Governors’ update Get in touch: Our governors are elected to represent and listen to the views of staff, patients, and the public. If you would like to get in touch, please email rf-tr.governors@nhs.net A new MRI scanner awarded to the RFH clinical research facility (CRF) is set to expand greener research at the trust. The machine, known as a low-field MRI scanner, is more cost and energy-efficient than its standard counterparts. It has been granted by the National Institute of Health and Care Research as part of a national investment in NHS CRFs. Where most MRI scanners can use over 1,000 litres of liquid helium to keep the machine cool during use, the low-field scanner uses just 0.7 litres. This is because its lower strength magnet produces less heat. Consultant cardiologist, Dan Knight, said: “This scanner means we will be able to expand our imaging research in cardiovascular diseases, particularly for patients with pulmonary hypertension, a rare heart condition where they 10 11 Transforming cancer care Growing our RFL community Margherita has reclaimed the dancefloor Greener MRI scanner set to expand RFL research opportunities experience increased blood pressure in the lungs. “It also creates clearer pictures around tricky areas like the lungs, offering a great opportunity for patients with lung diseases to benefit from imaging without radiation.” The team hope to become the first UK site to undertake MRI-guided cardiac catheterisation using a low-field MRI scanner, a procedure which helps diagnose pulmonary hypertension. Lucy Parker, interim director of research and development, said: “The addition of the scanner to the CRF will help widen the portfolio of studies we are able to participate in and the type of research we can carry out.” Our latest Medicine for Members’ event, ‘Leading the fight against cancer: groundbreaking research at the RFL’, showcased our commitment to revolutionising cancer care. If you missed it, you can catch up by watching the recording on our website. Leading clinicians provided an overview of our clinical research facility (CRF) at the RFH. This state-of-theart unit opened in 2021, thanks to generous start-up funding provided by the Royal Free Charity. Currently, 29 clinical trials are underway at the CRF, involving 186 patients. The speakers showcased several of these, highlighting how they are contributing to the discovery of new and more effective cancer treatments. A patient receiving palliative care can dance again – thanks to specialist massage therapy provided by the Royal Free Charity. Margherita Serpaglia had lymph nodes removed during her treatment for breast cancer in 2018. She has since had swelling in her arm caused by lymphoedema, a malfunction of the lymphatic system that leads to a build-up of fluid in the body’s tissues. After six sessions of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) – a series of techniques that help to drain fluid – Margherita can dance again. She said: “I’m in palliative care now but with these treatments, maybe I will get to the end of the road, and I will have suffered a little less. I am keeping my mobility because of the massages. “Before, my arm was tight; after three minutes of ballroom dancing, it would be burning. After the second MLD session I could feel the liquid in my arm going down. “By session six, I could raise my arm and dance in hold. I can dance for longer which means my quality of life is better. It has improved my overall wellbeing.” The charity’s massage therapists underwent a training course to learn the techniques for MLD prior to treating patients at the RFH. The therapists also teach patients how to perform similar techniques at home, helping them to ease discomfort for themselves. Rozalia, who treated Margherita, said: “It brings enormous relief to patients like Margherita. They are more comfortable and as a result, we feel we can help prevent some readmissions to hospital.” Margherita said: “You relax the minute you lie down. I think the therapists are so important to the whole hospital system.” Lymphoedema patients can access six free sessions of the MLD service through a clinician referral. L-R: Margherita and Rozalia, massage therapist Consultant cardiologist Dan Knight with the low-field MRI scanner Governors have been encouraging patients and the public to join our growing network of over 21,000 trust members. Patient governors Sneha Bedi, Julian Goodkin and Linda Bogod have hosted information stalls across our hospitals. They’ve been speaking with staff, patients and the public about the benefits of becoming a member, how to get involved with the Council of Governors and their own experiences. Sneha said: “I became a Royal Free London member in 2017 and I have served as a governor for almost eight years. It has been an incredibly rewarding experience. “It has given me an opportunity to share my feedback about the amazing work of staff as well as share constructive feedback to ensure that local communities are receiving the best care. “Knowing that my contributions have helped improve patient and staff experience has given me an enormous sense of pride.” We would be grateful for your support in spreading the word and helping us grow our RFL community – please encourage your friends, families and colleagues to join our membership, details of which can be found on our website. From sharing feedback about our services to being able to stand for election as a governor, they will have a chance to make a real difference. Members are kept up to date with the latest RFL developments and news, and invited to events to increase their understanding of local health services. L-R: Linda Bogod, patient governor; Julian Goodkin, patient governor at North Mid; Sneha Bedi, patient and lead governor RFH first hospital in the country to recruit patient to global study This included the HERTHENA study, which is testing a drug for patients with advance cancers that have stopped responding to standard treatments. The RFH was the first hospital in the country to recruit a patient to this global study. Speakers also showcased the PRIMER-1 study, which is investigating whether medications currently used for advanced liver cancer could be introduced earlier – before surgery – to make treatment more effective and reduce the chance of the cancer returning. Cancer care is a key part of our trust’s five-year clinical vision, which is our blueprint for bringing the best of the NHS to all of our patients. Medicine for Members’ events are hosted by our governors and focus on topics which are important to patients, staff and the local community.
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