Barts Charity Extra - Summer 2019

BARTS CHARITY

SUPPORTER MAGAZINE SUMMER 19

Meet the Play Team Page 12

10m for £ funding the fight against cancer Page 4

Fundraising in memory of my fiancé Page 8

What’s inside?

Hello!

Contents

06

And welcome to the latest issue of Barts Charity’s supporter magazine.

When my late fiancée Fred was taken ill and treated at St Bartholomew’s, we were so grateful to the staff for their amazing care and wanted to give something back.

That’s when we heard about Barts Charity. We managed to fundraise £6,000 for the charity which the staff used to help future patients.

Expanding horizons for local teenagers

You can read more about our story on page 8, as well as being inspired by other fantastic fundraisers and the amazing projects they’re helping to support.

I hope you enjoy reading this issue of Barts Charity Extra – please get in touch with the charity with any questions or feedback.

04

11

How you are supporting cancer research

Team ACCU gets muddy!

14

12

How your donations can help

Who are the Play Team?

Thanks for your support,

Millie

Barts Charity supporter

A little bit about Barts Charity...

Want to keep supporting extraordinary healthcare?

Follow us on social media

02 02

We’re the dedicated charity for the five hospitals of Barts Health NHS Trust: Mile End, Newham, St Bartholomew’s, The Royal London, and Whipps Cross.

Last year we gave £30m to fund research, equipment and projects to provide extraordinary healthcare for patients.

We fund projects that are over and above what the NHS can provide, to ensure more patients receive the best possible care.

Sign up to our fortnightly e-newsletter

Support your hospital with a monthly donation

Get in touch!

Visit us at bartscharity.org.uk, call us on 0207 618 1720 or email us at hello@bartscharity.org.uk 03

What’s inside?

Hello!

Contents

06

And welcome to the latest issue of Barts Charity’s supporter magazine.

When my late fiancée Fred was taken ill and treated at St Bartholomew’s, we were so grateful to the staff for their amazing care and wanted to give something back.

That’s when we heard about Barts Charity. We managed to fundraise £6,000 for the charity which the staff used to help future patients.

Expanding horizons for local teenagers

You can read more about our story on page 8, as well as being inspired by other fantastic fundraisers and the amazing projects they’re helping to support.

I hope you enjoy reading this issue of Barts Charity Extra – please get in touch with the charity with any questions or feedback.

04

11

How you are supporting cancer research

Team ACCU gets muddy!

14

12

How your donations can help

Who are the Play Team?

Thanks for your support,

Millie

Barts Charity supporter

A little bit about Barts Charity...

Want to keep supporting extraordinary healthcare?

Follow us on social media

02 02

We’re the dedicated charity for the five hospitals of Barts Health NHS Trust: Mile End, Newham, St Bartholomew’s, The Royal London, and Whipps Cross.

Last year we gave £30m to fund research, equipment and projects to provide extraordinary healthcare for patients.

We fund projects that are over and above what the NHS can provide, to ensure more patients receive the best possible care.

Sign up to our fortnightly e-newsletter

Support your hospital with a monthly donation

Get in touch!

Visit us at bartscharity.org.uk, call us on 0207 618 1720 or email us at hello@bartscharity.org.uk 03

Where your money goes

Professor Hodivala-Dilke conducting experiments at the lab

Where your money goes

Thank you!

We’re so grateful for every penny that you donate.

Here are just a few of the projects that you’re helping to fund...

Funding the fight against cancer With one in two people now likely to develop cancer at some point in their lives, there is an urgent need for new treatments. That’s why, thanks to your support, we’ve recently given £10 million to Barts Cancer Institute, one of the UK’s leading sites of cancer research, to make vital breakthroughs in the fight against cancer.

The Barts Cancer Institute is one of 13 centres partnered with Cancer Research UK. The centres collaborate to get the most out of their work by sharing expertise and advanced technologies, as well as scarce resources such as tissue samples from patients with less common forms of cancer.

Why I donate...

“I am grateful to Whipps Cross and St Bartholomew’s Hospitals for the successful surgery and aftercare I have received and am still receiving since I was diagnosed twice with breast cancer. I do hope continued research to find the right treatment for my type of cancer will be successful.”

04

Cancer cells under the microscope

Helon Barr, cancer patient

The funding will be used for projects which are key targets for research in the next decade, including: Cancer screening and early diagnosis, including the development of new ‘self-testing’ HPV kits to make screening for cervical cancer easier and developing a new way to scan patients for prostate cancer, to detect tumours earlier when they are easier to treat.

How to prevent cancer and reduce people’s risks of getting it.

Getting a better understanding of the cancer ‘stroma’ – the surrounding cells of a tumour that create a nurturing environment for it.

Recruiting leading scientists to take forward programmes of research in these cancer research areas.

What are the researchers saying?

“We have microscopes that cost £600,000 but they are useless unless we’ve got a little glass slide to mount the specimen on to. These glass slides cost about 17p. So it doesn’t matter if you feel like you can’t make a big financial contribution, because actually every penny counts.”

Professor Kairbaan Hodivala-Dilke Deputy Director of Barts Cancer Institute

“Barts Charity funding will enable us to recruit a wealth of new scientific talent, to enable us to turn our ambitious plans into reality and deliver real benefits to patients.”

Professor Nicholas Lemoine Director of Barts Cancer Institute

With your support we can fund essential research like this. To donate please go to bartscharity.org.uk/donate or call 0207 618 1720.

05

Where your money goes

Professor Hodivala-Dilke conducting experiments at the lab

Where your money goes

Thank you!

We’re so grateful for every penny that you donate.

Here are just a few of the projects that you’re helping to fund...

Funding the fight against cancer With one in two people now likely to develop cancer at some point in their lives, there is an urgent need for new treatments. That’s why, thanks to your support, we’ve recently given £10 million to Barts Cancer Institute, one of the UK’s leading sites of cancer research, to make vital breakthroughs in the fight against cancer.

The Barts Cancer Institute is one of 13 centres partnered with Cancer Research UK. The centres collaborate to get the most out of their work by sharing expertise and advanced technologies, as well as scarce resources such as tissue samples from patients with less common forms of cancer.

Why I donate...

“I am grateful to Whipps Cross and St Bartholomew’s Hospitals for the successful surgery and aftercare I have received and am still receiving since I was diagnosed twice with breast cancer. I do hope continued research to find the right treatment for my type of cancer will be successful.”

04

Cancer cells under the microscope

Helon Barr, cancer patient

The funding will be used for projects which are key targets for research in the next decade, including: Cancer screening and early diagnosis, including the development of new ‘self-testing’ HPV kits to make screening for cervical cancer easier and developing a new way to scan patients for prostate cancer, to detect tumours earlier when they are easier to treat.

How to prevent cancer and reduce people’s risks of getting it.

Getting a better understanding of the cancer ‘stroma’ – the surrounding cells of a tumour that create a nurturing environment for it.

Recruiting leading scientists to take forward programmes of research in these cancer research areas.

What are the researchers saying?

“We have microscopes that cost £600,000 but they are useless unless we’ve got a little glass slide to mount the specimen on to. These glass slides cost about 17p. So it doesn’t matter if you feel like you can’t make a big financial contribution, because actually every penny counts.”

Professor Kairbaan Hodivala-Dilke Deputy Director of Barts Cancer Institute

“Barts Charity funding will enable us to recruit a wealth of new scientific talent, to enable us to turn our ambitious plans into reality and deliver real benefits to patients.”

Professor Nicholas Lemoine Director of Barts Cancer Institute

With your support we can fund essential research like this. To donate please go to bartscharity.org.uk/donate or call 0207 618 1720.

05

Where your money goes

Where your money goes

Saving lives with ‘Whole Blood’

Dignity in adversity

We recently co-funded a project with London’s Air Ambulance Charity who will now be administering life-saving ‘whole blood’ transfusions to trauma patients pre-hospital, in a landmark UK study.

Approximately 100 people each year in London suffer traumatic injuries that result in such serious bleeding that they may die before reaching hospital. This new blood product contains essential clotting ingredients to help form stronger blood clots and replace lost blood volume, giving patients a higher chance of survival.

In the fight against cancer, some patients may lose their hair or have a mastectomy.

For many patients, this can be very distressing and having to pick up a wig or mastectomy prosthesis can feel embarrassing. To help patients during this difficult time, staff on the wards have used your donations to purchase opaque bags that preserve the patients’ privacy.

Next generation NHS heroes Over the next three years we will be supporting over 1,000 young people through the Healthcare Horizons programme – enabling them to discover careers in the NHS. It will give students the opportunity to learn about different health professions, access higher education and secure employment.

Healthcare Horizons will include: H ands-on events and work experience placements for secondary school students

Direct support and advice for students completing applications for university

I mmersive simulations of how an operating theatre works in the cutting-edge simulation suite at The Royal London Hospital

Motivational training, interview skills development and regular events showcasing opportunities for young people to get straight into work

Pampering for older patients Older patients were treated to a pamper day to raise their spirits while they were on the ward. An impromptu ‘barber shop’ gave the men a shave and the women had a chance to get their hair styled, whilst manicures and hand massages gave everyone a chance to relax. The day helped patients feel valued and boosted their self-esteem.

“Patients smiled more. Ladies felt relaxed, they chose a nail varnish shade, chatted and their willingness to get up and get moving increased.

This may have been beneficial in getting our patients home and maximising their independence.”

06

One patient said, “At this time, I feel very vulnerable and the opaque bags enable me to maintain privacy and dignity.”

Susan, Ward Manager of Ward 14E at The Royal London Hospital

Just £11 could provide this little extra to over 100 patients.

Go to bartscharity.org.uk/donate or call 0207 618 1720 to fund projects like this.

07

Where your money goes

Where your money goes

Saving lives with ‘Whole Blood’

Dignity in adversity

We recently co-funded a project with London’s Air Ambulance Charity who will now be administering life-saving ‘whole blood’ transfusions to trauma patients pre-hospital, in a landmark UK study.

Approximately 100 people each year in London suffer traumatic injuries that result in such serious bleeding that they may die before reaching hospital. This new blood product contains essential clotting ingredients to help form stronger blood clots and replace lost blood volume, giving patients a higher chance of survival.

In the fight against cancer, some patients may lose their hair or have a mastectomy.

For many patients, this can be very distressing and having to pick up a wig or mastectomy prosthesis can feel embarrassing. To help patients during this difficult time, staff on the wards have used your donations to purchase opaque bags that preserve the patients’ privacy.

Next generation NHS heroes Over the next three years we will be supporting over 1,000 young people through the Healthcare Horizons programme – enabling them to discover careers in the NHS. It will give students the opportunity to learn about different health professions, access higher education and secure employment.

Healthcare Horizons will include: H ands-on events and work experience placements for secondary school students

Direct support and advice for students completing applications for university

I mmersive simulations of how an operating theatre works in the cutting-edge simulation suite at The Royal London Hospital

Motivational training, interview skills development and regular events showcasing opportunities for young people to get straight into work

Pampering for older patients Older patients were treated to a pamper day to raise their spirits while they were on the ward. An impromptu ‘barber shop’ gave the men a shave and the women had a chance to get their hair styled, whilst manicures and hand massages gave everyone a chance to relax. The day helped patients feel valued and boosted their self-esteem.

“Patients smiled more. Ladies felt relaxed, they chose a nail varnish shade, chatted and their willingness to get up and get moving increased.

This may have been beneficial in getting our patients home and maximising their independence.”

06

One patient said, “At this time, I feel very vulnerable and the opaque bags enable me to maintain privacy and dignity.”

Susan, Ward Manager of Ward 14E at The Royal London Hospital

Just £11 could provide this little extra to over 100 patients.

Go to bartscharity.org.uk/donate or call 0207 618 1720 to fund projects like this.

07

Supporter story

Supporter story Everyone found time to talk to Fred and spend time with him in their busy schedules which I will be forever grateful for as he didn’t enjoy being on his own in hospital. The staff meant so much to Fred, and I know he would want to say thank you a thousand times over. They provided him with a shoulder to cry on, a face to laugh with, a person to chat to and so much more.

Why I support Barts Charity Millie’s story Fred and Millie on the London Eye

Millie, along with family and friends, donated a massive £6,000 to thank the staff at St Bartholomew’s Hospital where her late fiancée, Fred, was treated.

“My fiancé Fred sadly passed away in May 2018 at the young age of 24, after battling with germ cell cancer for only nine months. Fred was diagnosed in September 2017, shortly after we returned home from a week’s holiday in the sun together.

Fred had been getting symptoms of shortness of breath, night sweats and chest pain which radiated into back pain.

After we returned from our holiday, I urged him to see the GP and he was taken up to our local hospital for an x-ray and blood tests. This found metastatic germ cell cancer (multiple tumours in his lungs) as well as multiple pulmonary embolisms – he was very poorly.

Within two days of diagnosis Fred and I were transferred from our local hospital to St Bartholomew’s Hospital. A diagnosis of cancer is scary enough but to be shipped across the country is something else. Fred had never spent a day in hospital – let alone a night – so it was frightening.

Caring staff at St Bartholomew’s All the staff were amazing. They went above and beyond their call of duty to ensure Fred was as happy as he could be and comfortable throughout his gruelling treatment. It is clear to see how passionate they are about their job. < Fred walking on the beach in Spain

08

Fred responded extremely well to his intensive chemotherapy over the winter of 2017; so well in fact that they were starting to organise the big date for surgery which would hopefully mean the end of treatment and the return of our life back in Norfolk. However in January 2018 his tumour markers began to rise once again, and this time Fred had to endure even more extensive chemotherapy alongside a stem cell transplant. We were devastated; however, again all the staff that Fred met along his journey made it bearable.

Sadly, Fred’s health took a turn for the worse and he was moved onto the Intensive Care Unit in April, where he spent the last eleven days of his life. Fred was conscious for six of these days; which for anyone is a scary place, especially witnessing all of the machines and wires. The staff ensured he was comfortable right until the very end, even by doing simple things like putting on his favourite radio channel.

What I appreciate most is the ward allowing us to spend as much time with Fred as possible. Spending those precious hours with Fred as he passed will always remain close to my heart.

Fred and Millie at a friend’s wedding, Thailand

Saying thank you Following Fred’s passing, we decided to raise some money to show our appreciation, and we donated £6,025.

We wanted the money to help staff continue with all the amazing things they provide for patients, like cake and ice cream Thursdays!

Being confined to a room is difficult, especially for a man that never stays inside! Fred was an outside boy through and through, so he found being stuck in four small walls very difficult.

We passed the time listening to music, watching TV and doing puzzles and games.

We hope that the money can be used to make everyone’s life that little bit more bearable whilst having to travel on the world’s worst roller-coaster of emotions.

I want to say thank you to the staff a million times over. I want everyone to know how amazing St Bartholomew’s is. Every member of staff that Fred and I met along the way should be told how amazing they are, as I know that healthcare workers don’t always get acknowledged for their extremely hard work.

Fred’s memory will forever live on, and I am just so proud of how we are spreading his story so that hopefully it will help others going through this horrendous ordeal.”

Part of the family’s donation went towards buying 22 new DAB radios for ward 5A so that all patients and their visitors have some entertainment. < St Bartholomew’s Hospital staff with one of the new radios

09

Supporter story

Supporter story Everyone found time to talk to Fred and spend time with him in their busy schedules which I will be forever grateful for as he didn’t enjoy being on his own in hospital. The staff meant so much to Fred, and I know he would want to say thank you a thousand times over. They provided him with a shoulder to cry on, a face to laugh with, a person to chat to and so much more.

Why I support Barts Charity Millie’s story Fred and Millie on the London Eye

Millie, along with family and friends, donated a massive £6,000 to thank the staff at St Bartholomew’s Hospital where her late fiancée, Fred, was treated.

“My fiancé Fred sadly passed away in May 2018 at the young age of 24, after battling with germ cell cancer for only nine months. Fred was diagnosed in September 2017, shortly after we returned home from a week’s holiday in the sun together.

Fred had been getting symptoms of shortness of breath, night sweats and chest pain which radiated into back pain.

After we returned from our holiday, I urged him to see the GP and he was taken up to our local hospital for an x-ray and blood tests. This found metastatic germ cell cancer (multiple tumours in his lungs) as well as multiple pulmonary embolisms – he was very poorly.

Within two days of diagnosis Fred and I were transferred from our local hospital to St Bartholomew’s Hospital. A diagnosis of cancer is scary enough but to be shipped across the country is something else. Fred had never spent a day in hospital – let alone a night – so it was frightening.

Caring staff at St Bartholomew’s All the staff were amazing. They went above and beyond their call of duty to ensure Fred was as happy as he could be and comfortable throughout his gruelling treatment. It is clear to see how passionate they are about their job. < Fred walking on the beach in Spain

08

Fred responded extremely well to his intensive chemotherapy over the winter of 2017; so well in fact that they were starting to organise the big date for surgery which would hopefully mean the end of treatment and the return of our life back in Norfolk. However in January 2018 his tumour markers began to rise once again, and this time Fred had to endure even more extensive chemotherapy alongside a stem cell transplant. We were devastated; however, again all the staff that Fred met along his journey made it bearable.

Sadly, Fred’s health took a turn for the worse and he was moved onto the Intensive Care Unit in April, where he spent the last eleven days of his life. Fred was conscious for six of these days; which for anyone is a scary place, especially witnessing all of the machines and wires. The staff ensured he was comfortable right until the very end, even by doing simple things like putting on his favourite radio channel.

What I appreciate most is the ward allowing us to spend as much time with Fred as possible. Spending those precious hours with Fred as he passed will always remain close to my heart.

Fred and Millie at a friend’s wedding, Thailand

Saying thank you Following Fred’s passing, we decided to raise some money to show our appreciation, and we donated £6,025.

We wanted the money to help staff continue with all the amazing things they provide for patients, like cake and ice cream Thursdays!

Being confined to a room is difficult, especially for a man that never stays inside! Fred was an outside boy through and through, so he found being stuck in four small walls very difficult.

We passed the time listening to music, watching TV and doing puzzles and games.

We hope that the money can be used to make everyone’s life that little bit more bearable whilst having to travel on the world’s worst roller-coaster of emotions.

I want to say thank you to the staff a million times over. I want everyone to know how amazing St Bartholomew’s is. Every member of staff that Fred and I met along the way should be told how amazing they are, as I know that healthcare workers don’t always get acknowledged for their extremely hard work.

Fred’s memory will forever live on, and I am just so proud of how we are spreading his story so that hopefully it will help others going through this horrendous ordeal.”

Part of the family’s donation went towards buying 22 new DAB radios for ward 5A so that all patients and their visitors have some entertainment. < St Bartholomew’s Hospital staff with one of the new radios

09

Thank you

Thank you

SUPER SUPPORTERS

Thank you to our incredible supporters, who make extraordinary care possible in the hospitals. From bake sales to fun runs, we’re blown away by your fundraising efforts! Here are a few recent superstars...

ACE HIGH REVUE THEATRE COMPANY

The Ace High Revue Company put on a special show and raised over £500 after one of their longest standing members, Beryl, passed away. Beryl was looked after by Whipps Cross Hospital’s Margaret Centre in her last days. To celebrate Beryl’s role in the theatre company over the years, the show featured songs that Beryl used to sing, like ‘Feed the birds’ from Mary Poppins.

010 10

TEAM ACCU

PARENTS AGAINST KNIFE CRIME

The Adult Critical Care Unit (ACCU) at the Royal London Hospital looks after some of the most critically ill patients in London. The staff who work there banded together to conquer the fearsome challenge of Tough Mudder; a course scattered with mud and obstacles, made worse by heavy rain on the day of the team’s challenge! They raised over £4,000 that went towards enhancing the patient and family experience on the unit.

After their son was stabbed by a stranger, the Brown family rallied their contacts to thank staff at the Royal London Hospital for their life-saving care. By holding a black-tie event, their ‘Parents Against Knife Crime’ committee raised over £34,000. Their fundraising was boosted by Barclays match funding of over £2,600 and by a donor named Patrick O’Brien. Described as a peaceful man, Mr O’Brien lived on the streets of London for over 15 years and witnessed some unkind incidents, so kindly decided to leave £8,000 to a relevant charity in his will.

MIKE

TILLY’S FAMILY

Four-year-old Tilly’s family raised an amazing £12,000. They wanted to say a big thank you to the staff on Acorn Ward at Whipps Cross Hospital – not only for treating Tilly’s cancer but for the care and support they received as a family.

The Acorn team have plans to transform a space used for photocopying into a relaxing room for children to have chemotherapy and transfusions.

Mike biked L’Etape London after his brother-in-law was diagnosed with a tumour in his lung. Mike wanted to thank the staff for the brilliant care and support his brother-in-law received while at St Bartholomew’s Hospital. His cycling event raised over £1,000 for cancer research and treatment.

FEELING INSPIRED?

Visit bartscharity.org.uk/get-involved to see how you could support us.

011 11

Thank you

Thank you

SUPER SUPPORTERS

Thank you to our incredible supporters, who make extraordinary care possible in the hospitals. From bake sales to fun runs, we’re blown away by your fundraising efforts! Here are a few recent superstars...

ACE HIGH REVUE THEATRE COMPANY

The Ace High Revue Company put on a special show and raised over £500 after one of their longest standing members, Beryl, passed away. Beryl was looked after by Whipps Cross Hospital’s Margaret Centre in her last days. To celebrate Beryl’s role in the theatre company over the years, the show featured songs that Beryl used to sing, like ‘Feed the birds’ from Mary Poppins.

010 10

TEAM ACCU

PARENTS AGAINST KNIFE CRIME

The Adult Critical Care Unit (ACCU) at the Royal London Hospital looks after some of the most critically ill patients in London. The staff who work there banded together to conquer the fearsome challenge of Tough Mudder; a course scattered with mud and obstacles, made worse by heavy rain on the day of the team’s challenge! They raised over £4,000 that went towards enhancing the patient and family experience on the unit.

After their son was stabbed by a stranger, the Brown family rallied their contacts to thank staff at the Royal London Hospital for their life-saving care. By holding a black-tie event, their ‘Parents Against Knife Crime’ committee raised over £34,000. Their fundraising was boosted by Barclays match funding of over £2,600 and by a donor named Patrick O’Brien. Described as a peaceful man, Mr O’Brien lived on the streets of London for over 15 years and witnessed some unkind incidents, so kindly decided to leave £8,000 to a relevant charity in his will.

MIKE

TILLY’S FAMILY

Four-year-old Tilly’s family raised an amazing £12,000. They wanted to say a big thank you to the staff on Acorn Ward at Whipps Cross Hospital – not only for treating Tilly’s cancer but for the care and support they received as a family.

The Acorn team have plans to transform a space used for photocopying into a relaxing room for children to have chemotherapy and transfusions.

Mike biked L’Etape London after his brother-in-law was diagnosed with a tumour in his lung. Mike wanted to thank the staff for the brilliant care and support his brother-in-law received while at St Bartholomew’s Hospital. His cycling event raised over £1,000 for cancer research and treatment.

FEELING INSPIRED?

Visit bartscharity.org.uk/get-involved to see how you could support us.

011 11

The Play Team

The Play Team

Who are the Play Team?

Hospitals can be scary places for children. But at The Royal London Hospital, home to one of the busiest children’s hospitals in the country, the Play Team is on hand to support young patients and their families during their stay.

The team is made up of both Health Play Specialists and Play Workers who help by… using play to help children cope with their hospital stay preparing and supporting children during procedures helping children to express themselves and their worries

How your donations help young patients Videos are used to reduce anxiety in children by demystifying procedures and showing tours of the hospitals

The Healing Space gives children the chance to play in a big, bright area with oversized Alice in Wonderland style furniture

Eye Club helps young patients with a rare eye cancer to make friends and learn to look after their artificial eyes Baby massage sessions were introduced to reduce stress and promote bonding

Every child who spends Christmas in hospital receives a gift to help keep the festive magic alive 12

Lucy Wootton is the Clinical Lead of the Play Team at The Royal London Hospital What’s the most enjoyable part of your role?

Musicians were brought to the ward to offer music therapy to children, like those in Critical Care, who have difficulty moving and playing

creating a child-friendly environment running group play sessions and events

Life in the Play Team I love it when I’ve helped a patient complete a required procedure that they were previously too anxious to complete. Helping them to overcome their fears and gain some control over the situation is why I love to do what I do! I also feel very lucky to manage an amazing team who are passionate about what they do and the service we provide.

What’s most challenging?

A very challenging aspect of my job is the bereavement work we do. It can be incredibly challenging to help a young person say goodbye to a loved one and help them to understand what death means. We use play to help children process what is happening and to help them cope with the experience.

However, I am so glad my team are there to support families through these times.

What is your best memory from working here?

At last year’s Christmas party, one of the inpatients explained how she was crying ‘happy tears’ because she was able to see Santa for the first time ‘even in hospital’.

She was beyond excited and I was so happy that we were able to provide some happiness during her challenging hospital admission. Parties like these are just one example of what we use charitable donations for.

If you could give a message to donors, what would it be?

Thank you for your support. Without your donations we cannot provide ‘above and beyond’ care. We rely on charitable funding to purchase play and recreation activities across the Children’s Hospital, to run our events and to constantly develop our services.

Just recently a member of the team purchased eight new virtual reality headsets to offer as distraction therapy for our patients. Through an audit she completed with long-term patients, the headsets improved coping by 100% compared to previous methods used. This is just one example of how we can use your money to directly affect paediatric patients’ care and hospital experience.

Could you support work like this in your hospital? Please visit bartscharity.org.uk/donate or call 0207 618 1720.

13

The Play Team

The Play Team

Who are the Play Team?

Hospitals can be scary places for children. But at The Royal London Hospital, home to one of the busiest children’s hospitals in the country, the Play Team is on hand to support young patients and their families during their stay.

The team is made up of both Health Play Specialists and Play Workers who help by… using play to help children cope with their hospital stay preparing and supporting children during procedures helping children to express themselves and their worries

How your donations help young patients Videos are used to reduce anxiety in children by demystifying procedures and showing tours of the hospitals

The Healing Space gives children the chance to play in a big, bright area with oversized Alice in Wonderland style furniture

Eye Club helps young patients with a rare eye cancer to make friends and learn to look after their artificial eyes Baby massage sessions were introduced to reduce stress and promote bonding

Every child who spends Christmas in hospital receives a gift to help keep the festive magic alive 12

Lucy Wootton is the Clinical Lead of the Play Team at The Royal London Hospital What’s the most enjoyable part of your role?

Musicians were brought to the ward to offer music therapy to children, like those in Critical Care, who have difficulty moving and playing

creating a child-friendly environment running group play sessions and events

Life in the Play Team I love it when I’ve helped a patient complete a required procedure that they were previously too anxious to complete. Helping them to overcome their fears and gain some control over the situation is why I love to do what I do! I also feel very lucky to manage an amazing team who are passionate about what they do and the service we provide.

What’s most challenging?

A very challenging aspect of my job is the bereavement work we do. It can be incredibly challenging to help a young person say goodbye to a loved one and help them to understand what death means. We use play to help children process what is happening and to help them cope with the experience.

However, I am so glad my team are there to support families through these times.

What is your best memory from working here?

At last year’s Christmas party, one of the inpatients explained how she was crying ‘happy tears’ because she was able to see Santa for the first time ‘even in hospital’.

She was beyond excited and I was so happy that we were able to provide some happiness during her challenging hospital admission. Parties like these are just one example of what we use charitable donations for.

If you could give a message to donors, what would it be?

Thank you for your support. Without your donations we cannot provide ‘above and beyond’ care. We rely on charitable funding to purchase play and recreation activities across the Children’s Hospital, to run our events and to constantly develop our services.

Just recently a member of the team purchased eight new virtual reality headsets to offer as distraction therapy for our patients. Through an audit she completed with long-term patients, the headsets improved coping by 100% compared to previous methods used. This is just one example of how we can use your money to directly affect paediatric patients’ care and hospital experience.

Could you support work like this in your hospital? Please visit bartscharity.org.uk/donate or call 0207 618 1720.

13

Contact us

Where your money goes

How your donation could help… £5

could buy a bereavement book for children The death of a loved one is difficult at any age, but these picture books help children understand what they are going through and what it means when someone dies.

£30

could buy a radio for the Special Care Baby Unit Radios are used to play lullabies for the babies in Special Care at Whipps Cross Hospital, lulling them to sleep and giving parents a chance to relax.

£11

could buy 100 bags for patients to protect their privacy when picking up a wig or breast prosthesis Read more about how this is helping cancer patients on page 7.

£17

could buy 100 microscope slides for cancer research

Contact us Would you like to make a donation or let us know about your own fundraising achievements? We would love to hear from you!

Call us on: 0207 618 1720 Email us at: hello@bartscharity.org.uk Write to us at: Barts Charity, 12 Cock Lane, London EC1A 9BU Visit our website: bartscharity.org.uk

£78

could pay for a patient pamper day on the ward Check out page 7 for the full story of how The Royal London Hospital used a pamper day to treat their older patients.

On page 5, Professor Hodivala-Dilke explains how every penny counts when it comes to advancements in cancer research.

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Contact us

Where your money goes

How your donation could help… £5

could buy a bereavement book for children The death of a loved one is difficult at any age, but these picture books help children understand what they are going through and what it means when someone dies.

£30

could buy a radio for the Special Care Baby Unit Radios are used to play lullabies for the babies in Special Care at Whipps Cross Hospital, lulling them to sleep and giving parents a chance to relax.

£11

could buy 100 bags for patients to protect their privacy when picking up a wig or breast prosthesis Read more about how this is helping cancer patients on page 7.

£17

could buy 100 microscope slides for cancer research

Contact us Would you like to make a donation or let us know about your own fundraising achievements? We would love to hear from you!

Call us on: 0207 618 1720 Email us at: hello@bartscharity.org.uk Write to us at: Barts Charity, 12 Cock Lane, London EC1A 9BU Visit our website: bartscharity.org.uk

£78

could pay for a patient pamper day on the ward Check out page 7 for the full story of how The Royal London Hospital used a pamper day to treat their older patients.

On page 5, Professor Hodivala-Dilke explains how every penny counts when it comes to advancements in cancer research.

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15

Your support changes lives Your donations make a difference, from enhancing patient care to researching new treatments.

Together, we can do even more. Why notâ&#x20AC;Ś

Give a regular gift Giving a small amount every month builds up to make a huge difference.

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bartscharity.org.uk

Registered charity no. 212563