We are proud to fund a dedicated Youth Support Co-Ordinator, helping our young patient’s find some normality during their treatment, and ensuring that their care is patient-focused throughout. Jessie tells us more about this crucial role.
"As Youth Support Coordinator each day is hugely different depending on the likes, interests and needs of the young people on the ward, but often you'll find me completing arts and crafts projects with young people, recently we have decorated jewellery boxes, made bracelets, and crocheted keyrings, or wellbeing activities, such as yoga and relaxation sessions. Another huge part of the role is focused on food and nutrition and finding ways to improve this during a tricky time of taste bud changes. I particularly enjoy our pizza club nights, breakfast clubs, making toasties and pancakes, and providing yummy snacks during movie nights.
The role of a Youth Support Coordinator is important for young people with cancer, as it can be a very isolating experience. Often they share that they feel like they have lost parts of themselves, and therefore my role is to help them to continue to feel like the young person they are. Young people have shared how grateful they are for having a talking space away from their family to share their worries, but to also have someone to enjoy having a laugh and sharing stories with.
The Cancer Fund have been able to support me in providing the necessary time, by funding my role, and resources for our young people. I am particularly excited to work towards offering a weekly smoothie club - providing alternative nutrients and vitamins will be wonderful for us.
Without the support on the Cancer Fund, we would be limited in the exciting opportunities that we can offer our young people, and these play a huge part in finding some normality for them during an incredibly scary time.”
We are immensely grateful to everyone who contributed to our scalp cooling campaign – thanks to your incredible support, we have provided two brand new scalp cooling units. Based in the UCH Macmillan Cancer Centre, these innovative devices keep patients’ scalps cool during chemotherapy, lessening damage to the hair follicle, and reducing hair-loss.
With special thanks to Unique Sports Group, for their tremendous generosity and who’s donation made this campaign a reality.
“The Movement ABC assessment allows therapists to use standardised measures to monitor children and young people’s motor abilities and how they are impacted by their diagnosis. The assessment is fun and engaging and kids love doing it as it often just feels like a game to them!
Standardised assessments provide validity and help to guide the intervention process. On paediatric cancer wards, patients often come in and out and spend longer times with us. The movement ABC allows us to assess patients’ mobility and motor skills in depth and see any areas they excel in, as well as any areas they need some further support in, that may have been impacted by our patient’s diagnosis or treatment. This may be things such as balance, co-ordination, handwriting or other fine-motor skills. We can target these areas in our sessions and feedback this information to families, school, and the community team, so they can continue to support these patients across all settings. With the increase in Radiotherapy patients coming through it is a great assessment tool.”
We’re delighted that our five new sleeper chairs have arrived. These versatile chairs transform into beds, giving patients’ families and loved ones a comfortable place to rest. Whether it’s a late-night visit or a longer stay, we know how important it is to be close to the people you care about during treatment. These chairs help make that possible - bringing both comfort and peace of mind.
A special thank you to Grace, whose fundraising in memory of her boyfriend’s dad, Phil, helped make this purchase possible. Earlier this year, Grace ran the Edinburgh Marathon, and her efforts have directly supported families staying by their loved ones’ side.
This year marked two special anniversaries for the cancer division at UCLH: 20 years of the UCLH Head and Neck Multidisciplinary Team, and ten years of UCH at Westmoreland Street.
“In July, the UCLH Head & Neck Cancer multidisciplinary team (MDT) marked a special milestone – its 20th anniversary. Colleagues came together to reflect on how the service has evolved, and showcase today’s outstanding work. The event opened with a welcome from UCLH Chief Executive, David Probert, before each group took the opportunity to share their projects, achievements, and plans. It was a fantastic chance to learn from one another, exchange experiences, and celebrate the impact of collaborative working.” Paul Stimpson, Consultant Head and Neck Surgeon and Clinical Lead for H&N Cancer Surgery, UCLH
UCH at Westmoreland Street (WMS) also celebrated a milestone anniversary this year; it’s tenth year as a leading hospital for urological services and thoracic surgery.
The site at Westmoreland Street has a long history as the London Heart Hospital, who’s services were transferred to Barts Heart Centre in 2015. Since then, the hospital has become a surgical hub within UCLH, providing patients with first-rate care.
“The 10-year celebration was a fabulous opportunity for teams to come together to reflect on the many successes of the last ten years. Key members of the original project team (some of which have moved on to pastures new) spoke of how the vision for UCH at Westmoreland Street was achieved and delivered 10 years ago, and how these foundations have contributed to the successes today.” Niamh Gavaghan, Deputy Director of Nursing, Surgery & Cancer Board.
We were so pleased to celebrate all of your hard work and dedication, and we’re looking forward to supporting many more years of excellence!
We continue to fund a dedicated Prostate Cancer Buddy, supporting men with prostate cancer throughout their treatment journey, as well as the incredible ‘Stride On’ Walking Football Programme.
Enhanced supportive care including our ever-popular snack trolley at the Macmillan Cancer Centre, and book and hydration trolley at Westmoreland Street. We also fund supplies for the Support and Information lounge, and their support groups. Patients of all ages can enjoy our arts and crafts sessions, de-stressing during treatment.
Support for staff ranging from specialist training days, to team building events, staff room treats and cosy fleeces.
Improved furniture across the trust from garden chairs for the Westmoreland Street garden, to sleeper chairs for the wards, helping patient’s loved ones to stay close by.
Nebulisers for head and neck cancer patients, physiotherapy equipment to aid rehabilitation, and even chewing gum which can speed up post-surgery recovery. Plus, patient essentials kits, for those who need to be admitted unexpectedly.
There are plenty more exciting projects on the horizon, like research investigating treatment options for people with endometrial cancer (confirm if approved when David is back), and smoothie clubs for the children’s ward. The new and improved Quiet Room at Westmoreland Street is nearly complete, and will be up and running soon! Sign up for our e-newsletter to keep up to date.