with our services. Patients told us they struggled to get…
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Read the full storyProstate cancer: symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and beyond
Each year, over 47,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in the UK, making it the second most common cancer in men. Surgical removal of the prostate is a common treatment for prostate cancer,…
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Read the full storyAcknowledging how intense our work can be and how normal our reactions are
Schwartz Rounds support healthcare professionals and acknowledge how intense and emotionally challenging their work can be.
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Read the full storyHow to PREPARE for surgery and speed your recovery
Major surgery is like running a marathon – that’s why the PREPARE for Surgery programme ‘trains’ patients for major surgery and recovery.
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Read the full storyReady for a major incident: how to ensure we’re prepared for the worst
We need to be ready to deal with a major incident whenever it happens – whether it’s a bomb blast or bus crash. It's vital there are plans in place to ensure we can carry on providing safe,…
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Read the full storyKeeping memory loss research in mind
Helen Rice, memory nurse specialist at Charing Cross Hospital, explains how research is vital to help us identify new treatments for dementia and how to get involved in research at the Trust.
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Read the full storyOffering specialist child health expertise to local communities
Paediatricians at St Mary’s Hospital understand a visit to hospital can be very daunting, especially for children. That was one of the main drivers for developing Connecting Care for Children (CC4C)…
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Read the full storyGenomics is changing the way I treat my patients
What if we could customise the treatment we provide to patients to match their unique genetic make-up? Jeremy Levy, consultant nephrologist, talks about the growing reality of personalised medicine…
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Read the full storyNew breath test tackles growing rates of oesophageal cancer
Professor George Hanna and his team have devised a breath test which can diagnose oesophageal cancer quickly and effectively, without the need for an endoscopy.
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Read the full storyLiving with diabetes at 15 – a patient’s perspective
A 15-year old Trust patient, Nadir El Tahir, explains how he copes with diabetes with the help of his clinical nurse specialist, Roshni Vadher.
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Read the full storyCharity begins at hospital
Ian Lush, Chief Executive of the Imperial College Healthcare Charity, writes about why hospitals have charities supporting their work, what our charity does, and how you can get involved.
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Read the full storyReturning home: why some patients need help to adjust to life outside hospital
Anne Kamale is a British Red Cross service coordinator at the Trust. Anne works for the Trust, but is part of a service delivered by the British Red Cross which provides practical support to…
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Giving patients with dementia the NoSH they need
Plenty of fluids and a bit of what you fancy is commonly dispensed health advice to the sick – alongside a healthy dose of home-made chicken soup. But many patients with dementia who are in hospital…
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Quality improvement is everyone's job
One of our biggest achievements last year was developing a quality improvement (QI) programme that we are embedding across our organisation.
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Pressure on emergency departments
Like many NHS Trusts, we have been struggling for some time to meet the national standard for 95 per cent of people attending emergency departments to be assessed, treated and admitted, or…
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Read the full storyA day in the life of … Scott O’Brien, modern matron for children’s intensive care
With a fundraising appeal underway to raise money for an extensive refurbishment of St Mary’s Children’s Intensive Care Unit, Scott O’Brien, modern matron, tells us about what it’s like to work there.
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Closing in on integrated care
For many years, integrated care has been seen as the NHS’s holy grail – providing high quality care, tailored to the individual, seamlessly and efficiently. It’s a key element of NHS England’s Five…
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Read the full storyPatient involvement - necessity not 'nice to have'
With a growing body of evidence that effective patient and public involvement actively drives improvement in health care, chief executive Dr Tracey Batten sets out an ambitious plan to make it…
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Read the full storyLooking after the elderly at home this winter
As winter approaches, it is elderly people who are most at risk of ill health. The older we get, the less able our bodies are to fight the simple infections and minor illnesses we barely noticed in…