A MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH TO BRAIN TUMOURS PATIENT-CENTRED GYNAECOLOGICAL CARE HOTEL-STYLE REFURBISHMENT AT CHARING CROSS ISSUE 8 SPRING 2016

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1 ISSUE 8 SPRING 2016 A MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH TO BRAIN TUMOURS PATIENT-CENTRED GYNAECOLOGICAL CARE HOTEL-STYLE REFURBISHMENT AT CHARING CROSS Dr Matt Williams and the neuro-oncology team

2 WELCOME JANE BOYLE Head of business development As head of business development for Imperial Private Healthcare, I am involved every day in our teams efforts to bring new ideas and service improvements to life. It makes me incredibly proud to be part of an organisation that continually strives to deliver the highest quality of clinical care GET IN TOUCH This publication is produced by the communications directorate at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. For feedback, suggestions or further information regarding this publication, please contact the editor: Julia Elmer +44 (0) For information on any of the services or projects featured in this issue, contact our customer relations manager on +44 (0) It makes me incredibly proud to be part of an organisation that continually strives to deliver the highest quality of clinical care, find better ways of doing things and remain at the forefront of new treatments. This issue of Inside Private Health highlights just a few of the ways in which we are pushing boundaries and developing cutting-edge methods of treating patients more quickly and effectively, with a shorter recovery time. For example, in this issue we have interviewed one of our consultant podiatrists who uses smart technology to quickly and accurately diagnose conditions. He is also leading innovative research to treat nerve pain using a minimally invasive technique (page 4). Likewise, our gynaecology team has expanded its range of minimally-invasive services and is now able to treat many conditions without the need for major surgery (pages 8-9). And on pages 6-7, our report on the ground-breaking tools and techniques used by our neurooncology team highlights why we achieve some of the UK s best survival rates for patients with brain tumours. My remit also includes the International Patients Office team. Having medical treatment can be a stressful time for patients and their families, especially if they have travelled from overseas. Our aim is to make their experience as comfortable and familiar as possible by providing support and advice throughout their time with us. One way in which we create a relaxing and positive experience for all patients is through a modern, welcoming environment. I am delighted to see the results of the refurbishment at Charing Cross Hospital, where the private rooms and common areas have been refreshed throughout (page 10). We have created fantastic spaces for recovery whilst maintaining our stringent infection control standards. We re looking forward to welcoming more patients as well as our insurers and embassy representatives through our doors to see the changes we ve made and hear about our future development plans. Jane Boyle 2 INSIDE PRIVATE HEALTH ISSUE 8

3 IN BRIEF NEWS Experienced lead nurses join private healthcare team Imperial Private Healthcare has recently welcomed two lead nurses to the team who will continue to drive forward clinical service standards. Itziar Atucha is based at The Thames View and The Robert & Lisa Sainsbury Wing. She previously worked at King s College Hospital in roles including clinical nurse specialist in upper gastrointestinal cancer. More recently, she was oncology matron at Charing Cross Hospital. Paul Highton has been appointed lead nurse at The Lindo Wing for general and maternity services. His previous roles include matron at Guy s and St Thomas Foundation Trust and a Darzi Fellow at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, where he researched improvements in clinical standards throughout the Trust. Itziar and Paul will lead the nursing teams, supporting them in delivering high-quality care. Paul Highton and Itziar Atucha Pregnancy experts to come together for public event this May Imperial Private Healthcare is supporting the inaugural Private Pregnancy Show, which will take place at London s Royal Institution in May. The two-day event will bring together leading private obstetricians, gynaecologists, fertility consultants and midwives to answer questions from the public about all aspects of having a baby privately. Leading consultants from Imperial Private Healthcare will be among those presenting seminars. For further information, visit privatepregnancy.co.uk/show Robotic procedure breaks new ground for prostate gland treatment The UK s only endovascular robot has successfully performed its first procedure on the prostate gland. Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust s unique robot performed a prostate artery embolisation procedure at St Mary s Hospital. This innovative technique safely and accurately treats patients with benign enlarged prostates who are not suitable for surgery, blocking off the arteries that feed the gland. The procedure was carried out by consultant interventional radiologist, Dr Mo Hamady. Natashia Cedano New appointments will help deliver better care for patients with cancer Cancer services at Imperial Private Healthcare have been given a boost with two expert appointments at Charing Cross Hospital. Sharon De Sa has joined as cancer support navigator. She will be the key contact for private patients during treatment, coordinating their care and offering non-clinical advice and support. Sharon has worked in the NHS for 12 years, in Great Ormond Street Hospital and Meadow House Hospice. Additionally, Natashia Cedano has joined as oncology clinical nurse specialist having previously worked in the NHS oncology team at Charing Cross. CONTENTS: 3 News in brief 4 In the spotlight: Ernest Barlow-Kearsley 5 The year in numbers 8 Treating brain tumours 10 Room upgrades at Charing Cross 11 How to find us 6 Gynaecology service INSIDE PRIVATE HEALTH ISSUE 8 3

4 IN THE SPOTLIGHT ERNEST BARLOW- KEARSLEY Consultant podiatrist Using sophisticated tools and advanced research techniques, Ernest Barlow-Kearsley offers patients with foot conditions the best possible treatments. Ernest Barlow-Kearsley is a respected expert in the complete range of podiatry services but his career in healthcare almost didn t happen. He first trained as a mining engineer in South Africa. When a mine collapsed while he was underground, he decided it wasn t the industry for him. He met with his careers adviser, who suggested a podiatry course. Having changed careers, Mr Barlow-Kearsley moved to the UK in 1993 for further study. He now offers surgery and non-invasive treatments for foot conditions, including Achilles tendonitis, corns, callouses, verrucas and bunions, flat feet, and heel and toe conditions. Biomechanics specialty In a nod to his engineering background, Mr Barlow-Kearsley specialises in biomechanics how the foot s structures function and link to pathological conditions that impact on the lower limb and foot during movement. He uses an in-shoe pressure device that records abnormal and normal pressure of the patient s foot when walking and running. With x-rays and biomechanical analysis, this information helps him precisely diagnose foot and lower limb abnormality and plan treatment. Nerve pain research success As one of his particular interests, Mr Barlow-Kearsley has researched minimally invasive methods to treat Morton s neuromas nerve pain which are usually removed surgically. As part of his pilot, 12 patients were treated with radio frequency ablation. The procedure takes six minutes and the patient leaves with a small plaster, he explains. We had a 70 per cent success rate. One patient ran a marathon two weeks later, which would never have happened after traditional surgery. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has reviewed this technique and is due to report on its use within the NHS and public sector. He is also reviewing podiatry care for private diabetic patients who suffer poor circulation, neuropathic symptoms and resulting injuries. As part of a multidisciplinary team, Mr Barlow-Kearsley values the shared knowledge that benefits patients. He recalls a referral from the vascular team a patient with a heel ulcer. It didn t look normal, he says. I took a biopsy and he had scans. It was a potentially fatal melanoma. Working with a plastics surgeon, histopathologist and the oncology department, the lesion was removed. That s a great example of the positive outcomes of a widely qualified unit working together. One patient ran a marathon two weeks later, which would never have happened after traditional surgery. 4 INSIDE PRIVATE HEALTH ISSUE 8

5 IMPERIAL PRIVATE HEALTHCARE THE YEAR IN NUMBERS Last year, Imperial Private Healthcare, the private division of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust has its busiest year yet. IMPERIAL COLLEGE HEALTHCARE NHS TRUST 5 major teaching hospitals across north west London over 1 million outpatients 186,000 inpatients 10,000 staff, including 3,000 nurses and 1,900 doctors 744 active clinical studies recruiting over 14,000 patients 40 million invested annually in experimental medicine and translational clinical research IMPERIAL PRIVATE HEALTHCARE 350+ consultants providing suppport for every medical and surgical speciality 180 nurses and midwives 9,000+ private patients treated every year 1,000 private births 98% of all patients would recommend Imperial Private Healthcare to friends and family INSIDE PRIVATE HEALTH ISSUE 8 5

6 A COMPREHENSIVE GYNAECOLOGY SERVICE OFFERING PATIENT-CENTRED CARE Consultant gynaecologist Katy Clifford The treatment of gynaecological conditions is constantly evolving at Imperial Private Healthcare. New technologies for diagnostic tests and minimally-invasive treatments have led to a vastly improved healthcare experience. Imperial Private Healthcare s multi-skilled, world-renowned gynaecology team treats all conditions affecting women from common complaints and adolescent gynaecology to fertility issues and serious gynaecological problems. As well as treating cancer, the team of specialists manages benign conditions including menstrual problems, fibroids (benign growths of the womb), ovarian cysts, endometriosis (which causes pelvic pain and subfertility), menopause, abnormalities of the cervix and cervical smear (colposcopy), infertility, miscarriage and disorders of the bladder and pelvic floor. Tom Setchell, consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology, says the team puts each patient s unique needs at the heart of its treatment. An excellent gynaecology unit must provide a professional, discreet and patient-centred service and I believe we do that here. Fast, innovative treatments While open surgery is sometimes necessary, the team has expanded its range of treatments for benign conditions, particularly options that don t require major surgery. Many patients are in and out of hospital within a few hours, meaning a quicker recovery. 6 INSIDE PRIVATE HEALTH ISSUE 8

7 Consultant gynaecologist Katy Clifford says: Historically, large fibroids or complex endometriosis required open surgery, which meant a long hospital stay and greater post-operative pain. Increasingly we treat these conditions laparascopically - with keyhole surgery. Often, these cases require only a short hospital stay. Polyps and fibroids that disturb the menstrual cycle can be treated using hysteroscopic equipment where a camera passed into the womb visualises the uterine cavity. Mrs Clifford can also inspect the cavity using miniature hysteroscopes, avoiding general anaesthesia. As the procedure only takes a few minutes, women with menstrual disorders have the option of outpatient diagnosis and treatment, she explains. Outpatient hysteroscopic procedures at Imperial Private Healthcare have been extended. We are now able to remove larger polyps and small fibroids using a new hysteroscopic tissue removal system which uses local anaesthesia only. Some of the unit s techniques are rarely offered elsewhere, says Mr Setchell. We offer uterine artery embolisation a highly effective minimally-invasive procedure that shrinks fibroids by blocking the arterial blood supply to the womb. We are also one of very few units that offers non-invasive MRI-guided therapy, which directs focused ultrasound beams at the fibroids to shrink them and improve symptoms. In many areas of gynaecology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust has an enviable track record for research. It is the UK s leading research centre for urogynaecology and pelvic floor reconstruction, and the Imperial Endometriosis Centre is accredited by the British Society of Gynaecological Endoscopy. This recognition is only given to centres where gynaecologists work in appropriate teams, audit their outcomes and have sufficient patient numbers to maintain their skills. An excellent gynaecology unit has got to provide a professional, discreet and patient-centred service and I believe we do that here. Obstetrics and gynaecology consultant Tom Setchell Links with pregnancy The unit also runs specialist infertility clinics and is considered one of the world s leading centres for the management of women experiencing both early and late miscarriages. The team translates a huge amount of research into practice, says Mr Setchell. It s a truly progressive service. Many of the unit s gynaecologists offer maternity care. They work with paediatricians and neonatologists, especially where there is a need to plan specialist treatment after the birth of a baby. Mrs Clifford believes the close working collaboration between gynaecology and other specialties makes Imperial Private Healthcare exceptional. We re set up so that patients have access to comprehensive high-quality care whatever the problem. This broad blend of skills attracts patients from all over the world, says Mr Setchell: Patients want to know they will be seen by experts who are sensitive to their needs and cultural requirements in a safe and effective clinical unit. INSIDE PRIVATE HEALTH ISSUE 8 7

8 MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH PROVIDES THE BEST OUTCOMES FOR PEOPLE WITH BRAIN TUMOURS Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust s neuro-oncology team combines expertise and the latest technology to achieve the best possible outcomes for patients with brain tumours. Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust s neuro-oncology team is worldrenowned for providing outstanding treatment for both NHS and private patients. The unit is internationally recognised for providing high-tech, comprehensive and holistic care, explains Dr Matt Williams, lead oncologist for brain tumours. Charing Cross Hospital has one of the UK s only integrated neuro-oncology departments: oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, chemotherapy staff and a dedicated specialist nurse all under one roof. Dr Matt Williams We have everything that patients need. It s rare that a single neuro-oncology team has the skills and innovation to offer flexible, multi-specialty all-round care. The unit provides physiotherapy, occupational therapy, psychology and symptom control services, and has its own on-site research laboratory. 8 INSIDE PRIVATE HEALTH ISSUE 8 We offer the complete spectrum of care diagnostics, radiotherapy, surgery and personalised chemotherapy, says Dr Williams. We often use a combined approach. We may operate on one lesion, but apply radiotherapy or chemotherapy on another.

9 Intelligent equipment to further knowledge Sophisticated tools gives the team valuable information about brain tumours and options to treat them. DIAGNOSTICS: The unit is one of only a few centres to routinely offer perfusion MRI and MRI spectroscopy advanced imaging techniques that help consultants understand tumour biology and behaviour and identify which tumours need treating most urgently. RADIOTHERAPY: Consultants use the latest linear accelerators (LINACs) for fast, intuitive and accurate imageguided radiotherapy. These conform high-energy x-rays to match complex tumour shapes, avoiding surrounding healthy or sensitive tissue and structures. The LINACs improved imaging provides 3D views of a tumour s size, shape and location, enhancing safety and reducing operation times. SURGERY: State-of-the-art tools quickly distinguish between normal and cancerous tissue (see cutting-edge tools and techniques, right), and ultrasound probes help remove as much tumour as possible. MEDICAL ONCOLOGY: With many of the team involved in research, patients have access to many drugs unavailable elsewhere. Current research includes new drug therapies for patients with relapsed diseases. CUTTING-EDGE TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES The Trust s neuro-oncology team uses state-of-the-art technology for radiotherapy and surgical procedures. In 2015, surgeons at Charing Cross Hospital were the first in Europe to use lasers to diagnose abnormal tissue during an operation to remove a brain tumour. This non-invasive technique measures the frequency of light reflections. Because healthy and abnormal tissue have different vibrations, the team can tell within seconds if cancer is present. This means that they can make decisions in real time, speeding up the treatment process. The Trust s neuro-oncology unit is the only one in the world to use the innovative iknife for intra-operative assessment of tissue. This electro-surgical scalpel produces smoke as it cuts through tissue. This gets sucked into a machine that shows the intensity of light in terms of wavelength and frequency, to tell the surgeon the type of abnormality. Bringing research into clinical use Being able to quickly translate novel approaches into clinical practice is a significant benefit to patients. The team achieves some of the UK s best survival rates for brain tumours, based on assessment data from the National Cancer Intelligence Network. In 2009, the John Fulcher molecular neuro-oncology laboratory opened at Charing Cross. One key activity at this research centre is identifying and targeting metabolic abnormalities in brain tumours. The Trust has the UK s largest group of patients trialling a high fat diet together with chemo-radiotherapy. Research suggests that this combination can positively affect the metabolism of aggressive brain tumours, explains Dr Williams. Some tumours are abnormally dependent on glucose and find it hard to burn fat in the way normal tissues do. A diet with a certain ratio of fats to combined carbohydrate/protein is an alternative to fasting, which starves cancer cells. Adding radiotherapy appears to act synergistically. Some of our research is to understand who this might work on. Dr Williams concludes: With oncologists, surgeons and researchers working closely together on these innovative treatments, neuro-oncology is a team effort. INSIDE PRIVATE HEALTH ISSUE 8 9

10 ROOM UPGRADES AT CHARING CROSS ENHANCE PATIENT EXPERIENCE 2016 began with an extensive refurbishment of our private facilities in The Thames View at Charing Cross Hospital. The ensuite bathrooms have been completely refitted in a contemporary, hotel style, whilst maintaining stringent infection control standards. New walk-in showers have been installed that are more accessible for patients with mobility issues. Bedrooms have also been refurbished and improved air conditioning ensures patients have comfortable room temperatures all year round. Head of programmes, Louise McCarthy says: We are absolutely delighted with the results. We have successfully scheduled this upgrade to ensure minimal disruption to patients and clinical staff. We now welcome our business partners and patients to come and see the facilities for themselves. We now welcome our business partners and patients to come and see the facilities for themselves. 10 INSIDE PRIVATE HEALTH ISSUE 8

11 HOW TO FIND US Queen Charlotte s & Chelsea Hospital Hammersmith Hospital EAST ACTON D U C A N E R O A D A40 W E S T W A Y A 4 0 St Mary s Hospital PADDINGTON A41 LEADING TO THE M1 EDGWARE ROAD MARYLEBONE A501 P R A E D S T R E E T S S E X G A R D E N S MARBLE ARCH A41 Western Eye Hospital BAKER STREET M A R Y L E B O N E R O A D A501 TOWARDS LONDON CITY AIRPORT S U A40 LEADING TO THE M40 H Y D E P A R K A219 A4 A4 LEADING TO THE M4 & HEATHROW AIRPORT HAMMERSMITH A4 A4 F U L H A M P A L A C E R O A D BARON S COURT Charing Cross Hospital R I V E R T H A M E S Tel: +44 (0) private.healthcare@imperial.nhs.uk The Lindo Wing of St Mary s Lindo Wing, St Mary s Hospital, Praed Street, London W2 1NY Charing Cross The Thames View, 15th Floor, Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road, London W6 8RF Hammersmith Robert & Lisa Sainsbury Wing, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London W12 0HS Queen Charlotte s & Chelsea Sir Stanley Clayton Ward, Queen Charlotte s & Chelsea Hospital, Du Cane Road, London W12 0HS Western Eye Western Eye Hospital, Marylebone Road, London NW1 5QH INSIDE PRIVATE HEALTH ISSUE 8 11

12 EXPERIENCE WORLD CLASS CARE At Imperial Private Healthcare, our patients experience the best of both worlds: our worldclass consultants provide care in modern private facilities within the reassuring setting of some of London s most trusted NHS hospitals. With over 350 consultants covering every medical, diagnostic and surgical specialty, we care for our patients whatever their healthcare needs. Our partnership with Imperial College London means that many of our consultants are involved in cutting-edge research, which in turn allows us to provide the most up-to-date treatment for patients. All funds generated by Imperial Private Healthcare are reinvested in Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, to support and enhance both NHS and private clinical services for the benefit of all our patients. For more information on our private healthcare services, please contact our customer relations manager on +44 (0) ( GMT) or private.healthcare@imperial.nhs.uk For more information about our consultants please visit