Welcome to the first edition of 2024!
Though medicine and art may seem poles apart, art has long had its place in hospitals. Of course, art is a great way of making clinical spaces feel a bit more homely, but art in hospitals can play a more meaningful role, too, engaging with issues of humanity, mortality and wellness. It can also inspire. That’s the role of a new photography exhibition at the Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals. Deaf Mosaic features 42 portraits of deaf people from a wide range of backgrounds and occupations – from fashion model to scientist. The message is that, with the right support, deaf people can do anything. Read more on page 10.
Art also plays a role in honouring our history and those who have made it, like Dr James Samuel Risien Russell, one the first Black British consultants. A new portrait of Dr Risien Russell has been unveiled at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery to mark his contributions to the field of neurology, while overcoming prejudices and biases. See the portrait and find out more on page 14.
And it’s not just visual art that can play a role in a healthcare setting. On page 8, read about a trial that’s looking at how music therapy could help rehabilitate patients with severe brain injury.
There’s no doubt that cancer represents one of our greatest health challenges. It is also an area of great innovation in healthcare, and two of the stories in this issue show how UCLH and our partners are at the forefront of this.
Our cover story (also on page 6) features Kameka Blair, one of the clinical nurse specialists for a programme of targeted lung health checks by UCLH and the North London Cancer Alliance, which aim to diagnose lung problems, including cancer, early, so there’s a better chance of treatment.
And, on page 4, read about Claire Rodrigues Lee, one of four women to have had groundbreaking two-in-one surgery at UCLH. The women, carriers of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene alterations, gave birth by planned caesarean section at the same time as having surgery to reduce their risk of ovarian cancer.
We also feature a day in the life of a member of our Staff Experience team (page 12), and the work we are doing to help build stronger bonds with community organisations (page 15). Plus, you can take a look at our Children and Young People’s Emergency Department at University College Hospital which has been recently refurbished thanks to support from UCLH Charity (Page 16).
I hope you enjoy this issue.
Groundbreaking two-in-one surgery to reduce risk of ovarian cancer
Four women have successfully had combined surgery at UCLH in which they gave birth by caesarean section at the same time as having surgery to reduce their risk of ovarian cancer.
The women are all carriers of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene alterations, which puts them at higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. Risk-reducing surgery for these patients is usually a standalone procedure to remove the fallopian tubes and ovaries.
The first case of a caesarean section with the risk-reducing surgery was done at UCLH in 2018. Completing four cases of the surgery now indicates it could be routinely offered to women who are BRCA gene alteration carriers and who are due to have a caesarean section.
The four cases have been reported in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology, in a case series report led by UCLH consultant gynaecologist Professor Adam Rosenthal.
The four women were between 40 and 45 years old, and not planning to have any more children.
All four surgeries went well, and none of the women had serious post-surgical complications. Patients did not need to stay in hospital longer than they would have after a caesarean section alone.
This risk-reducing surgery will always result in infertility, although women who have had eggs harvested prior to surgery may still be able to benefit from assisted reproduction.
This surgery will also result in early menopause, so hormone replacement therapy is recommended until 51 years of age unless there are reasons not to give it.
Claire Rodrigues Lee, 45, from London, was one of the four women to have the surgery.
She said: “As a carrier of the BRCA2 gene alteration, I knew I was at higher risk of ovarian cancer, and I wanted to have the risk-reducing surgery as soon as possible after giving birth for the second time.
“Recovery was no different having combined surgery to just having a C-section. My first child was born via C-section so I knew what to expect.”
"I knew I was at higher risk of ovarian cancer, and I wanted to have the risk-reducing surgery as soon as possible after giving birth for the second time."
Professor Rosenthal, who is supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research UCLH Biomedical Research Centre, said: “Offering this two-in-one surgery could prove very beneficial to other women at high risk of ovarian cancer, who would then avoid the need for separate risk-reducing surgery.”
Targeted lung health checks for north London residents
UCLH and the North London Cancer Alliance are helping more people to get earlier treatment for lung problems through targeted lung health checks.
These checks are for north London residents aged between 55 and 74, who smoke or used to smoke, and are part of a pilot for lung screening in England. A full national lung screening programme will begin in 2025.
A targeted lung health check is a free, quick and painless way to see how well your lungs are working. It can help to detect a range of lung problems, including lung cancer, which often has no signs or symptoms at an early stage.
Diagnosing lung cancer early means that treatment is much more likely to be successful.
Encouraging people to respond to their invitation is crucial for making lung health checks effective. There has been an advertising campaign on bus shelters and in tube stations around north London, and on Facebook and Instagram. Community organisations, local authorities and local businesses have also been helping to spread the word.
Ivan White, 71, from Barnet: “I want to stay healthy and fit for as long as I can. I didn’t have to think twice about responding to the invitation letter. It was a great opportunity to get checked out and see if there’s any lasting damage from my smoking all those years ago.”
Kameka Blair, who is on our cover this issue, is one of the clinical nurse specialists for the targeted lung health programme. Kameka said: This is a great way of improving health outcomes for people who smoke or have smoked. I find it so rewarding to know I’m helping people to take control of their lung health.”
Invitations for a lung health check continue to be mailed to eligible local residents.
Do take up the telephone appointment if you are invited – it could be a lifesaver.
A few simple steps to taking control of your lung health:
- Respond to your invitation letter
- Answer questions in a telephone appointment
- Attend a face-to-face appointment at University College Hospital or Finchley Memorial Hospital, if asked. (A third location will open later in the year.)
- Have a low dose CT scan of your lungs, if needed
How music therapy could help patients recover from brain injury
A trial led by UCLH and UCL is looking at whether music therapy could help patients recover from severe brain injury.
The trial, at UCLH’s National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN), will involve patients recovering from conditions such as stroke and aphasia.
There is already evidence that music therapy can be beneficial for these groups of patients – for instance by improving memory and mood. But this is the first time the therapy will be tested in a randomised control trial for patients with severe brain injury undergoing a specialist rehabilitation programme. The trial will involve inpatients who have already been referred for rehab at UCLH and is a three- to four-month intensive programme.
The research is looking at a variety of measures before, during and after the therapy, including independence in daily activities, mobility, communication with loved ones, mood, and other wellbeing indicators.
In music therapy sessions, patients can get involved in playing instruments, singing familiar songs, making up music from scratch, or a combination. Patients may also prefer to listen to and discuss music or work towards a specific musical goal. The therapy is tailored to each patient.
The trial is being led by UCLH and UCL, working with the music therapy charity Nordoff and Robbins, which will deliver the sessions. The trial is funded by UCLH Charity with additional funding from The National Brain Appeal.
Trial lead Dr Sara Ajina, UCLH honorary consultant in rehabilitation medicine and a clinician scientist at the UCL Department of Imaging Neuroscience, said: “A patient’s recovery from severe brain injury can take time and can be challenging.
“We already know that music can activate multiple brain regions and we hope to be able to provide robust evidence that inclusion of music therapy in a patient’s rehabilitation programme is helpful.”
Rebecca Burns, music therapist at Nordoff and Robbins, who will deliver the one-to-one therapy sessions, said: “We think music therapy could help patients recover from brain injury and improve their quality of life in hospital and beyond.”
The trial was set up by Nicola Perkins – a speech and language therapist within the UCLH neuro-rehabilitation unit.
"We think music therapy could help patients recover from brain injury and improve their quality of life in hospital and beyond."
New exhibition shows that deaf people can live their dreams
Being deaf shouldn’t mean you can’t achieve your dreams and realise your aspirations – but for many deaf people, having a lack of deaf role models, can feel isolating. A new photography exhibition at UCLH’s Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals seeks to change that, by highlighting the achievements of deaf people.
Deaf Mosaic features 42 portraits of deaf people from a wide range of backgrounds and occupations – from fashion model to athlete, TV chef to actress, coffee barista to scientist. The message is that, with the right support, deaf people can do anything.
Deaf Mosaic was created by photographer Stephen Iliffe, who is deaf himself and has attended UCLH audiology services for 35 years.
Stephen said: “When I was growing up, it often felt as if I was the only deaf person in the world. The audiology staff were great, but after my appointment I’d go straight back into the outside world with all its prejudices and barriers.
“I want today’s generation of deaf children and adults to have earlier access to positive role models – such as the scientist Tamara Denner – and to feel that they too have the right to their own dreams and to be supported to achieve those.”
Also featuring in the exhibition is TV actress and best-selling author Samantha Baines, who said: “At the age of 29, it was a total shock when the audiologist told me I had hearing loss. I worried that both my career and my life as I knew it were over. I had never met anyone in my age group who was deaf, and I felt very alone.
“Walking out of that first hearing test, it would have been a massive boost to see something like Deaf Mosaic in the waiting rooms.”
The exhibition is supported by the UCLH Arts and Heritage team, which is committed to providing a welcoming, uplifting environment for patients, visitors and staff.
"I want today’s generation of deaf children and adults to have earlier access to positive role models."
With help from funders, including UCLH Charity and the Friends of UCLH, UCLH Arts and Heritage has developed into a multi-award-winning programme to improve patient and staff experience through the arts.
There is a substantial body of evidence that shows art in hospitals can positively influence the health and wellbeing of patients, visitors and staff.
Meet the artist
One of the portraits featured in the exhibition is Rubbena Aurangzeb-Tariq, graduate of St Martin’s College of Art. Rubbena makes richly-coloured and textured abstracts that explore her multi-cultural identity, memories and feelings.
She is also a part-time NHS art therapist for clients with mental health conditions, autism and dementia. “Art is a powerful tool,” said Rubbena. “It can unlock the deepest thoughts of people who may be struggling with verbal expression.”
Bhavin tells us about working with the Staff Experience team at UCLH and his favourite aspects of the role.
"The best part is knowing that the team is making a positive difference to the way staff feel about working at UCLH."
What does the staff experience team do?
The Staff Experience team brings many amazing initiatives to our hardworking teams across UCLH. We’ve delivered the Be Well programme to support health and wellbeing among colleagues; Joy at Work funding for staff social and team-building events; discounts and promotions to support with the cost of living; the UCLH Charity Hardship Fund; salary sacrifice schemes, and bicycle repair workshops. We also organise recognition events such as our annual Celebrating Excellence Awards and Long Service Awards.
Within the Staff Experience team, there are colleagues working on our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and our Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression policy, as well as initiatives to support kindness, civility and respect. We are committed to helping staff have the best possible working experience at UCLH.
What does your job involve day to day?
My job is incredibly varied – no two days are ever the same. During the NHS Staff Survey season, I visit our sites to encourage staff to share their experiences of working at UCLH.
I spend a lot of time analysing survey results, writing reports and sharing the data with teams across the organisation.
I also manage the salary sacrifice/salary deduction schemes and benefits platform, support staff with accommodation needs, and much more!
What is the best part of your job?
The best part is knowing that the team is making a positive difference to the way staff feel about working at UCLH.
We were delighted that our staff ranked UCLH the top trust in England to work at in the last NHS Staff Survey.
What skills do you need?
You need to be a people person, empathetic, and continuously strive for positive change.
You also need good communication, management and analytical skills, as well as the ability to work under pressure.
Work with us!
We’re looking for people who will live our values and help us make a difference to the thousands of patients who come to us for treatment every year. We’re looking for people who will live our values and help us make a difference to the thousands of patients who come to us for treatment every year. We believe that every member of staff plays an important part in our vision, whatever their role.
New artwork commemorates one of Britain’s first Black consultants
A portrait of Dr James Samuel Risien Russell, one of the first Black British consultants, has been unveiled at UCLH’s National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN).
Working alongside Arthur Torrington CBE (of the Windrush Foundation) and UCLH Charity, the UCLH Arts and Heritage team and the Queen Square Race, Equality and Culture network set out to recognise the pioneering contributions Dr Risien Russell made to neurology, while overcoming prejudices and biases. The new artwork is a celebration of his life and achievements.
Originally born in British Guiana (now Guyana) in 1863, Dr Risien Russell studied medicine and surgery at Edinburgh University and completed his training at St Thomas’ Hospital in London in 1895. In 1898, he was appointed resident medical officer at the National Hospital Queen Square.
He held many prestigious posts, including president of the Royal Society of Medicine’s neurology department, and even served as a captain in the First World War.
Award-winning artist Des Haughton, who studied fine art at UCL and also has Guyanese heritage, was commissioned to produce the artwork.
He said: “Dr Risien Russell made such huge contributions to the health and wellbeing of others; it is important that we recognise and honour his achievements.”
David Chal, general manager for the stroke, rehabilitation and therapies services at NHNN, said: “We hope the portrait inspires ethnic minority staff to break through barriers, prejudice and glass ceilings to achieve greatness.”
"I am very proud to see UCLH celebrate this inspirational pioneer and his magnificent achievements in the face of adversity."
Amanda Lee-Ajala, UCLH’s equality, diversity and inclusion lead, said: “I am very proud to see UCLH celebrate this inspirational pioneer and his magnificent achievements in the face of adversity. I encourage everyone to visit Queen Square to see this wonderful portrait.”
Building stronger bonds with our local communities
Community organisations are an invaluable way of reaching the people we serve. Gill Fisher, UCLH patient and public involvement (PPI) coordinator, explains how she’s building even closer links with these grassroots groups.
I joined UCLH in July 2023 as part of the Patient Experience team. My role as PPI coordinator is dedicated to developing closer links with community organisations. This might include groups that represent Chinese or Bangladeshi communities, for example, or that bring together women from different ages and backgrounds. Communicating with these organisations helps us to understand their needs, and gives their members the opportunity to get involved and help shape the way we provide healthcare. The way we do this is by visiting groups, building trust and listening to patient experiences. We might offer to give clinical talks for their members. We also invite them to join our membership.
The best thing about my role is being out in the community representing UCLH and meeting and connecting with our patients. As part of my team, which also includes PPI officer Rossana Fazzina, I’m able to make a difference by listening to people’s stories and finding new ways we can help. We sometimes have to work on changing perceptions of healthcare, especially where someone has had a negative experience or feels nervous or suspicious. Issues like these can affect anyone in our local communities.
Community organisations can be a vital conduit between us and people in our community who might ordinarily be under-served.
The difference donations make
The refurbishment of the Children and Young People’s Emergency Department at University College Hospital is just one example of the difference donating to UCLH Charity can make to our patients and staff.
The department has had a makeover, with colourful paintwork, bespoke wall artwork and seating, making it a more welcoming, age-appropriate space for the thousands of young patients who visit each year.
This is one of many improvements made possible by the UCLH Fundraising team.
A new Charitable giving impact report highlights further examples, which include interactive music sessions for young patients with cancer, the refreshing of garden spaces at the University College Hospital’s Macmillan Cancer Centre and Grafton Way Building, and the Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals, and research into long COVID.
Carol Haraldsson, head of charitable giving, said: “The report looks at what has been made possible by fundraising, the ‘over and above’ that the NHS could not otherwise afford. We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us. As the report shows, every donation makes a difference.”
UCLH Charity is the official charity of UCLH supporting patients, staff and research.
Find out more at www.uclhcharity.org.uk
Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) at @uclhcharity or on Facebook @TheUCLHCharity
Thank you for your support, together we can do more.
MyCare UCLH – our patient app and online service
Our MyCare UCLH video highlights some of the key features and benefits for patients.
With MyCare UCLH, you can view your clinic letters, test results, and appointment details on your phone, tablet, or computer. You can also get appointment reminders and join video clinics at UCLH.
Watch this short video to find out more about MyCare UCLH and how to activate your account.