Healthcare in London – Sixth Edition

HEALTHCARE IN LONDON

SIXTH EDITION

HEALTHCARE IN LONDON

SIXTH EDITION

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Chairman Lord David Evans | Chief executive Caroline Minshell | Managing editor Barry Davies

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an aerial view of the prestigious Mayfair area in the heart of London (PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/ ALEXEY FEDORENKO)

Lord David Evans of Watford

Embracing innovation

London’s position as a leading destination for medical tourism is founded on its reputation for the development of new treatments and technologies

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to this latest edition of Healthcare in London, profiling the leading private healthcare options for international patients. It is sometimes hard to believe that we are now on our sixth edition. Over the course of our series of publications we have been proud to draw attention to many remarkable developments in the medical facilities and technology available to visitors.

This new edition continues to chronicle the ongoing expansion and innovation that characterises London’s private healthcare sector, highlighting the hospitals, clinics and specialists that make the city so attractive for medical tourism.

From Cromwell Hospital, we hear about its current expansion programme and how artificial intelligence and

3D modelling are among the new tools available to optimise surgical procedures. The London Clinic takes us inside its recently unveiled Rapid Diagnostics Centre on Harley Street – a state-of-the-art facility that is reducing waiting times and speeding up the delivery of test results.

OneWelbeck offers details of its health assessment services, which provide personalised screening for a range of conditions – all under one roof. We also hear from the hospital’s CEO, Andrew Chadwick-Jones, about its expansion plans and the success of its doctor-partnership model. Plus Cleveland Clinic outlines the top-class healthcare experience it provides for its patients, both at its London hospital in Grosvenor Place and at its two outpatient centres.

Also in this edition, we turn the spotlight on advances being made in cancer diagnosis and treatment – a field in which London has long been at the forefront. The Royal Marsden Private Care draws on the experience and expertise of Europe’s largest comprehensive cancer centre, with 2,500 cancer specialists. We hear from two of their consultants, Miss Rachel O’Connell and Mr Marios Tasoulis, about the individualised breast cancer care they provide.

Cromwell Hospital explains the full range of services provided by its Integrated Cancer Campus, which offers rapid access to world-class cancer care that includes the latest minimally invasive and robotic surgery techniques. From King Edward VII’s Hospital, Professors Mark Emberton and Caroline Moore guide us through their diagnostic and treatment techniques, including the da Vinci xi© robotic system that has revolutionised prostate cancer surgery. Also, their colleague Professor Christina Fotopoulou, Clinical Director of Women’s Health at King Edward VII’s Hospital, explains how patients are kept involved in every step of their treatment journey.

Developments in stem cell collection and transplantation to treat people with serious blood disorders and blood cancers are discussed by The London Clinic, which has been operating its Stem Cell Unit in London since 1985. There are also interviews with The London Clinic’s Professor Prokar Dasgupta and Dr Rowan Miller, who talk about treatment for prostate and gynaecological cancers respectively.

Looking to the future

We also explore some interesting broader themes about the future of medicine with a dedicated section on new technology and the latest research. Digital technology specialist Globant considers how remote medical services that were once the preserve of science fiction are now becoming a reality, while biotech company LinkGevity reveals how its new research is helping to tackle necrosis. We also hear from UK-based charity Sepsis

Research FEAT, which is on a mission to beat the number-one cause of preventable death in the world and improve outcomes for sepsis victims.

Finally, we take our customary look at the unique appeal of London as a leisure destination – this time focusing on its most luxurious hotels. These iconic locations provide an ideal base for exploring the city, as well as offering the most comfortable surroundings for those visiting for medical treatment.

With such an impressive array of hospitals and clinics and the appeal of the city’s famous attractions, I hope you are as convinced as I am that London is the ideal setting for both medical and leisure tourism. We look forward to seeing you soon!

London’s leading hospitals and clinics are at the forefront of medical research that will have an effect way beyond the city (PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/LIKOPER)

David Hare, Chief Executive, Independent Healthcare Providers Network,

NHS Confederation

A gateway to excellence

London’s private hospitals and clinics are working together to build on the city ’s reputation for providing worldleading healthcare

London has the best of global healthcare operators in one city, delivering state-of-the-art healthcare and excellent outcomes to large volumes of patients every year. From advanced diagnostics to the treatment of complex conditions, London’s private hospitals collectively deliver one of the broadest service ranges available in a single city anywhere in the world.

London’s private healthcare providers also continue to innovate with telehealth and the virtual patient experience, which is increasingly becoming a key part of the patient pathway. This is supported by ongoing investment in research and clinical trials to ensure that London’s

private hospitals and NHS Private Patient Units remain at the cutting edge of modern healthcare.

Annually, over 100,000 individuals based abroad choose London as their preferred destination for medical treatment –a number that continues to rise. To enable many more international patients to access the quality of treatment that London has to offer, leading private healthcare providers, including prominent NHS teaching hospitals with private patient units, have come together to form Healthcare London.

Healthcare London’s collaborative partners include Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Private Care

(NHS unit), Cleveland Clinic London, Cromwell Hospital, HCA Healthcare UK, King Edward VII's Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare Private Care (NHS unit), Phoenix Hospital Group, The London Clinic, and University College London Hospitals Private Healthcare (NHS unit).

Healthcare London’s purpose is to enable access to world-leading models of healthcare in London to provide outstanding outcomes. As such, Healthcare London acts as the coordinating and promotional body to help people who are seeking the best and safest healthcare in London’s centres of excellence, benefiting from multidisciplinary, value-based, coordinated care services.

Healthcare London was officially launched at the Health Tourism Future Forum in Saudi Arabia in April 2024.

This event provided a unique platform for showcasing why London is the medical destination of choice for international patients seeking to advance their complex care needs.

Situated in a diverse, multicultural city, London’s network of teaching and private hospitals has the highest concentration of medical and surgical specialists of any global city, and all are well positioned and experienced in serving the needs of patients that access them for care from around the globe. What’s more, London’s global transport connections allow for an easy commute to receive firstclass care that is affordable when compared to other western markets.

To find out more about Healthcare London, visit www.ihpn.org.uk/ healthcare-london or email healthcarelondon@ihpn.org.uk

London's private hospitals and clinics, many of which are located in or close to the famous Harley Street area, are providing world-leading healthcare to a rising number of international patients

(PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/WILLIAM BARTON)

A commitment to innovation

Cromwell Hospital's adoption of the latest in medical technology and techniques ensures that its patients receive the best possible treatment and care

Cromwell Hospital is a world leader in private healthcare. Since 1981, we have delivered exceptional care from our state-of-the-art hospital in Kensington, central London.

During this time, we have consistently innovated and improved how healthcare is delivered. Whether it’s harnessing robotic technology for complex surgical care, deploying ground-breaking radiotherapy treatments, or employing the latest, evidenced-based approaches to healthcare, every innovation is for the benefit of our patients.

With diagnostic and treatment technologies constantly evolving, we know how important it is to stay ahead of the curve to give our patients the very best care. We invest in the latest equipment to make diagnosis faster and more accurate, and work with leading consultants who are at the forefront of new treatment developments.

AI technology in surgery

We’re committed to transforming our digital capabilities at Cromwell Hospital and are excited to be partnering with eXpanded eXistence (eXeX) in collaboration with orthopaedic specialist group Complex Spine London. The partnership, which is a UK first, brings AI technology to our theatres to help optimise our surgical procedures.

The eXeX platform has been designed to assist the whole surgical team with operating room management, equipment setup, inventory control and resource allocation optimisation. Surgical technicians can then view and interact with those holographic profiles via mixed reality and within the sterile field of the operating room, granting them access to data and visualisation that was not previously available.

Parviz Fazelipour, Senior Theatre Practitioner at Cromwell Hospital,

said of the new technology: “The introduction of AI technology into the medical field has changed how we work, offering improvements to how we prepare for surgery for the first time since the early 1900s. We now can use AI techniques to facilitate all the necessary setup for each case according to the surgeon's preference card.”

3D modelling

As one of the UK’s leading private hospitals, we strive to provide the latest state-of-the-art medical technology for our patients, which is why we are working with Innersight Labs to harness the benefits of 3D modelling for preoperative planning. 3D modelling allows our surgeons to visualise complex patient anatomy with greater precision. As a result, patients may experience improved surgical outcomes with faster recovery times and a reduced risk of post-operative complications.

Vinehealth

Vinehealth, the leading digital cancer support platform, and Cromwell Hospital have partnered to extend the personalised care that patients receive during clinic visits to their day-to-day lives. This new partnership follows a successful pilot of Vinehealth at Cromwell Hospital’s Breast Clinic.

Patients attending Cromwell Hospital will be invited to use the Vinehealth cancer companion app on their smartphones to track and manage medications, appointments, symptoms and how they are feeling between clinic visits.

Mr Giles Davies, Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon and Director of Breast Surgery at Cromwell Hospital, said of the app: “At Cromwell Hospital, we are always looking for ways in which we can improve the care we’re offering our patients during their cancer treatment.

1 Cromwell Hospital has become the first hospital in the UK and Europe to use Apple Vision Pro, a mixed reality headset, as a logistics and organisational tool (PHOTO: EXEX)

“We are pleased to partner with Vinehealth cancer companion app as it offers our patients the opportunity to feel closer to their care team and clinicians when they’re not in the hospital. It also allows us to monitor their symptoms and offer help when needed.”

Second opinions

We understand the value and importance of a second opinion, which is why we created a bespoke virtual care pathway for Datar Cancer Genetics patients. The service offers an initial discussion or virtual consultation within five days of referral. Patients will be reviewed by our leading clinicians through our multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) and Tumour Boards, and provided with a virtual follow-up consultation and full written report.

“Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be a distressing time, and knowing you can speak directly to an expert within five days and be seen by a multidisciplinary team for a second opinion is reassuring. Offering Datar Cancer Genetics patients

an efficient and robust second opinion is an important service that supports patient care,” said Dr Jason Chow, Consultant Medical Oncologist and MDT member at Cromwell Hospital.

Telemedicine

Cromwell Hospital is committed to providing dedicated international services for the benefit of our patients and colleagues around the world.

Our telemedicine service allows our consultants to virtually share their expertise with international healthcare colleagues through multidisciplinary team meetings and second opinions.

Our telemedicine suite has been designed so that our consultants can undertake virtual consultations from a private, bespoke location within the hospital, allowing us to provide a seamless and secure service from start to finish. We provide a range of virtual services, including second opinions, multidisciplinary team reviews, and diagnostic and treatment planning support. 2 2

Cromwell Hospital’s bespoke telemedicine suite enables consultants to carry out appointments remotely from a private location / 3 Cromwell Hospital diagnoses and treats all types of cancer, investing in the latest technology and treatments (PHOTOS: CROMWELL HOSPITAL)

Head and neck care

We understand that innovation is critical to healthcare, and often our staff are at the forefront of these advances. When head and neck cancer operations include reconstruction after the cancer is removed, there are often substantial wounds left in the patient’s arm or leg, where bone, muscle, and tissue have been harvested. These wounds can take two to three months to heal.

Our head and neck team are trialling a negative pressure wound dressing after operations, which has several potential benefits, including:

a reduced risk of infection; helping to reduce surgical site complications and improving scar quality; reduced visits to the hospital or a healthcare provider, as the dressing only needs to be replaced every seven days, which also offers the patient a better quality of life.

This type of dressing has never been used within head and neck surgery, although it is currently used for other wounds. Mr Alastair Fry, Consultant Oral

and Maxillofacial Surgeon at Cromwell Hospital, said: “It is a privilege to support this trial to improve wound dressings for my patients. It is essential that we continue to support innovation across healthcare for the benefit of patients and staff.” Mr Fry performs the highest volume of head and neck cancer operations with flaps nationally.

Cromwell Hospital performs more major head and neck surgery with free flaps then any other private hospital in the UK, supported by an expert multidisciplinary team.

Arthrosamid®

Professor Ali Ghoz, Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon at Cromwell Hospital, recently successfully treated over 100 patients with Arthrosamid®, a new long-lasting and minimally invasive treatment to relieve pain in patients suffering with osteoarthritis of the knee. Pioneered by hydrogel specialists, Contura International Ltd, Arthrosamid® is a long-lasting intra-articular injection, which acts as a non-degradable bioscaffold, cushioning the joint and relieving pain with a single injection.

FURTHER INFORMATION

If you are concerned about your health and are considering private treatment, contact Cromwell Hospital to learn more about your options. Call +44 (0)20 7460 5700 or visit cromwellhospital.com

4 Cromwell Hospital is dedicated to providing world-leading head and neck care (PHOTO: CROMWELL HOSPITAL)

Transforming diagnostics on Harley Street

The London Clinic has unveiled its latest venture – the state-of-the-art Rapid Diagnostics Centre at 142-146 Harley Street –a brand-new facility that reinforces its commitment to advancing healthcare

The London Clinic’s recently opened Rapid Diagnostics Centre focuses on urology, gynaecology, breast and dermatology, as well as supporting a focus on early diagnosis, particularly in cancer. Across the six-floor purposebuilt facility, each speciality has its own dedicated floor for a more streamlined and holistic patient experience.

Timely diagnoses

1 The Rapid Diagnostics Centre includes a dedicated women’s health pathway (PHOTO: THE LONDON CLINIC)

The Rapid Diagnostics Centre prioritises reducing lengthy wait times, so patients can book appointments and expect to be seen within 24-48 hours. In addition, the Clinic has its own stateof-the-art pathology lab, meaning that tests and scans can be conducted and

reviewed faster, and the results reported directly to the doctor or consultant within 72 hours of testing (depending on specialty and range of tests).

This swift turnaround time will be welcome news for the 19% of Britons currently waiting for a symptom to be diagnosed, and the 58% who experience stress and anxiety due to wait times for test results*.

Comprehensive patient care

The London Clinic offers a fully comprehensive healthcare experience that supports patients from their initial appointment through to tests and scans, diagnostics,

“We know outcomes are hugely influenced by early diagnosis, and our Rapid Diagnostics Centre will deliver exactly that. It will combine the best in science and clinical expertise with a warm and caring environment.

As a charity, we want to advance healthcare for the benefit of the wider community. We will ensure access into service is broad, regardless of means, to support and extend as many lives as possible.”

Al Russell, Chief Executive, The London Clinic

personalised treatment plans and follow-up support and care. Dedicated clinical nurse specialists further enhance the quality of care by guiding patients through their entire healthcare journey. This includes ensuring patients feel informed and reassured throughout the diagnosis and treatment process, as well as supporting patients through decision-making around their care and follow-up arrangements.

Once a treatment plan is in place, patients will be offered personalised support, which can include therapy-based treatments such as talking therapies (with specialised psychologists), physiotherapy (including pilates and pelvic health), dietetics or occupational therapy, where clinically required.

The clinic's commitment to topquality patient-centric care includes a welcoming and helpful concierge service, a bespoke menu developed by professional chefs and a 24/7 support phone line for any followup questions and concerns

Specialties housed within the Rapid Diagnostics Centre

Urology Clinic The Urology Clinic at the Rapid Diagnostics Centre adopts a holistic approach, seeking

out the root causes of urological concerns, rather than merely addressing outward symptoms.

Specialists cater for a range of issues that cover all aspects of male and female urology, including kidney health, prostate and testicular health, erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence and bladder issues and male fertility services. With a focus on early diagnosis and comprehensive care, the clinic aims to enhance the overall well-being of its patients.

Gynaecology Clinic The Rapid Diagnostics Centre includes a dedicated women’s health pathway that encompasses a gynaecology clinic with a focus on providing private, discreet and comfortable care. The clinic's specialists address both physical and emotional concerns arising from screening, diagnosis and treatment, offering a warm and supportive environment for managing women's health needs.

The clinic’s patients benefit from a comprehensive range of gynaecological services, covering conditions such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, prolapse of the uterus, wombrelated conditions, menopause services, vaginal mesh complications and cervical cancer. Treatments include diagnostic procedures of colposcopy, hysteroscopy, as well as intrauterine device (IUD) insertion.

One-Stop Breast Clinic Also sitting within the women’s health pathway is The London Clinic’s One-Stop Breast Clinic, which stands at the forefront of breast health. Offering diagnostic services for both symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, the clinic utilises state-of-the-art equipment and pioneering breast techniques such as contrast-enhanced mammography, ultrasounds, MRI breast vacuum biopsies and personalised schedules for assessment, based on a patient’s own breast density.

In addition, women aged 40 or over can opt to enter into a nurse-led asymptomatic breast-screening service, eliminating any personal

The London Clinic’s cancer services are world class; holding five stars and a rating of excellence from Macmillan Quality Environment, a fully accredited in-house pathology laboratory, a JAGaccredited endoscopy unit, a state-of-the-art Intensive Care Unit, and a CHKSaccredited oncology service.

concerns around waiting to be admitted for public screening at age 50, especially for patients with a family history of cancer.

One-Stop Dermatology Clinic

The Centre’s One-Stop Dermatology Clinic provides patients with expertise in the diagnosis of various skin conditions, skin diseases, and cosmetic concerns, along with customised treatment plans, either medical or surgical.

Services include skin cancer screening and body mapping, as well as removal of moles and lesions, and acne and eczema treatment – all aimed to ensure patients feel safe, comfortable and confident in their own bodies, as well as picking up any cancerous or precancerous skin concerns. Skin cancer treatment includes photodynamic therapy, a non-surgical technique that uses targeted light technology to destroy cancer cells, while leaving nearby healthy cells undamaged

Investing in health and community

Established in 1932, The London Clinic has embraced its charitable status since 1935. The opening of the Rapid Diagnostics Centre underscores the clinic’s philanthropic mission, utilising surplus income to continuously update equipment and develop facilities, support research and train staff to improve health outcomes for patients and benefit the local community.

The development of the Rapid Diagnostics Centre was made possible by generous donations, including an initial donation of £4 million from the Rausing family, whose name has been given to the facility: The Julia and

Hans Rausing Building. Donors will be associated with the world-class name of Harley Street and will be proudly supporting a cause close to heart of the Clinic’s Patron, Her Majesty the Queen.

Located at 142-146 Harley Street, the Rapid Diagnostics Centre resides in a building with a rich royal history. Known as The King's Speech Room, 146 Harley Street played a pivotal role from the 1920s to the 1940s when King George VI sought revolutionary treatment for his stammer from speech therapist Lionel Logue.

Flexible payment options

Payment options are designed so that treatment is more accessible, with selfpay pathways including all-inclusive packages, 0% finance and tailored payment plans, or availability to pay through private medical insurance.

* Statistics from market research conducted by Censuswide on behalf of The London Clinic in December 2023

2 A special plaque informs visitors to The Rapid Diagnostics Clinic that the building was where Lionel Logue, speech therapist to King George VI, once practised / 3 A dedicated nursing team guides patients through their healthcare journey at The London Clinic (PHOTOS: THE LONDON CLINIC)

FURTHER INFORMATION

To learn more about The London Clinic, visit thelondonclinic.co.uk or contact: T: +44 (0) 20 4527 8215 E: appointments@ thelondonclinic.co.uk

For international patients, contact: E: internationaloffice@ thelondonclinic.co.uk

The future of personalised prevention

OneWelbeck’s specialist facility o ers stateof-the-art screening, with an emphasis on promoting good health and disease prevention, alongside world-class diagnosis and treatment

The capital’s most accessible and advanced destination for worldclass healthcare, OneWelbeck is a specialist facility for minimally invasive day surgery and outpatient diagnostics spread across nine floors in the heart of London. Utilising state-of-the-art technology and the most recent medical developments, OneWelbeck has embedded an ethos to focus on early recognition of disease and preventative management, rather than waiting to diagnose and treat when one becomes unwell.

Health promotion and disease prevention are not just cost-effective, but also mean that one benefits from living a healthier life. Conditions such as bowel cancer and heart disease can be almost entirely prevented with effective screening and appropriate management. Other conditions, including breast and lung cancer, have considerably better outcomes and survival rates if identified earlier.

OneWelbeck has built an integrated screening service utilising the expertise

of over 300 clinician partners. Access to the latest technology and personalising management plans to the needs of the individual allows for an unparallelled bespoke health assessment service.

Executive health-screening services

National guidelines, up-to-date clinical evidence and collaborative input from our medical directors across 16 specialities have been paramount in the development of our health assessment service. By offering all tests within a single facility, and a flexible schedule suited to the client’s availability, OneWelbeck not only

ensures appropriate tests are requested, but also prompt follow-up appointments are put in place if the need should arise.

Each individual health assessment comprises of a personalised programme of investigations, selected according to an individual’s health requirements and risk profile. This is put in place after an in-depth consultation with a screening doctor.

Access to world-leading specialists’ input from every aspect of the screening package and having all tests, including bloods and imaging, under the same roof is unique to the market and an offering that OneWelbeck is proud of.

1 OneWelbeck’s specialist teams are located across nine floors of the same building, making the hospital one of the most accessible centres for private healthcare (PHOTO: ONEWELBECK)

“Optimising your physical and mental health is integral to achieving a long, productive and fulfilling life. In a fastpaced world, modern living can lead to increased levels of stress, and busy individuals will often make choices that lead to detrimental health effects.

“We combine world-class consultants and clinicians with the latest technology under one roof to offer the best preventative care available. We know how important it is to take charge of your own health.”

Dr Simrat Marwah, Medical Director, OneWelbeck

On the day of the health assessment, if urgent specialist review is required this can be expedited and accommodated.

Recognising that a day of transitioning between tests can be lengthy and tiresome, the health assessment team has taken additional measures to allow for the most comfortable experience. Each individual is allocated a personal relaxation pod in our executive lounge area, and a dedicated client liaison manager who facilitates their testing itinerary and chaperones them throughout the building, ensuring they are in the right place and time for each of their scheduled tests. Individual test results are consolidated by the screening doctor into a comprehensive health report. During a follow-up consultation, the screening doctor will go through the findings of the report with each individual and customise an action plan.

Standalone screening services

Navigating various health packages can be overwhelming, so an alternative option of an initial, comprehensive 60-minute consultation with our

experienced screening doctors, including physical and psychological assessment, can be offered. This ensures a holistic approach to health and wellness and is an excellent starting point for patients. Following the initial consultation, the individual, along with their Health Assessment doctor, will develop a plan together that will suit one’s own medical needs and achieve optimal management for their health journey.

Cutting-edge technology

Whole-body 360° mole mapping: At OneWelbeck, we are proud to offer the UK’s most advanced form of mole mapping available in the UK. The whole-body 3D imaging system captures the entirety of the skin surface in one macro-quality resolution with a single capture. The integrated artificial intelligence also flags any changes to moles during subsequent mapping, as well as identifying new moles that have emerged since the previous images were captured. Individual moles or lesions are further examined, if warranted, using a microscopic light called a dermatoscope.

AI integrated 3D mammogram: With breast cancer being the most common cancer in the UK, regular breast screening enables early detection and prevention from the disease. The 3D-screening mammogram at OneWelbeck is the most technologically advanced in the UK, where annual asymptomatic screening is offered to all women over the age of 40. For symptomatic patients, our tripleassessment breast clinics are led by one of our breast surgeons, who may recommend a 3D mammogram, a breast ultrasound and a biopsy or fine-needle aspiration, if deemed necessary. Any samples are sent to the pathology laboratory, and we usually expect results in 72 hours.

MRI – including body composition analysis: We offer both 1.5T and 3T scanners, depending on the body part. 1.5T scanners are preferable to produce the best images for our cardiac MRI referral base. 3T scanners offer double the magnetic field strength of 1.5T scanners, which can significantly improve image quality for small-field-of-view imaging, such as in the fingers and forefeet.

OneWelbeck also offers body composition analysis in our MRI service, providing an overview of the composition of the body, based on five core measurements including liver, subcutaneous fat and muscle fat. Our unique partnership with leading imaging equipment manufacturer GE Healthcare gives us access to the latest technology. Our equipment is selected and configured by leading radiologists and is continually optimised by on-site specialists.

Fibroscan liver screening: A fibroscan is a special type of ultrasound that gives us information about the stiffness of the liver and is the gold-standard noninvasive solution for comprehensive management of liver health. This advanced diagnostic tool plays a pivotal role in helping our team of specialists identify fatty liver, which has become more prevalent in recent years.

Lung function test: At OneWelbeck, we offer the gold-standard method for measuring lung volumes with the

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most up-to-date technology on the market to provide full lung function testing, including spirometry and lung plethysmography. Additionally, we provide specialised tests to assess the strength of the breathing muscles, the degree of inflammation (a FeNO test), and our specialists can assess the airways’ response to “provoking” agents to confirm a diagnosis of asthma.

DEXA scan: Bone density scans are often used to diagnose or assess a person’s risk of osteoporosis – a debilitating condition causing bone weakening and increased susceptibility to fractures. This expedient and painless scan surpasses the efficacy of normal X-rays in identifying low bone density. The amount of radiation used during a bone density scan is very low, equivalent to less than two days’ exposure to natural background radiation. The results are usually used alongside a fracture-risk assessment to assess a patient’s chances of osteoporosis and breaking a bone.

2 Mole mapping with the Vectra WB360 3D imaging system / 3 Preparing for a DEXA scan using the Hologic Horizon DXA / 4 A mammogram being carried out with the Hologic 3D Dimensions Tomosynthesis scanner / 5 MRI scans are performed with the GE Artist 1.5T and GE Architect 3T machines (PHOTOS: ONEWELBECK)

FURTHER INFORMATION

To learn more about our services or to refer a patient, please call +44 (0)20 3653 2000 or visit onewelbeck.com

Where Compassion Meets Innovation

Cleveland Clinic Continues to Redefine the Standard of World Class Care

Founded in the U.S. in 1921 with a vision to provide the very best in clinical care, our history of innovation lives on in our clinical advancements to further breakthroughs around the globe.

Since opening our state-of-the-art 184-bed hospital in London in the spring of 2022, we’ve been awarded LaingBuisson’s ‘Hospital of the Year’ in 2023 and provided top tier private healthcare to thousands of patients and counting.

Leading specialists in the following services:

• Cancer Surgery

• Cardiology

• Colorectal Surgery

• Digestive Diseases

• Gynaecology

• Heart Surgery

• Joint Replacement

• Neurology

• Neurosurgery

• Orthopaedic Trauma

• Reconstructive Surgery

• Rehabilitation

• Robotic Surgery

• Urology

• Weight Loss Management

Cleveland Clinic London leverages cutting - edge technology and innovative healthcare solutions to enhance individualised patient care, fostering improved outcomes and an exceptional healthcare experience.

Cleveland Clinic Carries on its World - Renowned Heart Care in London

At Cleveland Clinic London, we provide swift access to London’s leading consultants and specialists, with the very latest technology to enhance quality, safety and patient experience.

We’ve recruited specialists to London with training from top teaching hospitals across the world to provide the most advanced heart care available. Our cardiologists, imaging specialists, electrophysiologists and surgeons come together as a team to build customised treatment plans, so your care is seamless from start to finish.

By having all of our heart specialists under one roof, you can see several consultants in a single visit, at a time and place that work for you.

At Cleveland Clinic London, we provide more opportunities for you to feel better, sooner.

Our orthopaedic experts are equipped with state-ofthe-art robotic systems for joint replacement and have

extensive training in specialty areas such as robotic surgery, arthroscopy, peripheral nerve repair and complex limb and joint reconstruction.

But whenever possible, we offer a broad range of nonsurgical treatments, including physical rehabilitation, joint injections, joint preservation therapies and inflammationreducing medications, to help you heal without surgery.

Cleveland Clinic is also the first hospital in London to successfully perform a total knee replacement with the assistance of an augmented reality-based surgical platform designed with artificial intelligence and machine learning.

“This advanced augmented reality technology helps us visualise and plan out procedures to provide the best positioning of an implant. The end-result is tailored to the unique anatomy and specific needs of each patient.” said Dr Gikas, Orthopaedic Hip and Knee Surgeon.

Our latest facility, Cleveland Clinic Moorgate Outpatient Centre, expands our London footprint to three locations and provides world class outpatient services, including advanced diagnostics, GP appointments and consultations for a variety of specialties.

Get rapid access to the UK’s top rehabilitation consultants for severe impairment due to stroke, brain or spinal cord injury, amputation and neurodegenerative disorders.

Our neuroscience team includes neurologists, neurosurgeons, interventional neuroradiologists and neuropsychologists. All of which have extensive experience from leading hospitals, so you can be sure you’re in the very best hands.

With the latest in neuroscience innovation, we give our patients greater access to

groundbreaking treatments and therapies for any brain and spine condition. From minimally invasive brain surgery to advanced robotic neurorehabilitation equipment, we optimise your recovery with trailblazing technology.

Cleveland Clinic is also the first private hospital in the UK to have a fully integrated digital health records system.

This gives you and your care team instant access to the most up-to-date and accurate information about your health. This technology helps us make faster and more effective decisions to ensure our patients’ journeys are an entirely seamless experience.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Contact Cleveland Clinic London to find out more about accessing its range of healthcare services: call +44 (0)20 3423 7500 or visit www.clevelandcliniclondon.uk

Redefining healthcare excellence

Cromwell Hospital’s expansion programme illustrates its ongoing commitment to providing the best possible care to patients from the UK and around the world

Cromwell Hospital is a world leader in private healthcare. Since 1981, we have delivered exceptional care from our state-of-the-art hospital in Kensington, central London.

We pride ourselves on providing worldclass healthcare services to our patients. Our advanced facilities and leading-edge technology enable our expert medical professionals to deliver exceptional care in a safe and comfortable environment. We understand that every patient's needs are unique, which is why we offer personalised treatment plans tailored to our patient’s specific requirements.

We are proud to take part in the Patient-Led Assessments of the Care Environment (PLACE) Programme, the results of which allow us to continually improve our services for our patients. In 2023, we were delighted to receive

a total average of 99.15% – the highest average score across all UK hospitals that took part, including the independent sector. We also scored 100% for Food, Organisation Food, and Ward Food.

For more than 40 years, we have cared for patients and their loved ones from across London and the UK, as well as those who visit us from more than 140 countries around the world.

Lexham Gardens

We are excited to be expanding the hospital campus, extending into Lexham Gardens, which has been designed to provide an enhanced patient experience through comfortable and spacious outpatient facilities, stateof-the art radiology, and therapies departments. As well as increasing our outpatient capacity. we will also

1 be opening a new theatre, with a 10-patient recovery area and new staff facilities, alongside a new cath lab.

The development will provide the hospital with more than 33,000 additional sq ft of space, enabling us to provide world-class healthcare to more patients from London, the UK and overseas. The new building is also an opportunity to reduce our overall carbon emissions by taking advantage of new technologies and improving efficiency. This will support our ambition to be net zero by 2040.

Urgent Care Centre

We are committed to expanding and improving access to fast, reliable care for our patients, which is why our newly opened Urgent Care Centre offers rapid access to treatment for illnesses and injuries for patients over 18 years of age.

Unique to London, our private Urgent Care Centre is led by emergency medicine consultants, ensuring rapid access to a consultant. The Centre operates a walk-in service for

patients over 18 years of age, with no appointment or referral necessary. If preferred, patients can also call to book a same-day appointment or be referred by their GP or consultant.

Our state-of-the-art private Urgent Care Centre utilises the latest technology and equipment to ensure accurate diagnoses and effective treatment.

Acute Admissions Unit

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Continuing our commitment to expanding access, we opened our Acute Admissions Unit in 2023. The unit is a referral-only service for UK-based and international patients aged 18 and over with serious but non-life-threatening illnesses, providing fast and frictionless access for admission to secondary care.

Led by a Consultant Acute Physician with support from a dedicated onsite multidisciplinary team, our Acute Admissions Unit provides immediate access to consultant-led specialties, including cardiology, orthopaedics, general surgery, and gynaecology to support a seamless patient journey.

1 Located in London’s Kensington area, Cromwell Hospital has been a world leader in private healthcare since 1981 / 2 Cromwell Hospital's Urgent Care Centre provides rapid access to emergency medicine consultants for patients over 18 years of age, 365 days a year. (PHOTOS: CROMWELL HOSPITAL)

Chemotherapy Day Unit

At Cromwell Hospital, we understand that it is important to be in a comfortable environment when undergoing cancer treatment. That’s why the hospital has invested in refurbishing its Chemotherapy Day Unit to provide patients with a comfortable and relaxing environment in a specialised department, with experienced staff and supportive care teams that work together.

We know that physical environment has a significant impact on the healing process, and our new spaces are private, comfortable and inviting. This will allow patients to detach, relax and self-heal.

Aquablation

3 Consultant Gynaecologist Mr Amer Raza and the team at The London Centre for Gynaecology Care provide a comprehensive diagnostic service for all gynaecological conditions / 4 Cromwell Hospital offers a warm and professional welcome to patients from all over the world (PHOTOS: CROMWELL HOSPITAL)

We are pleased to introduce Aquablation as another treatment option for people affected by benign prostatic hyperplasia (benign enlarged prostate). Aquablation is a minimally invasive, heat-free treatment that uses the power of water, delivered with robotic precision, to provide long-lasting relief from benign enlarged prostate.

Research has shown that the procedure has no negative impact on erectile dysfunction, orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction, or overall sex satisfaction.

INUSpheresis®

Apheresis is a medical term that refers to the process of blood being filtered through medical apparatus to remove, or filter out, a specific part – such as plasma or red blood cells. Cromwell Hospital offers lipoprotein apheresis to remove low-density lipoprotein cholesterol from the blood.

INUSpheresis® is a safe, non-surgical and well-tolerated treatment that is similar in process to dialysis. It is administered by our expert nursing team, who have received specialist training in the procedure.

The London Centre for Gynaecology Care

We recently celebrated the opening of The London Centre for Gynaecology Care, our new centre for gynaecology

outpatient care. Led by Mr Amer Raza, Consultant Gynaecologist at Cromwell Hospital, the Centre provides a comprehensive diagnostic service for all gynaecological conditions, using the latest technology and an on-site laboratory for fast, accurate test results.

Patients at The London Centre for Gynaecology Care are supported by our expert team, including leading gynaecologists and our gynaecology clinical nurse specialist. In most cases we can offer same-day diagnostic tests, including a consultant-led ultrasound service five days per week, ensuring prompt and precise care from our dedicated team of gynaecologists.

MonaLisa Touch®

We are delighted to introduce the MonaLisa Touch® – a nonhormonal, chemical-free option to address vaginal atrophy (atrophic vaginitis) – to our gynaecology services at Cromwell Hospital.

“The introduction of MonaLisa Touch® allows women more choice of treatments options for vaginal atrophy and will be particularly useful for those who are not able to use hormonal medications,” said Ms Archana Dixit, Consultant Gynaecologist. “This is an important inclusion to our women-centred gynaecological services at Cromwell Hospital.”

Adolescent endometriosis

We have launched a new adolescent endometriosis service, in recognition of the difficultly in the diagnosis and management of endometriosis in adolescent women. The International Centre for Endometriosis at Cromwell Hospital is a leading institute providing high-quality multidisciplinary care for endometriosis patients and is proud to extend its services to young adolescent patients experiencing this condition.

“The service will be a pioneering step to provide the most efficient care to young adolescent patients,” said Mr Amer Raza, Lead Consultant for Endometriosis. “Patients will be seen and managed by a multidisciplinary team to provide the full range of medical

and holistic care. My aim is to ensure all patients can flourish and thrive, regardless of their period problems.”

Sustainability

Our commitment to sustainability starts with our purpose: “Helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives and making a better world.”

One of Bupa’s primary ambitions is to reach net zero emissions across the business by 2040. As a member of the Bupa family, Cromwell Hospital is committed to implementing sustainable solutions that help achieve this goal. Mission Zero is underpinned by rigorous science-based targets, which have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative.

If you are concerned about your health and are considering private treatment, contact Cromwell Hospital to learn more about your options. Call +44 (0)20 7460 5700 or visit cromwellhospital.com 5

Cromwell Hospital has been leading several initiatives to support this ambition, including eliminating single-use plastic with coffee cup recycling, implementing a sustainable water system and printer cartridge recycling. The hospital has also been embracing sustainable equipment and infrastructure, including sustainable scrubs, anaesthetic gas recycling and replacing our hospital air-handling units.

5 The newly opened Acute Admissions Unit provides patients with fast access for admission to secondary care (PHOTO: CROMWELL HOSPITAL)

FURTHER INFORMATION

A vision for collaboration and innovation

OneWelbeck CEO Andrew ChadwickJones talks about the hospital's expansion and the success of its doctorpartnership model

OneWelbeck has expanded over the past few years. What departments do you now have?

We currently have 18 departments at OneWelbeck, including the largest teams of their kind in the UK for our digestive health, dermatology and heart health departments. Additionally, we have teams for women's and men's health, which covers urology, gynaecology and enhanced breast screening, imaging & diagnostics, orthopaedics, neurology and ear, nose and throat (ENT). We have built a lung health team, which is now the largest private respiratory group in

the UK, along with an endocrinology team that has 12 endocrinologists. As a result, when a patient walks into one of our clinics, they are immediately seen by the appropriate clinician, which is exciting because healthcare in London has not traditionally been organised in this way.

What is it about OneWelbeck that sets it apart from other private hospitals and clinics?

The difference in our model is that we have excellent doctors who wanted to affect change in the system by leading

their own clinics. They had, to an extent, become frustrated with the traditional way that hospitals operate and wanted to build a better type of healthcare. That meant these leading doctors forming teams of their highly regarded colleagues and building a clinic that focused on their specialty. This model allows clinicians to finally have a voice when it comes to improving the setting for their work, ensuring they receive comprehensive support to continually thrive.

OneWelbeck is now the largest doctor partnership in the UK, and our model is so successful because every doctor in each department is recruited directly by the other medics in that team, who are all partners and invested in the business. The fact that every member of our medical sta has been selected by the other doctors on their teams gives our patients great peace of mind, knowing they will receive consistently high-quality care.

There is a great sense of pride within the hospital, as well as an enormous

amount of experience, because so many of our clinicians have had leadership roles within the National Health Service (NHS) and they also have exceptional academic credentials. Being partners in OneWelbeck gives many of these highly established specialists the chance to consolidate decades of experience. They can develop the very best practice within their clinics, as they know what works and what doesn’t.

Some of our teams at OneWelbeck have as many as 40 specialist doctors. That means we cover all the subspecialties, and our doctors will happily refer patients to their colleagues in other departments where they could also help, rather than sending them elsewhere and causing delays to diagnosis and treatment.

How does OneWelbeck’s unique model benefit the patient?

Each and every doctor is committed to the success of OneWelbeck due to a strong personal connection,

“Our specialised teams work incredibly well and I think we really have discovered a winning formula”

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Visitors to OneWelbeck are greeted by a modern, comfortable and welcoming environment (PHOTO: ONEWELBECK)

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coupled with a steadfast dedication to the convenience and comfort of their patients. Our senior clinicians recruit staff that they are confident are the best in their specialties, ensuring an exceptional quality of patient care.

OneWelbeck invests considerable time exploring innovative approaches to support and inform their patients too. For instance, most of our clinical specialties now have an integrated app with over 300 personalised videos of different procedures, which patients can watch before coming into our building. This simply wouldn’t be possible in places where the specialists often change.

Then, of course, there is the fact that our specialist teams are located across nine floors of the same building, which makes it one of the most accessible centres for private healthcare. Usually, these services would be more fragmented and spread across multiple sites.

What are OneWelbeck’s plans for the future?

Our goal is to stand as the foremost and most renowned clinic in the UK – a distinction we aim to achieve

through continual expansion. We are on the verge of opening a new hospital in Oxford, a globally renowned hub for medical research and healthcare excellence. Furthermore, we are close to finishing construction on another new centre in Cambridge, situated in a prime location that encourages collaboration with top researchers, pushing the frontiers of healthcare innovation.

OneWelbeck will also offer an outpatient pharmacy soon, in order to fulfill prescriptions within the building, to enhance patient access and value.

Our specialist teams work incredibly well, and I think we really have discovered a winning formula. Our ethos is simple –get the best doctors and allow them to develop outstanding clinics.

We are also very committed to implementing the latest medical breakthroughs, so our role as a leading private hospital is to turn academic research into new clinical techniques, which can pioneer throughout the private sector and the NHS. We have been busy building partnerships to ensure that we can give our patients the very best new treatments – not just in London, but the world.

2-4 OneWelbeck’s specialist teams are located across nine floors of the same building, making the hospital one of the most accessible centres for private healthcare (PHOTOS: ONEWELBECK)

FURTHER INFORMATION

To learn more about OneWelbeck and how to refer patients, please call +44 (0)20 3653 2000 or visit onewelbeck.com

World-leading cancer treatment and care

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, ranked among the world's leading centres for cancer research, offers unrivalled expertise and standards of care

Rated ‘outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), The Royal Marsden is ranked as one of the leading cancer centres in the world. It operates from two centres – one in Chelsea, London, and one in Sutton, Surrey – as well as its treatment and diagnostic facility, The Royal Marsden Private Care at Cavendish Square, situated in the capital’s worldrenowned Harley Street Medical Area. The Royal Marsden is a centre of excellence with an international reputation for ground-breaking research and pioneering the very latest in cancer treatments and technologies.

Together with its academic partner, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, The Royal Marsden is Europe’s largest

comprehensive cancer centre, with unrivalled cancer expertise and over 2,500 cancer specialists who cover the rarest and most complex cases. Surgical teams at The Royal Marsden are innovators in their field and the hospital’s radiotherapy department is one of the largest in the UK, delivering more than 75,000 treatments every year.

The Royal Marsden Private Care offers an award-winning service, having won the LaingBuisson Best Hospital Award three times. Private patients are offered additional benefits, including a hotelstyle service, single ensuite rooms and direct access to their treating consultant. A specialist International Advocate Service ensures that all the

needs of overseas patients are met, both from a cultural perspective and in terms of treatment and care. They work closely with a multinational team of interpreters, including a dedicated Arabic Advocate Service, which can offer one-to-one translations.

A unique heritage and history

HRH Prince William, Prince of Wales, has been President of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust for 16 years and regularly visits the hospital to meet with staff and patients. Earlier this year he returned to the hospital, to open the brand-new Oak Cancer Cantre, funded by The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, at our Sutton hospital. This state-of-theart research and treatment facility will help facilitate the co-location of research teams to accelerate the development of new treatments, offering hope for cancer patients worldwide.

Leading-edge research changing standards of care

The hospital has an international research reputation, with experts

revolutionising the way in which cancer treatment and care is provided, to help extend and improve the lives of people with cancer in the UK and across the world. Experts regularly present at international conferences and are representatives on committees such as the European Society of Medical Oncology and the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Professor David Cunningham, Director of Clinical Research at The Royal Marsden, is leading an innovative trial that aims to determine whether patients with colorectal cancer can be spared unnecessary chemotherapy. The TRACC study evaluates the use of circulating tumour DNA to guide chemotherapy treatment decisions after surgery in patients with resected early -stage colorectal cancer. The blood test could prevent unnecessary chemotherapy in these patients.

Professor Cunningham says: “Patients with high-risk colorectal cancer can benefit from chemotherapy after surgery but some patients will never relapse, even without chemotherapy,

1 The Royal Marsden offers state-of-the-art oncological imaging, including eight MRI scanners / 2 Professor David Cunningham, Director of Clinical Research, is leading a trial aimed at preventing unnecessary chemotherapy in patients with colorectal cancer (PHOTOS: THE ROYAL MARSDEN)

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After being diagnosed with cancer twice, lung cancer patient

Mrs Geng wanted to be treated by the very best and was referred to Professor Sanjay Popat, Consultant Medical Oncologist at The Royal Marsden.

“Most of my treatment has been at the hospital’s new diagnostic and treatment centre, Cavendish Square. It is a great space – the services and facilities are excellent . For me, The Royal Marsden is the best hospital in the world. There are many specialists utilising the best facilities and cutting-edge technology, the standard is very high, and the doctors are all excellent professionals.”

and this clinical trial is designed to use a blood test to identify the group of patients who need chemotherapy and those who will remain cancer free with surgery alone. The results of this trial could help us tailor treatment decisions to benefit patients and reduce the side effects of chemotherapy.”

Professor Nicholas van As, Medical Director and Consultant Clinical Oncologist at The Royal Marsden specialises in prostate cancer and stereotactic and image-guided radiotherapy. Results from the recent PACE B trial, led by Professor van As, showed that people with intermediaterisk, localised prostate cancer can be treated as effectively using fewer and higher doses of radiation therapy delivered over five treatment sessions as they can with lower doses delivered over several weeks.

“At The Royal Marsden we are focused on developing smarter, better and kinder treatments for patients across the UK and internationally,” says Professor van As.

“Standard radiation treatment is already highly effective and is very well tolerated in people with localised prostate cancer, but for patients to have this treatment delivered just as effectively in five days, as opposed to four weeks, is hugely significant.”

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multidisciplinary team like no other

Personalised care is at the heart of The Royal Marsden’s approach and its unique multidisciplinary model ensures that cancer patients receive the highest standards of care. Up to 35 specialists – including surgeons, medical oncologists, radiotherapists, pathologists, nurses and radiologists – attend weekly multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings to develop personalised treatment plans for each patient.

The importance of early diagnosis

The Royal Marsden is continually working to improve early diagnosis for patients to help save more lives –from carrying out pioneering genetic sequencing to identifying mutations that mean an individual has a higher risk of developing cancer, through to regular screenings of those with a genetic pre-disposition to certain cancers.

Last year, The Royal Marsden Private Care launched a new lung health-check clinic, which aims to diagnose more cancers at an earlier stage, so that patients can be treated much more effectively, or even cured. The new service is led by Dr Richard Lee, Consultant Physician in Respiratory Medicine and Champion for Early Diagnosis, who also jointly leads the NHS England National Targeted Lung Health Check programme and helped develop the model for lung health checks. These checks, available in this new service, have been rolled out at 25 pilot NHS sites, but are not yet available widely. The service will primarily be run from The Royal Marsden Private Care at Cavendish Square.

Personalised treatment

Last year, The Royal Marsden began offering a state - of- the -art liquid biopsy testing facility for cancer clinical

3 The Royal Marsden continually works to improve early diagnosis to help save more lives (PHOTOS: THE ROYAL MARSDEN)

diagnostics and research, with Guardant Health, the first partnership of its kind in the UK. The Marsden360 liquid biopsy test provides comprehensive solid tumour profiling in advanced cancers, allowing clinicians to personalise treatments more accurately. From a simple blood sample, liquid biopsies identify the genetic changes in DNA. This innovative technology will ensure the cancers of many patients are detected, diagnosed and analysed faster. Initially, the service will be available for private and clinical trial patients being treated at The Royal Marsden.

Cavendish Square – research-led cancer care in central London

Bringing personalised care to central London, The Royal Marsden Private Care at Cavendish Square offers private patients outstanding facilities, worldclass expertise and a rapid diagnostic service. Housed within an Edwardian listed building, this research-led, diagnostic, outpatient and treatment facility is part of The Royal Marsden Private Care’s service provision.

Cavendish Square opened its doors in April 2021 and welcomed 2,635 new outpatients from over 35 countries in the first two years after opening, providing them with world-class cancer

treatment and care. One hundred per cent of patients recently rated their care as excellent or very good.

Patients have fast and direct access to world-leading diagnostic and researchactive consultants, who will personally oversee every aspect of their treatment plan. Experts at Cavendish Square specialise in a full range of cancer services across all the main tumour groups, with other clinical specialties offered including genetics, plastic surgery and reconstruction, and pain management. The centre is also home to a minor procedure suite and a medical day unit with bespoke treatment bays, which will provide the highest level of patient-focused care for UK and overseas patients who are receiving some of the most advanced cancer treatments.

“Patients from around the world have benefited from the centre’s facilities, safe in the knowledge that everything in Cavendish Square is underpinned by The Royal Marsden’s world-leading standards of cancer care,” says Mark Hawken, Managing Director of The Royal Marsden Private Care. “Patients seeking the very best private cancer diagnostics and treatment know that we operate to the strictest safety standards and governance.”

Call: +44 (0)20 7808 2063 5

4 Consultant Physician Dr Richard Lee jointly leads the NHS England National Targeted Lung Health Check programme / 5 Professor Nicholas van As, The Royal Marsden's Medical Director, is heading a trial into improving prostate cancer radiotherapy (PHOTOS: THE ROYAL MARSDEN)

FURTHER INFORMATION

For more information about The Royal Marsden Private Care or to refer a patient, please:

Visit: www.royalmarsden.nhs.uk/ private

Email: int@rmh.nhs.uk

The Integrated Cancer Campus

From diagnosis and treatment to recovery and rehabilitation, Cromwell Hospital offers rapid access to world-leading cancer care – all under one roof

At Cromwell Hospital, we understand that getting rapid access to quality cancer care has never been so important. According to the British Journal of Cancer, one in two people in the UK will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime – it is an illness that will touch nearly every family personally. However, with an early diagnosis and fast access to a tailored treatment plan, there is a very good chance of beating cancer.

We diagnose and treat all types of cancer at Cromwell Hospital, including breast, bowel, blood, gynaecological, prostate, liver, lung, skin, gastrointestinal, and thyroid cancers. Alongside access to a pioneering team of world-leading cancer consultants, clinical nurse specialists, counsellors and physiotherapists, we also offer rapid diagnostics including MRI, CT, PET-CT, ultrasound,

mammography, and endoscopy, as well as genetic testing. We also provide leading cancer treatments, including minimally invasive and robotic surgery, advanced radiotherapy, and some of the latest cancer drugs.

We know that time to treatment heavily influences patient outcomes, so we've set up rapid-access patient pathways at our Integrated Cancer Campus, enabling patients to see a consultant, undergo the necessary tests, and receive a diagnosis in the shortest possible timeframe. Our rapidaccess cancer care pathways include breast, prostate, and bowel cancers.

Between July and September in 2023, 88% of patients were seen through our Triple Assessment Clinic, and 100% patients with breast cancer

were offered a treatment start date within 31 days of booking their Triple Assessment Clinic at Cromwell Hospital.

Forming a multidisciplinary team, members from each of the clinical disciplines available at our Integrated Cancer Campus meet regularly to discuss patient cases. As part of these meetings, they review test results and work together to jointly devise a tailored treatment plan that best meets a patient’s personal and clinical needs. Evidence shows that this collaborative working contributes to better patient outcomes and an improved patient experience.

Genetic testing for cancer

Each patient and every cancer case is different. As such, we tailor our cancer treatment pathways to the

individual patient. A comprehensive genetics service, overseen by our clinical geneticist and team of world leading oncologists, allows us to both understand a patient’s predisposition to cancer and the specific genetic mutation of an existing cancer –therefore allowing our experts to devise a targeted and effective treatment plan.

Some types of cancer are more commonly associated with certain genes, and patients with these genes are more at risk of developing cancer. For example, patients with an altered BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene are more at risk of developing breast cancer. There are more than 100 gene variants associated with an increased risk of breast, prostate, and ovarian cancers, and genetic testing can help identify these variants. Understanding the

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1 Cromwell Hospital provides rapid diagnostics using a comprehensive range of imaging technologies / 2 Visitors are greeted with modern and comfortable facilities (PHOTOS: CROMWELL HOSPITAL)

genetics behind cancer can not only help with diagnosis, but it can also guide oncologists on deciding what cancer treatment or medicine will work best for each individual patient.

Pioneering cancer drugs

Our experienced pharmacy team has access to all established drug regimens, as well as the latest cancer drugs. Being at the forefront of these new medicines means our patients have access to targeted cancer drugs that can both treat their cancer and reduce their symptoms and pain.

Where suitable, patients may undergo what is described as adjuvant therapy, where chemotherapy medications are administered after surgery. This is designed to kill any small remaining cancer cells, significantly reducing the chances of recurrence or relapse.

time is of the essence when it comes to investigating symptoms. To support patients, we recently launched our non-specific symptoms pathway at Cromwell Hospital, which provides rapid assessment and diagnostic tests for patients experiencing such symptoms. Our pathway is led by a highly experienced multidisciplinary team, which includes gastrointestinal consultants, oncologists, clinical nurse specialists, and more.

World-leading radiotherapy

We are proud to be partnered with GenesisCare, the leading private provider of radiotherapy services in the UK. Together, we provide one of the most advanced oncology care pathways in Europe.

The GenesisCare Centre for Radiotherapy at Cromwell Hospital offers some of the most advanced radiotherapy technologies in the world, working closely with leading health professionals and investing early in cutting-edge treatments that are proven to be safe and effective. GenesisCare was recently rated as Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), as well as Outstanding for being caring, responsive, and well-led.

The Centre is designed around three state-of-the-art radiotherapy machines – the MRIdian, Gamma Knife Icon, and Varian Edge – with each specifically devised to treat different and often complex cancers through evidencebased care. These technologies improve outcomes by enhancing the precision of treatment, limiting side effects, and reducing the number of treatment sessions required. Having these machines under one roof means the Centre is Europe’s most advanced radiotherapy facility.

Non-specific symptoms pathway

3 Cromwell Hospital is proud to be partnered with GenesisCare, the leading private provider of radiotherapy services in the UK / 4 A multidisciplinary team, comprising members from each of the clinical disciplines, works together to devise a tailored treatment plan for each patient (PHOTOS: CROMWELL HOSPITAL AND GENESISCARE)

Unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms, such as stomach pain or reflux, can be worrying. Unfortunately, patients with non-specific symptoms are more likely to experience delays in diagnosis and poorer health outcomes; therefore,

Alongside the latest radiotherapy treatments, GenesisCare offers therapies that are proven to benefit people with cancer. Patients can access a fully equipped gym, where oncology exercise specialists prescribe exercise programmes tailored to individual needs, helping the body heal itself and improving treatment tolerance. Additionally, through GenesisCare's

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charity partner Penny Brohn UK, patients can also benefit from a groundbreaking approach to supporting emotional and physical wellbeing through complementary therapies.

Together, Cromwell Hospital and GenesisCare are changing the way people experience cancer treatment and care.

Minimally invasive and robotic surgery

At our Integrated Cancer Campus at Cromwell Hospital, we are always looking for new ways to ensure we offer world-class care tailored to patient needs. That’s why we are harnessing the benefits of the latest robotic-assisted surgical technologies to help our surgeons perform complex surgical procedures with even more precision.

We offer advanced robotic-assisted surgical technologies, including the da Vinci Xi system, used for a range of keyhole surgery in urology, general surgery, oncology, colorectal, hepato-pancreato-biliary, lung, gynaecology, and head and neck procedures. The da Vinci Xi consists

of highly advanced robotic arms, controlled by the surgeon from a console in the operating theatre.

The robotic arms provide the surgeon with greater precision, control, and flexibility when using surgical instruments, as well as superior visualisation and enhanced camera technologies that help to accurately plan the operation and monitor progress in real time. This technology means we can provide our patients with a more personalised surgical experience, based on their specific diagnosis and anatomy, and deliver care expertly tailored to their needs.

Counselling and emotional support

Our specialist Macmillan cancer counsellor, Helen Storey, offers an integral support service to our patients and their families. Helen is a qualified psychotherapist and specialist cancer counsellor, with over 20 years of experience in giving emotional support to those impacted by cancer, including both patients and their families. Helen offers a safe, confidential setting in which patients can talk honestly about their feelings and any concerns they have.

FURTHER INFORMATION

If you are concerned about your health and are considering private treatment, contact Cromwell Hospital to learn more about your options. Call +44 (0)20 7460 5700 or visit cromwellhospital.com/ oncology

5 Cromwell Hospital uses state-of-the-art radiotherapy technology to improve outcomes (PHOTO: GENESISCARE)

Transforming healthcare, one cell at a time

Nestled in the heart of the Harley Street Medical Area, The London Clinic takes great pride in its state-of-the-art Stem Cell Unit, a testament to its commitment to developing pioneering healthcare solutions

Established in 1985, the Stem Cell Unit at The London Clinic enables treatment and care for people with serious blood disorders and blood cancers, through both stem cell collection and transplantation. Treatments offered at the unit include the latest developments in chemotherapy and immunotherapy, as well as stem cell therapy.

The science behind stem cell therapy

Stem cells are known as the building blocks of the human body. With their unique ability to transform into various cell types and regenerate and repair tissues, they have emerged as a beacon of hope for patients

living with conditions ranging from blood cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma, to blood disorders such as aplastic anaemia, sickle cell disease and thalassaemia.

Stem cell therapy holds immense potential across diverse medical fields. The London Clinic's unit boasts a multidisciplinary team of experts, including renowned stem cell researchers, geneticists and clinicians. This collaborative approach ensures that patients receive the most comprehensive and tailored treatment plans, aligning with The London Clinic's commitment to delivering personalised world-class private healthcare.

The London Clinic offers two main types of stem cell transplant:

Allogeneic transplant Stem cells are collected from a donor with whom the patient has been matched through UK and international blood registries. These cells can be harvested from the patient’s relative, or unrelated healthy volunteer donors.

Autologous transplant Stem cells are collected from the patient’s own body for transplantation in the future. This means that cells can be harvested while they are still healthy, such as before chemotherapy.

Cutting-edge facilities and technology

The London Clinic's Stem Cell Unit is housed within the Duchess of Devonshire Wing, a purpose-built oncology hospital in Marylebone, equipped with the latest technological advancements – from state-of-the-art laboratories to advanced imaging suites.

Every aspect of the unit is designed to facilitate ground-breaking research and seamless patient care:

There are 12 first-class beds in the unit for the treatment of people with serious blood disorders and blood cancers.

The London Clinic collects stem cells from about 1,000 healthy donors a year who have each signed up to blood registries, including the Anthony Nolan charity, DKMS and the British Bone Marrow Registry (BBMR).

This means that The London Clinic is the largest singlesite accredited stem cell collection centre in Europe.

1 Stem cell therapy has the potential to transform a wide range of medical fields (PHOTO: THE LONDON CLINIC)

“My role is to support the patients before, during and after the transplant process. I’m there on hand to reassure them, answer any questions and give them any information that they need. I also spend time with the patients to conduct a full holistic needs assessment. Because, not only do we focus on the medical side, but as nurses we must also consider the patients holistic wellbeing.

Our stem cell unit clinical teams are highly skilled and when it comes to a transplant, it’s all about making sure we follow the standards and pick up things that may go wrong, before it's going to happen. Our nurses are skilled in providing quality care and observing patients, seeing the very first signs of any issue and acting immediately to prevent it getting worse. That’s the high-quality holistic care approach we provide at The Clinic.

After the transplant the clinical nurse specialists are there for the recovery and to go over the discharge plan. We communicate to patients about what they’ll experience in the days and weeks following their transplant, as well as managing their expectations around their recovery timeline.”

The unit was carefully designed with immunocompromised patient safety in mind. It includes positive pressure ventilation system, which maintains a protected environment by filtering all incoming air.

The unit is supported by a dedicated stem cell laboratory that has facilities for flow cytometry and cryopreservation, including a liquid nitrogen facility for the long-term storage of patients' stem cells.

The London Clinic is the only independent private hospital that offers CAR T-cell therapy. This is suited to patients who have a blood

cancer called large B-cell lymphoma or acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, who have had a failed initial treatment or have previously undergone failed stem cell treatments.

As a mark of recognition of the unit’s pioneering impact, The London Clinic is the UK’s first independent, non-profit hospital to have been awarded accreditation from JACIE (Joint Accreditation Committee-ISCT-Europe), Europe’s only official accreditation body in the field of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation and cellular therapy.

Jeorge Duldulao, Clinical Nurse Specialist at The London Clinic’s Stem Cell Unit

“We are the largest single stem cell collection centre in Europe and we owe everything to these dedicated donors who are giving up their time, and their stem cells, to make life changing transplants possible for thousands of patients worldwide. They are our real heroes.”

Professor John Gribben, Consultant Haematologist at The London Clinic

Unparalleled expertise and collaborations

What sets The London Clinic's Stem Cell Unit apart is not just its infrastructure, but the wealth of expertise that defines its operations. The unit is home to some of the UK’s top haematologists, whose work has not only contributed to the global body of knowledge, but has also translated into tangible benefits for patients.

The London Clinic has fostered collaborations with leading research institutions, both national and international. This synergy between

academia and clinical practice ensures that the Stem Cell Unit remains at the forefront of developments in the field. Patients can trust that their journey at The London Clinic is guided by a clinical team committed to pushing the boundaries of medical science for their well-being.

Personalised treatment plans and patient-centric care

The London Clinic recognises that every patient is unique, as are their medical needs. In the world of stem cell therapy, personalisation is not a luxury, but a necessity. The Stem Cell Unit at The London Clinic takes pride in crafting individualised treatment plans, considering each patient's medical history, genetic make-up and lifestyle factors.

Patients undergoing stem cell therapy at The London Clinic experience a level of care that extends beyond the conventional. From the initial consultation to the post-treatment follow-ups, the focus is on providing comprehensive support. The patientcentric approach ensures that individuals feel like more than just recipients of medical care, as they become an active participant in their journey to recovery.

2 The London Clinic is situated in Harley Street, at the heart of London’s famous medical district / 3 The unit is supported by a dedicated stem cell laboratory / 4 The London Clinic's Stem Cell Unit has 12 first-class beds for the treatment of people with serious blood disorders and blood cancers (PHOTOS: THE LONDON CLINIC)

FURTHER INFORMATION

To learn more about The London Clinic, visit thelondonclinic.co.uk or contact: T: +44 (0) 20 4527 8215 E: appointments@ thelondonclinic.co.uk

For international patients, contact: E: internationaloffice@ thelondonclinic.co.uk

Making every patient feel like our only patient

At King Edward VII's Hospital, specialists employ the latest technology to tailor healthcare solutions to individual needs

Founded in 1899, King Edward VII’s Hospital is an esteemed independent charitable institution recognised for delivering exceptional surgical and clinical care globally. Situated in London’s prestigious Harley Street medical district. The hospital boasts a rich history of Royal Patronage and provides tailored diagnostic, inpatient and outpatient services to UK and international patients.

With a focus on urology, women’s health, musculoskeletal services and digestive health, King Edward VII's Hospital offers comprehensive healthcare solutions tailored to individual needs. We have one of the largest private urology centres

in the UK, with a team of worldrenowned specialists offering the very latest diagnosis and treatments for a range of urological conditions, including prostate cancer, urinary tract infections and stones disease.

Our eminent consultants employ the latest focal therapy techniques for the treatment of prostate cancer, including high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and NanoKnife, as well as being a high-volume provider of robotic radical prostatectomy for men whose disease is not suitable for focal treatment. We also have a highly specialised team of consultant gynaecologists treating patients with a wide range of gynaecological

1 King Edward VII's Hospital is located in the Marylebone district of central London

(PHOTOS: KING EDWARD VII'S HOSPITAL)

conditions, with a particular specialist focus on surgical management of primary or relapsed ovarian cancer.

Demonstrating our dedication to seamless patient care, our state-of-theart outpatient and diagnostic facility is conveniently located on the hospital estate, ensuring a cohesive experience for all our patients. At our core is a commitment to fostering collaboration among our highly specialised teams. We unite world-renowned consultants and medical experts, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to significantly improve patient lives.

As a long-standing charitable organisation, King Edward VII’s Hospital

remains steadfast in providing substantial subsidised care to veterans of the Armed Forces. Our Charity extends military grants and subsidies for complex medical treatments to service or exservice personnel and their families. The hospital’s Centre for Veterans’ Health serves as a vital support hub, offering an award-winning Pain Management Programme – a unique hospital-based service in the UK catering exclusively to veterans’ needs.

A centre for excellence in prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment

King Edward VII’s Hospital is one of the UK’s leading centres for urology, bringing together an exceptional multidisciplinary team of consultant urologists who are all leaders in their specialist field. The hospital boasts world-renowned prostate cancer specialists alongside our impressive consultant group –having invested heavily in technology and expertise they ensure their patients can access the very latest, minimally invasive prostate cancer treatments.

Assessing patients for focal therapy

With the provision of a recent histology and MRI report, we provide a preconsultation triage service to aid the assessment of patients' suitability for focal treatment. This seamless process emphasises the team’s dedication to patient care and the bespoke nature of treatment.

2 The welcoming reception area at King Edward VII's Hospital / 3 The hospital’s multidisciplinary teams bring together a wide range of expertise / 4-5 Professors Mark Emberton and Caroline Moore (PHOTOS: KING EDWARD VII'S HOSPITAL)

Professors Mark Emberton and Caroline Moore help explain more about the diagnostic and treatment techniques at King Edward VII’s Hospital:

Transperineal MRI-guided prostate biopsy

The most important way to get an accurate assessment of your prostate cancer risk is to have a high-quality MRI scan, followed by a biopsy if needed. Suspicious areas on the MRI, and sometimes the areas where cancers are commonly seen, will need to be sampled using a biopsy needle.

Traditionally, the biopsy needle was passed through the back passage into the prostate. Not surprisingly, this could be associated with infections after the procedure, as it is difficult to clean the rectum. A transperineal biopsy – passing the needle through the perineum (the area between the back passage and the scrotum) is much cleaner and the risk of infection is greatly reduced. An ultrasound probe in the rectum is used to view the prostate in real time during the procedure.

The accuracy of targeting the MRI lesion depends upon the skill of the person doing the procedure. It can be helped by using computer software to fuse the MRI image showing a suspicious area onto the ultrasound image used during the procedure. Such MR-US fusion techniques are now regularly in use at King Edward VII’s Hospital.

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)

The aim of focal HIFU treatment is to preserve quality of life, including erectile function, without sacrificing control over the cancer. The minimally invasive qualities of this procedure help to reduce the impact of the side effects that commonly occur after major prostate surgery.

HIFU uses sound waves, produced from high-frequency vibrations originating from a transducer, to create localised cell kill. Temperatures of up to 80-100˚C are reached in the tissue at the focus point, resulting in cell death through necrosis and cavitation. Since its development in the 1940s, HIFU has been used to treat

“King Edward VII’s Hospital is one of the UK’s leading centres for urology”

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A prostate lead nurse guides patients in every step of their journey (PHOTOS: KING EDWARD VII'S HOSPITAL)

“Advantages of NanoKnife treatment for prostate cancer include

a short hospital stay and recuperation period”

benign and malignant lesions within a number of solid organs, including uterus, brain, kidney and liver, with the addition of prostate from the 1990s.

The procedure involves delivery of treatment using a transrectal probe, usually under general anaesthetic, with real-time monitoring of treatment effect on an ultrasound platform. The area to be treated is chosen by the surgeon, based on the prostate MRI and biopsy results.

HIFU is a means of delivering ‘focal therapy’, with treatment targeted to cancer lesion(s), rather than to the whole prostate. Preservation of some ‘normal’ prostatic tissue and surrounding neurovascular structures potentially reduces the side-effect burden associated with standard radical therapies. The outcomes of longer-term studies are now awaited.

HIFU is considered an alternative primary treatment option to traditional radical therapy (radical prostatectomy, external beam radiotherapy, seed brachytherapy). The advantages of HIFU as a prostate cancer treatment is that it is minimally invasive, delivered in the day-case setting, only requires one hospital visit for treatment and is repeatable if needed.

precluded if cancer recurrence occurs following HIFU, albeit with a higher risk profile than in the treatment naïve gland. HIFU treatment is limited to prostates of a moderate size that can be covered by the focal length for treatment, as the anterior aspect of the gland cannot be reached in large glands.

Medium-term outcomes for HIFU have been published, reporting both cancer control and the effect on sexual and urinary function. Biochemical disease-free survival rates of 75%-84%, 63%-72%, and 45%-68% in low, intermediate and high-risk groups, respectively, were demonstrated over five to eight years of follow-up in recent publications involving a large UK cohort. Around one in four men will have a second HIFU treatment by five years, and one in 15 men will have radical treatment with surgery or radiotherapy.

7 Patients requiring a hospital stay are assured of comfortable surroundings throughout their treatment and recuperation

Furthermore, additional prostate treatment – such as cryotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery – is not

In terms of functional outcomes, 1% of men have some urine leakage after HIFU (which compares very favourably with radical treatment). Of men who have good erections without the need for tablets before HIFU, two in three men will continue to have these after treatment and one in three men will need to have tablets to support the erections. The majority of men will notice a reduction in the volume of ejaculate, and fertility can be reduced.

(PHOTOS: KING EDWARD VII'S HOSPITAL)

HIFU also has a place as a salvage treatment in cases of recurrent disease following both external beam radiotherapy and seed brachytherapy.

NanoKnife

Also referred to as irreversible electroporation therapy for prostate cancer, NanoKnife is a focal technique used in the treatment of prostate cancer. It is used particularly for small cancers in the anterior prostate. In irreversible electroporation, quick electrical pulses are administered, with the use of electrodes, around and into the tumour to kill cancerous cells. The name ’NanoKnife’ is derived from the fact that these electrical pulses effectively cut open the cells’ membranes.

Advantages of NanoKnife treatment for prostate cancer include a short hospital stay and recuperation period, a painless procedure with minimal side-effects, and that the procedure can be repeated. Disadvantages include the requirement of a catheter for a few days, the possibility of infertility due to decreased/absent ejaculatory fluid, and the current lack of long-term data available on side-effects and outcomes.

surrounding structures, along with highly accurate and versatile movements within the body, allowing the prostate, seminal vesicle (tubes which help produce semen) and, occasionally, lymph nodes to be removed.

Robotically assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy

Radical prostatectomy is a wellestablished treatment for prostate cancer. It has evolved over the years from open surgery into laparoscopic (keyhole) and, currently, roboticassisted laparoscopic (RALP). In terms of cancer control it has been shown to have excellent outcomes.

Prostate cancer treatment using the da Vinci xi© robot

The operation is performed using a keyhole technique utilising the latest da Vinci robot to aid the surgeon. Through small incisions, a special 3D camera and robotic arms are placed into the pelvis, and these are then controlled by the surgeon from a separate console within the theatre.

This set-up offers a very high-definition view of the prostate (magnified, very well-illuminated 3D, double HD) and

The robotic method has revolutionised radical prostatectomy, as it has led to a significant reduction in blood loss and has reduced the length of hospital stay for the patient over open surgery, while giving the surgeon a precision of movement not previously possible by either the open or laparoscopic techniques.

The procedure used today is called an ‘anatomical approach’ – designed to reduce blood loss and tissue trauma, and which can reduce damage to the nerves necessary for erections.

With thanks to Prostate Matters (prostatematters.co.uk),

If you are concerned about your prostate health, or you have received a diagnosis for prostate cancer and are considering private treatment, call a member of the dedicated patient services team at King Edward VII’s Hospital to discuss your options:

+44 (0)20 4571 3373 (Mon-Fri, 9am -5pm).

www.kingedwardvii.co.uk

8 The da Vinci xi© system enables surgeons to work with high precision using robotic arms controlled from a console (PHOTOS: KING EDWARD VII'S HOSPITAL)

Leading the way in prostate cancer care

Professor Prokar Dasgupta OBE talks about The London Clinic’s expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer

As a professor of urology at The London Clinic, I provide all investigations and treatments for problems affecting the ‘waterworks’ – the kidneys, bladder and the prostate. My special interest is cancer of the prostate – the walnutshaped gland located just below the bladder in men.

Patients referred to The London Clinic with prostate problems usually come to us through one of three routes. The traditional route is when patients are referred after a blood test showing an elevated PSA (prostate specific antigen) score, even though they may not be showing any symptoms, and are seeking further advice. The second group of patients have urinary symptoms, such

as increasing frequency of urination, particularly at night. They may also be experiencing a slow stream, waiting a long time when trying to urinate or needing to urinate more urgently.

The third group comprises those with a family history of prostate cancer, or those recommended to visit by one of our previous patients. If there is any family history then this will be examined in detail – this includes not just for prostate cancer, but also for breast cancer, as there are genetic links between these two cancers that are commonly missed.

We would then arrange a series of tests, which include a more detailed PSA test, an ultrasound scan of

the water passage (ie the kidneys, bladder and prostate), an MRI scan and a flow test. The good news for patients at The London Clinic is that we are now able to provide all these tests in one place, at our new Rapid Diagnostics Centre in Harley Street.

Where an MRI scan shows an abnormality then the next step would be a transperineal biopsy, which is minimally invasive and can be carried out under sedation or local anesthetic as a day procedure. We will then see the patient a few days later to discuss the results.

Active monitoring

For some patients we would advise active monitoring. This involves keeping an eye on their PSA score every three months and having an MRI scan after a year. If there are signs of progression then we will carry out further biopsies, although the majority of patients would maintain their quality of life and come to no harm.

Around a third of patients will have progression of their cancer and, for some, we can move from monitoring to active treatment. Every patient with a prostate cancer diagnosis is discussed in our multidisciplinary team meetings at The London Clinic, which brings together input from surgeons, radiotherapists, oncologists, pathologists, imaging experts and others.

Further treatment can involve robotic surgery or some form of energy, whether that be external beam radiotherapy or brachytherapy, in which radioactive seeds are place in the prostate. Radiation is generally combined with hormonal treatment, because this works better than radiotherapy alone.

For overseas patients, it is now much easier for us to arrange follow-up consultations, as these can be carried out via video calls. I can offer the same level of care from my office in Harley Street, irrespective of the patient’s location.

Advancing innovation

The London Clinic was the first private hospital in the UK to bring in robotic surgery, when I introduced the da Vinci

robot in 2005. We have since used every subsequent version of the da Vinci robot, including the latest – the Xi.

Having pioneered robotic surgery almost 20 years ago, my team and I have completed over 10,000 robotic procedures. The technology continues to develop, with new and improved robotic systems.

Looking ahead, there is the opportunity to automate and use artificial intelligence in surgery, which is very exciting. I have been the clinical leader for two major research programmes, funded by UK Research and Innovation, exploring automation in surgery and assessing patients’ trust in such procedures.

Another developing technology is 3D imaging, based on an MRI scan, which will enable us to look inside the prostate and find the precise location of a tumour. This will help in preserving vital structures, such as the nerve bundles, as damage to these can lead to erectile dysfunction. Such technology will give the best chance of clearing the cancer completely, while also maintaining quality of life.

FURTHER INFORMATION

To learn more about The London Clinic, visit thelondonclinic.co.uk or contact:

T: +44 (0) 20 4527 8215

E: appointments@ thelondonclinic.co.uk

For international patients, contact: E: internationaloffice@ thelondonclinic.co.uk

Professor Prokar Dasgupta OBE is one of the world's leading robotic urological surgeons and the recipient of the John Wickham lifetime achievement award in robotic surgery in 2023 (PHOTO: THE LONDON CLINIC)

Personalising treatment for breast cancer

Consultant oncoplastic breast surgeons

Miss Rachel O’Connell and Mr Marios Tasoulis talk about how The Royal Marsden’s breast cancer care is tailored to the individual

What is your medical specialty and the areas that you are focused on?

Rachel O’Connell (ROC): I'm a consultant oncoplastic breast surgeon at The Royal Marsden in London, where we provide comprehensive breast cancer treatment that is personalised for each and every patient that we meet. As a breast surgeon, my aim is to provide safe breast surgery so that we can completely remove a tumour and, where possible, try to preserve the breast.

In some situations, we have to perform a mastectomy to remove the breast. Following this procedure, for those who wish to have breast reconstruction, we work closely as a multidisciplinary team with our plastic surgeons and other oncoplastic breast surgeons, to provide this service for all of our patients.

Marios Tasoulis (MT): I'm also a consultant oncoplastic breast surgeon. Our main focus as a team, and for me personally, is multidisciplinary management of breast cancer, providing an individualised approach. Another area of interest is how we manage women that do not have breast cancer, but have breast implant-associated lymphoma – an uncommon type of blood cancer that is related to the use of breast implants – which can occur after using implants for either cosmetic or reconstructive purposes.

A particular area of focus from my point of view is how we tailor a patient’s treatment plan after the use of neoadjuvant systemic therapy – the administration of therapy before main treatment. We also try to minimise

the amount of surgery that is required both in the breast and the axilla [armpit], to provide the best possible oncological and aesthetic outcome.

For some women, a mastectomy cannot be avoided, and in patients who wish to have reconstructive surgery, we work closely with our plastic surgery colleagues to provide autologous reconstruction. This is where tissue from other parts of the body, such as the stomach, is used to reconstruct the breast and provide a long-lasting and natural-looking reconstructive outcome. If this is not an option, then we can perform implant-based reconstruction, again trying to balance the best possible aesthetic and oncological outcomes.

What would be a typical patient journey, starting with diagnosis?

ROC: Every patient that we see at The Royal Marsden receives a full evaluation,

which involves examining the patient and looking at their medical history, as well as diagnostic imaging that can include mammograms, an ultrasound and MRI scans. We would also examine tissue samples, which is called a biopsy.

Some of our international patients may already have had such tests and can bring their images and results with them – our pathologists are always very happy to review tissue samples from elsewhere. Often, patients that have arrived from another country would like to proceed quickly and that is something we can accommodate.

One of the benefits of working in a large, comprehensive cancer centre is that we have international experts in all fields of oncological management, so that we can make a very targeted plan for the patient. The Royal Marsden is solely dedicated to cancer care, so we have

1-2 The Royal Marsden Private Care at Cavendish Square is housed within an Edwardian listed building (PHOTOS: THE ROYAL MARSDEN)

“The Royal Marsden is solely dedicated to cancer care, so we have all the relevant specialists”

all the relevant specialists, specifically trained to look after patients with cancer.

MT: Our multidisciplinary care involves not only medical doctors and consultants, but also includes highly trained breast-care nurses and psychologists to help with supporting patients through every step of their treatment. From the surgical point of view, we know that breast-conserving surgery comes with several advantages, including psychological, emotional and sexual wellbeing, by maintaining the body image, as well as functional wellbeing.

When an international patient returns home, can their treatment be continued remotely?

ROC: Yes, absolutely. Some treatments for breast cancer can continue for several years, so when patients finish their initial treatment we will write an individualised medical report with our

recommendations, which the patient can take home. Patients can also use The Royal Marsden’s own app, MyMarsden, where they can access all their notes and scan reports to pass on to their doctors. Our team is also happy to communicate with local physicians, if necessary.

The Royal Marsden is renowned globally for its research. What kind of research are you and your colleagues involved with?

MT: Our breast unit has received numerous accolades, including the Team Science Award from the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), one of the world’s most prestigious team science awards, for work that has transformed treatment for many patients with breast cancer. We have presented our findings at international conferences and we work with major cancer centres worldwide to further our knowledge of breast cancer and treatments.

One of our current areas of research is into de-escalation of surgery, assessing whether, and when, it would be safe to reduce the extent of surgery we perform. We are actively involved in identifying women that have an exceptional response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and whether it is safe for these women not to have surgery at all. We're also trying to identify women that could avoid surgery under the armpit completely, where they have low-risk cancers.

We also work closely with our colleagues in plastic surgery, looking into why some women develop a very uncommon type of lymphoma that is associated with implants, and we run one of very few studies exploring this. We have seen more than 25 patients with this issue, which can develop seven to 10 years after receiving an implant. The more women that have implants, the more we will see of this type of cancer, although it isn’t common. Our aim is to establish The Royal Marsden as a specialist cancer centre internationally for women that have this type of problem.

Looking ahead, what developments are on the horizon for breast cancer treatment and care?

ROC: One of the things that is becoming more critical in the way we manage a lot of cancers is our understanding of the genetic causes. Such information can help us identify those at increased risk of breast cancer, so that we can help them by carrying out extra screening or, potentially, even risk-reduction surgery. We can also use genetic information to assist with providing specific treatments, including drugs that are more targeted and have fewer side effects.

MT: In the longer term, perhaps 10 to 15 years from now, it may also be possible to provide 3D-printed implants. This approach is in its early stages, but it’s an exciting development that will use a precise image of the shape of the breast to create a scaffold that is 3D-printed, using biological material. Then, instead of using a silicone implant, we would use this scaffold and transfer some of the patient’s own fat to reconstruct the breast. This gives patients a more natural look, as breast shape and size is individually customised for the patient.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For more information about The Royal Marsden Private Care or to refer a patient, please:

Visit: royalmarsden.nhs.uk/ private-care

Email: int@rmh.nhs.uk

Call: +44 (0)20 7808 2063

3-4 Consultant oncoplastic breast surgeons Miss Rachel O’Connell and Mr Marios Tasoulis (PHOTOS: THE ROYAL MARSDEN)

Putting the patient first in cancer care

When considering cancer treatment options, the patient is always at the heart of decisionmaking, supported every step of the way by the expert team at King Edward VII’s Hospital

Having a cancer diagnosis is a frightening experience. You will have many questions, fears and hopes, and it may feel like you’re on a rollercoaster that you cannot get off. Professor Christina Fotopoulou, Clinical Director of Women’s Health at King Edward VII’s Hospital, discusses the role that the patient plays in making decisions about their cancer treatment:

Your diagnosis and treatment plan would have been discussed extensively at a multidisciplinary team meeting, involving surgeons, oncologists, pathologists, radiographers and nurse specialists to ensure that you’re given the best, most effective, most appropriate and evidence-based care.

Despite all of the medical experts involved in your care, your input as a patient is just as important.

How much say will I have as a cancer patient?

It’s deemed essential that the patient is fully informed and involved in the decision-making process, from the time the diagnosis is made to the end of treatment and beyond. You, as a cancer patient, are best kept fully informed in order to help you get as much from your treatment as possible.

That’s not to say that you’re on your own when it comes to making decisions. Your doctors, nurses and other specialists will be on hand to help you make informed decisions, every step of the way.

And while it’s always a good idea to listen to the advice of your doctors, never be afraid to ask questions or for something to be explained as many times as you need it to be.

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What discussions will I have with my doctors?

In order to help you make decisions along with your medical team, your doctors, including your gynaecologist and oncologist, will discuss the risks and benefits of each option available to you.

For example, this might include the risks and benefits associated with performing surgery before chemotherapy, versus the other way around. Or, it might be the risks and benefits to you having no treatment at all, or to how far you wish to go in terms of treatment.

Often you’ll be given a few days to think about your options, and to talk to loved ones about them, before discussing them again and planning the next steps.

Surgery for cancer patients

Operations to remove cancerous lumps and tissues have changed massively from how they were in the past. They may be more extensive now, especially for advanced cancers,

but they tend to be less traumatic as new technology, surgical instruments and procedures have advanced.

Better management and a different approach to recovery now means better and faster healing. As a general rule, you may expect to feel fully recovered from surgery and treatment around nine months from the start of your treatment.

You’re key in making decisions about your care, along with your doctors, nurses and other specialists, and you will be provided with the care and support you need throughout the entire process.

If you are concerned about your gynaecological health, or you have received a diagnosis for gynaecological cancer and are considering private treatment, call a member of the dedicated patient services team at King Edward VII’s Hospital to discuss your options: +44 (0)20 4571 3373 (Mon-Fri, 9am -5pm).

www.kingedwardvii.co.uk

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1 Nurse specialists are part of the team ensuring that patients receive the most effective and appropriate cancer care / 2 Professor Christina Fotopoulou, Clinical Director of Women’s Health at King Edward VII’s Hospital (PHOTOS: KING EDWARD VII'S HOSPITAL)

Optimising therapies to treat cancer

Consultant medical oncologist Dr Rowan Miller discusses how treatment plans for gynaecological cancers are being personalised to suit individual patients

What is your role at The London Clinic, your medical specialty and the areas that you focus on?

I'm a medical oncologist specialising in gynaecology, so I deal with cancers in the female reproductive tract. My role is to provide chemotherapy or any drug therapy that is required. I am part of a multidisciplinary team (MDT), working closely with the surgeons to make a diagnosis and select the best treatment plan for patients. Treatment usually involves a combination of surgery and chemotherapy or other drug therapy. For some cancers, such as endometrial or cervical cancer, patients might also receive radiotherapy or brachytherapy, from our cutting-edge radiotherapy service.

Our MDT-based approach for each patient brings together input from specialist pathologists, specialist radiologists, clinical (radiotherapy) and medical oncologists, and our gynae-oncology surgeons.

We are increasingly using a more personalised medicine approach to create an individualised treatment plan specifically tailored for every patient, considering their unique tumour biology and personal circumstances.

We pride ourselves on the quality of our holistic care. We have the support of a specialist nurse who will be with patients throughout their treatment journey – from diagnosis to treatment.

We also offer massage, acupuncture support for people with hair loss, and psychosocial support services.

How easy is it for overseas patients to continue their treatment or monitoring when they go home?

We take a hybrid approach, so we will often suggest that people have their initial treatment at The London Clinic and then, if they need ongoing treatment, we would devise a full treatment plan to continue at home. Our MDT is always available to review imaging and offer advice to the local oncology team.

What services does The London Clinic provide for those concerned that they are at increased risk of gynaecological cancers?

Some gynaecological cancers can be hereditary, so we're able to carry out and support genetic testing of family members, where appropriate, with the support of our genetics team. We offer preventative and screening services for those known to have an increased risk of familial gynaecological cancer.

For any newly diagnosed patient with ovarian cancer, we also offer the option for their relatives to be tested and to undergo preventative or screening procedures. For many of the gynaecological cancers, there is a real concern about other family members being at risk, so it is good to have the reassurance of screening for family members. We also provide screening for Lynch syndrome, a form of hereditary colorectal and endometrial cancer.

Are there any interesting developments in your field that will be making an impact on future treatments?

Over the past three to five years, there's been a real explosion of new drugs offering a significant improvement in outcomes for patients with newly diagnosed ovarian, endometrial and cervical cancers.

The landscape is changing all the time, with a lot of exciting new classes of drugs on the horizon for gynaecological cancers, which I think will significantly transform outcomes.

FURTHER INFORMATION

To learn more about The London Clinic, visit thelondonclinic.co.uk or contact: T: +44 (0) 20 4527 8215 E: appointments@ thelondonclinic.co.uk

For international patients, contact: E: internationaloffice@ thelondonclinic.co.uk

Consultant medical oncologist Dr Rowan Miller specialises in gynae-oncology and early phase clinical trials (PHOTO: THE LONDON CLINIC)

The hospitals of the future

Lucas Najún Dubos MD

MSc MBA , Healthcare

and Life

Sciences

Partner at Globant, looks at the technologies that are set to transform the patient experience sooner than many might expect

Over decades, science-fiction movies and TV shows have often presented futuristic visions of medicine, some of which have recently started to come to fruition. For example, as far back as the early 1960s, animated series The Jetsons depicted a doctor’s consultation with a young patient via video link – not unlike the telemedicine that we experience today.

It is difficult to picture what healthcare will look like in another six decades, but it is almost certain that we are currently at a tipping point, with the rapid emergence of technological advances, their affordability and democratisation set to redefine healthcare as we know it.

Redefining the concept of the hospital

The expansion of healthcare beyond the walls’ of the hospital is undeniable. This trend appears to have only just

begun, driven by demographic and social changes, and the increased availability and integration of data from wearables, environmental sensors and medical devices. The need to rethink business models and care pathways for various diseases in response to current demands and workforce requirements has also played a part.

How far will this go? It is hard to imagine that surgery might one day be conducted from a patient's home – technologically feasible, perhaps, but hardly efficient or likely to improve outcomes or patient convenience. Similarly, it is challenging to envision having a mobile operating theatre at home today with the necessary requirements before, during and after surgery, while maintaining some semblance of normal daily life.

However, it is likely that the concept of the hospital will transition in certain services to what is called ’ Hospital at

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Home’. The hospital as we know it today will largely become a place for the acute management of high- and mediumcomplexity cases – not isolated, but connected in a physical-virtual care network allowing for seamless longitudinal monitoring of patients.

Putting the patient/ consumer at the centre

Some may find it surprising, even shocking, to refer to a patient as a consumer. However, the demands that patients place on today’s services are not just about curing an illness, delaying progression or alleviating specific pain. They also concern the experiences that we all demand when consuming a service: a good atmosphere, sufficient (and understandable) information, and feeling like a unique and valued client/patient.

MRI machines and waiting areas specifically designed for children, and this is just the beginning. Immersive technologies, such as virtual reality, are likely to become commonplace in the hospital setting, both for the patient and for the health professional performing assisted surgery. We can already see examples in use, such as VR tools to empathise with what a specific patient is experiencing . As immersive devices of the latest generation become affordable and scalable, we will surely see them as regular equipment in a hospital, as we now see an ultrasound machine, for example.

The portability of medical information will also become part of the future of healthcare provision. Such services will enable access to information for both the patient and their care team at any time, day or night, creating a hyper-personalised, integrated and proactive view.

Sustainability

The combined healthcare sectors of England, the United States, Australia and Canada emit around 748 million tonnes of CO2 annually – the equivalent of being the seventh largest country for emissions worldwide. Among those making efforts to address the issue is NHS England, which launched its Greener NHS programme in October 2020, becoming the world’s first health service to commit to reaching carbon net zero.

Practices such as selecting suppliers that have the least environmental impact and the proper treatment of waste will become core competencies of health centres and a vital element of the proper functioning of their systems. Demonstrating comprehensive sustainability management will surely become a central part of hospital certifications.

Dedicating time to what matters most

2 Virtual reality headsets are among the developments that will enable many medical services to be carried out remotely / 3 New technologies, such as wearable sensors, allow patients to monitor their own health, saving valuable time and resources (PHOTOS: GLOBANT)

Concepts emerging from user design practices, patient feedback and entertainment-related industries are being applied to make patient journeys through health services less anxious and frictionless. Examples include

Technology being developed today – particularly environmental sensors, voice-to-text, portability of health data, interoperability and multimodal language models – will redefine many

of the elements that currently take up time and cause frustration for healthcare professionals. Such innovations will free up more time for patient care, research and teaching tasks. Examples of these technologies, are already being introduced. These include DAX Copilot by Nuance, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) to document patient encounters accurately and efficiently,

AI embedded in care flows

The integration of AI within hospitals is still very limited. It is one thing is to assist with medical diagnosis related to radiology or pathology, but quite another for AI tools to be integrated into the daily care processes of the care team. Such integration may be several years away due to multimodal aspects, the need to regulate and validate algorithms and, not least, assessing risk and ensuring responsible use of such tools.

In the short term, we can envisage how these tools will mostly be used to bring about operational efficiencies. These include automating the management of supplies, creating dynamic diagnosis-related group (DRG) models with predictive data

insights, and the proliferation of uses for already validated cases in computer vision (eg radiology, pathology).

Our services at Globant

We are the visionary creators behind some of the world’s most innovative technologies. As a global services company, we lead transformation through technology and AI. Our dedicated Healthcare and Life Sciences division is committed to empowering providers, payers and institutions by creating a smarter, more efficient healthcare system with patient-centric digital solutions, streamlined operations, and data-driven decision-making.

Through our areas of expertise –Digital Care Delivery Models, Digital Transformation Framework, Health Data Management, Efficient Health Operations, AI for Care Delivery, Value-Based Enablers & DRG Products – and Globant’s studio network, we are dedicated to reinventing the healthcare industry for better outcomes. Together, we transform challenges into opportunities, pushing healthcare towards a promising and sustainable future.

4 Today's hospitals will largely become centres for managing more complex medical cases (PHOTO:

FURTHER INFORMATION

For more details on Globant's work, please visit www.globant.com

GLOBANT)

New pathways to dealing with necrosis

The prevention and treatment of necrosis has so far proved elusive, but new research by biotech company LinkGevity shows signs that effective interventions could soon be possible

Necrosis is the ultimate cause of irreversible tissue and organ damage following stress, as well as acute and chronic disease. Yet, to date, no viable interventions to block necrosis exist. This translates to limited therapeutics for conditions where necrosis plays a significant role, such as in cardiac arrest, stroke and renal disease. Necrosis has also hindered scientific research and development – for example, in organ preservation and bioengineering.

necrosis. The result is irreparable harm to cells that constitute tissues and organs. This translates to loss of vital tissue and organ function, which, in turn, gives rise to disability and mortality.

To put it another way, necrosis is the reason why a doctor only has four minutes to resuscitate a patient following a heart attack; why a stroke is so deadly; and why insults to the kidney result in the need for dialysis.

(Opposite) A kidney patient receives dialysis in hospital. New methods of inhibiting necrosis can help in increasing the supply of organs for those requiring a transplant (PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/TYLER OLSON)

Necrosis is accidental, non-adaptive cell death (ie it confers no benefit). This contrasts with beneficial forms of cell death that have evolved to aid in wound healing and cancer prevention. Stressors – such as a lack of oxygen and nutrients to cells, due to a blockage or loss of blood flow; oxidative stress; inflammation; temperature fluctuations; and physical injuries – can trigger

Race against time

Necrosis is also why a heart or lung, once removed from a donor, can only be stored for four to six hours before transplant. It is this storage constraint that is a key contributor to the scarcity of available organs for transplantation; in the US, 17 people die each day waiting for an organ transplant.

Additionally, immune hyperactivity, exemplified by Covid-19-related complications such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, exacerbates damage through necrosis. Liver disease, peripheral vascular disease, osteoporosis and neurodegeneration also involve necrosis, culminating in severe health outcomes. More recently, even the stress of microgravity experienced by astronauts during spaceflight has been shown to increase disease risk and to negatively impact physiology through necrosis.

A new intervention

LinkGevity, a biotech company based at the Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, UK, has developed groundbreaking research that marks a significant advancement in the understanding and treatment of necrosis. Historically, necrosis has been perceived as a random process, lacking a defined molecular pathway. Intervention was believed to be impossible.

However, LinkGevity has uncovered a molecular pathway at the heart of the necrosis process and the company is

now developing a new class of inhibitors targeting necrosis. “Our data to date shows that the new necrosis-inhibiting compounds can block necrosis by an impressive 90% in the lab”, says Dr Carina Kern, LinkGevity’s CEO.

This breakthrough has profound implications for disease treatment paradigms. Take acute kidney injury (AKI), for example, a condition that is caused by multiple stressors and for which there is currently no viable treatment beyond dialysis or transplantation.

Previous attempts at treating AKI have focused on addressing individual upstream triggers of the disease, such as inflammation or oxidative stress, yet none achieved comprehensive intervention. Even combination therapies given for some triggers, such as hypoxia (reduced oxygen supply), fall short –there just are no feasible interventions.

LinkGevity's research opens the door to a new therapeutic approach, targeting necrosis, the common downstream pathway to all these stressors (including hypoxia), which has so far evaded medical intervention.

Aside from AKI, these necrosis inhibitors open the door to interventions for other conditions, both inside and outside the clinic, where necrosis has so far proved to be a stumbling block.

“Our areas of immediate focus include organ preservation”, says Dr Kern. “The massive gap between organ supply and demand at the moment is, in large part, due to the difficulty in storing and transporting organs. Once removed from the body, hypoxia often kicks in, causing necrosis.

“Our experiments in small animals already show promise for our drugs effectively blocking necrosis and extending that preservation window. This is really exciting as it could save tens of thousands of lives”.

FURTHER INFORMATION

To find out more about LinkGevity's work, please email info@linkgevity.com

Fighting the scourge of sepsis

Responsible for millions of deaths worldwide every year, sepsis represents a critical global health issue. Charity Sepsis Research FEAT is on a mission to save lives and improve outcomes for sepsis patients through worldleading research and awareness-raising

Sepsis is the number-one cause of preventable death in the world. Around 11 million people per annum die from sepsis globally, accounting for one in five of all deaths worldwide. In the UK alone, around 50,000 people a year are killed by the condition – more than the total combined number of deaths due to breast, bowel and prostate cancer.

Sepsis is an indiscriminate condition that can kill a previously healthy adult in a matter of hours, despite advances in vaccines, antibiotics and intensive care. “Essentially, sepsis occurs when the body’s reaction to infection is so severe that the organs start to fail as a result,” explains sepsis specialist Dr Andrew Conway Morris, Medical Research Council Clinician Scientist, University of Cambridge.

“In cases of sepsis, a patient has an underlying infection that provokes an inflammatory response from the body's own immune system, which then starts to harm the patient's own organs so that they become impaired. Obviously, if this were to continue and not be arrested, then the outcome would be the death of the patient.”

Diagnosing sepsis and ensuring early treatment can prove difficult, as it is often hard for doctors to distinguish sepsis from other infections. This is partly because of the broad range of organ systems that can be affected – including the lungs, heart, liver and kidneys, as well as the brain and the skin. “It is often difficult to pin down what is driving the problem until it becomes very obvious, by which time it is almost unstoppable,” says Dr Conway Morris.

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“The key to tackling sepsis successfully is to identify it and begin treatment as soon as possible, but at the early stages it can be subtle in its appearance and challenging to detect. The important thing is to recognise that sepsis is an emergency. A patient can go from feeling pretty well to very sick in just a few hours.”

Identifying causes and risks

Establishing precisely how and why people get sepsis is the subject of ongoing and extensive research, as specialists seek to identify those who may be most prone to developing the condition. “We know that people at the extremes of age – the very young and the elderly – are at greatest risk, but it is important to recognise that sepsis can hit people at any stage of their lives,” says Dr Conway Morris. “Also, some people will be predisposed towards having a particularly vigorous response to a specific pathogen, a particular bug that is causing their illness, and that will make them susceptible to sepsis.”

As well as age and genetics, other factors can play a role. “If a patient’s immune system is already impaired,

perhaps because of their current medication or other medical issues, then an infection that other people might shrug off – for example, pneumonia or an infection in soft tissues from an insect bite – can suddenly become very serious.”

Although there is a common perception that hospital patients have a greater likelihood of sepsis, Dr Conway Morris is eager to point out that the reality is more complex. “Patients in hospital can acquire infections and become at risk of developing sepsis,” he says. “However, it is important to emphasise that many hospital patients who develop sepsis are there because they already had an infection, not that their infection was caused by being in hospital in the first place.”

Treatment for sepsis depends on the underlying infection, with at least 70% of cases being caused by bacteria. “If it's a bacterial infection then antibiotics would be the appropriate treatment. Other infections, such as viruses, can also be a cause. During the pandemic, many of those who contracted severe Covid-19 also had 2

1 Extensive research into the how and why peope get sepsis is ongoing / 2 Dr Andrew Conway Morris, Medical Research Council Clinician Scientist, University of Cambridge (PHOTOS: SEPSIS RESEARCH FEAT)

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3 Since 2018, Sepsis Research FEAT has supported the GenOMICC study at the University of Edinburgh, researching the genetics of sepsis diagnosis and treatment (PHOTO: SEPSIS RESEARCH FEAT)

sepsis,” says Dr Conway Morris. “Fungal infections are another potential cause, particularly in those who already have an impaired immune system.”

Spearheading research

Promising developments

Looking ahead, Dr Conway Morris is encouraged by recent developments in detecting microorganisms and the prospects for speeding up the diagnosis of sepsis. “I think we will see such technology entering the clinical mainstream over the next decade, enabling us to identify the bugs that are causing sepsis infections much more quickly and accurately,” he predicts. “Infections are part of everyday life, so the dream scenario would be to identify people with infections as early as possible, in order that we can give them the right treatments to prevent organ failure, or to turn things around much faster if sepsis were to develop.”

FURTHER INFORMATION

Sepsis Research FEAT 89 Seaward Street, Glasgow G41 1HJ

T: +44 (0) 737 998 9191

E: info@sepsisresearch.org.uk W: sepsisresearch.org.uk

Sepsis Research FEAT relies on the generosity of supporters to fund its sepsis research and awareness campaigns. To make a donation, please visit: sepsisresearch.org.uk/ sepsis-donation/

Sepsis Research (FEAT) SCIO is a registered charity SC049399

UK-based charity Sepsis Research FEAT is among the organisations leading research into the diagnosis and causes of sepsis and treatments for the condition. Founded in 2013 as the Fiona Elizabeth Agnew Trust (FEAT) by Craig Stobo, after he lost his wife and unborn daughter to sepsis, the charity is currently conducting a research prioritisation exercise. This involves asking sepsis survivors, carers, healthcare professionals and the wider public what they consider to be the major issues around sepsis. Such feedback will then inform future research efforts.

Additional areas of research include recording the changes that occur in the immune system and exploring genetic predispositions towards sepsis. Information from these studies will help in identifying patients at higher risk and finding new treatments. “It’s important to remember that sepsis is not a single disease, but instead a syndrome with lots of complex underlying physiology, and that we really need to get to the bottom of this to make progress,” comments Dr Conway Morris. “We’re still at the early days of understanding sepsis and we’ve got a long way to go.”

Sepsis represents a major public health problem in all countries, regardless of their wealth, but the burden is greatest in low- and middle-income countries that have the least resources. “I would love to see existing technologies and techniques made widely available to everyone who needs them around the world, not just in richer countries,” says Dr Conway Morris.

“Relatively modest investments in lower-income economies could make a massive difference to sepsis treatment that would save many lives. Such action would also benefit us all, helping to reduce antibiotic use in such countries and assisting global efforts in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.”

The main symptoms of sepsis

Very high or low temperature

Uncontrolled shivering

Confusion

Passing less urine than usual

Blotchy or cold arms or legs

Other symptoms may include: fast or difficult breathing, rapid heartbeat, feeling dizzy or faint, vomiting and diarrhoea.

On their own, each of these symptoms can be an indication of other health problems that may still require medical attention. But a combination of these symptoms, becoming progressively worse, means you need to seek urgent medical attention. Early recognition and prompt treatment can and does save lives.

Enjoy London life in the lap of luxury

Visitors to London can expect to receive the highest standards of comfort and service from the city’s most luxurious hotels

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Renowned internationally for its rich history and cosmopolitan flair, London enjoys a long-standing reputation as a global icon of sophistication and culture. From its historic landmarks to its vibrant arts scene, the city exudes an aura of elegance that has captivated generations of visitors from all around the world.

Among London’s many attractions are the luxury hotels that epitomise this blend of tradition and modernity, offering an unparalleled experience for both leisure travellers and those visiting the city for medical treatment. Such hotels are not merely places to stay, but sanctuaries of comfort and refinement, providing the highest standards of service and amenities.

Our selected list of London’s most prestigious hotels gives just a flavour of the many high-quality establishments that promise a luxurious experience in this extraordinary city.

The Ritz London – timeless, luxurious and exclusive

Considered one of the world’s most iconic luxury hotels, The Ritz London is located in the heart of Piccadilly. This opulent hotel is within a short walking distance of numerous attractions – including Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square – as well as being in close proximity to shops and boutiques boasting many of the world’s most upmarket brands.

The Ritz London is ideally situated for exploring the vibrant West End of the city (PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK/CHRISPICTURES)

The Ritz London has a rich history that dates back to 1906, and its sumptuous Louis XVI-inspired decor embodies elegance and charm. In fact, the word ’ritzy’, as a synonym for stylish and glamorous, was inspired by the hotel’s opening. Guests can be assured of luxury, elegance and excellence throughout their stay. The hotel also offers chauffeur services and can even provide butlers to take care of every need.

From a culinary aspect, the Michelinstarred Ritz Restaurant offers some of the finest French cuisine in the city, and guests can also enjoy an unforgettable traditional English afternoon tea at the hotel’s Palm Court – a must for those seeking a sophisticated and traditional British experience.

Claridge’s – radiating style and sophistication

2 Claridge’s is a symbol of Mayfair’s prestigious reputation / 3 The Savoy is a famous landmark on the Strand /

The Shangri-La occupies 18 floors of The Shard (PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK/

Located in prestigious Mayfair, Claridge’s is famous for its art deco architecture and design that have made this luxurious hotel a London landmark. A favourite with the British royal family and high-profile celebrities,

the hotel offers a blend of modern sophistication and timeless elegance. World-famous designers such as Diane von Fürstenberg are among those who have added a contemporary twist to the traditional decor of the suites at Claridge’s, which can also offer breathtaking views of the city.

The restaurants and bars at Claridge’s provide an array of beautiful spaces to eat and drink, serving up classics alongside culinary innovations.

Whether it is a cocktail in Claridge’s Bar, coffee at the ArtSpace Café or afternoon tea in The Foyer and Reading Room, guests can be sure of the same exquisite service.

The Savoy – an iconic British institution

Among London’s most famous hotels, The Savoy is renowned for its blend of Edwardian and art deco interiors, as well as its prime location on the Strand, overlooking the River Thames. The hotel first opened its doors in 1889 and throughout its tenure has played host to royalty, dignitaries and household names.

The Savoy is home to some of London’s leading restaurants and bars, including Gordon Ramsay’s Savoy Grill, which presents classic British fare with a modern twist, and the American Bar –the place for handcrafted cocktails and sophisticated decor.

When it comes to accommodation, the Savoy does not disappoint. Its River View Suites offer outstanding views of the Thames, plus a personal butler to attend to guests’ every need. Other rooms and suites can also include a concierge service, providing expert knowledge and experience of all that London has to offer, introducing guests to unique and exciting experiences throughout the city.

The

Connaught

–understated elegance

A luxurious yet understated choice, exuding quiet elegance, the Connaught is nestled in the heart of Mayfair. From the immaculately uniformed doormen to its impressive grand staircase, first impressions of this hotel are quintessentially British.

Accommodation here has been styled by world-renowned designers Guy Oliver and the late David Collins, bringing together traditional and contemporary elements. Rooms offer an abundance of natural light, a feature often at a premium in other London hotels.

Lovers of fine dining will gravitate towards the Michelin-starred Connaught Grill, which serves the best in modern British cuisine and prides itself on its use of seasonal ingredients. Alternatively, a visit to Hélène Darroze at The Connaught offers French-inspired dishes in an elegant setting, while the Connaught Bar provides a sophisticated destination for evening cocktails

The

Shangri-La

– modern luxury with panoramic views

The Shangri-La occupies a prime position between floors 34 and 52 of The Shard, western Europe’s tallest building. Offering a unique blend of modern luxury with traditional Asian-inspired design, guests enjoy peace and tranquillity alongside spectacular views of the city.

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The elegant, modern rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows to maximise the experience, while the hotel’s lofty location also enables a unique leisure activity, as the Infinity pool means that guests can bathe in its warm waters while looking out on the skyline of the capital.

The Shangri-La’s Asian-influenced hospitality extends to its cuisine, which is as impressive as the setting in which it is served. Among the options are Asian-style dining at Ting restaurant, or brunch with a view at the Sky Lounge.

The Dorchester – timeless and glamorous surroundings

5 The Dorchester has long been an iconic presence on prestigious Park Lane / 6 The Connaught Hotel is an ideal choice for lovers of British tradition (PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK/ PAJOR PAWEL/EUGENE REGIS)

Famously positioned on Park Lane, The Dorchester oozes sophistication that will impress even the most discerning guests. Many of its spacious rooms and suites, which are elegantly styled and decorated with works of art, offer views across the greenery of Hyde Park – one of the city’s Royal

Parks. Penthouses and terraces are in high demand at The Dorchester, with its Harlequin penthouse considered one of the finest suites in London.

Equally impressive are The Dorchester’s culinary delights. Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester boasts two Michelin stars and showcases the finest of French cuisine, crafted with impeccable attention to detail and the highestquality seasonal ingredients. Guests can also choose from a range of other cuisines during their stay –from the Cantonese-inspired China Tang, serving top-quality dishes amid art deco splendour, to the modern The Grill by Tom Booton, providing fun, fresh British cuisine.

Those with a discerning palate, or wishing to educate theirs, can also experience wine tasting at The Dorchester. Guests can sample some of the finest wines available in London, either with dinner or at a private event at the Chef’s Table.

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Among the many aspects that set The Dorchester apart are its bespoke guest services. These include a Rolls Royce Phantom chauffeur service that guarantees a stylish and comfortable arrival at the hotel, or which can be used to tour the city. Bespoke floristry can also be ordered to mark special occasions.

Rosewood London – rich history meets modern luxury

Located on High Holborn, just a short distance from Covent Garden, Rosewood London blends Edwardian grandeur with contemporary elements to provide beautifully appointed accommodation. Rooms combine a perfect mix of ornate features and modern amenities, where bespoke furnishings make for a comfortable, sophisticated stay.

In terms of dining options, Rosewood London has a brasserie serving topclass British cuisine, while guests can also enjoy a traditional afternoon tea with a twist: tiny pastries in the style of some of the world’s most famous artworks are served alongside the finest tea blends and champagnes.

Those seeking relaxation can enjoy bespoke treatments and therapies at the Sense spa, a sanctuary that combines Eastern and Western traditions. Guests

can rebalance with treatments ranging from rejuvenating massages to facials using the newest techniques. The hotel is also home to the first Face Place clinic outside of the United States, offering some of the latest rejuvenating skin treatments.

The Langham, London – Victorian heritage and impeccable service

Located close to busy Regent Street and opposite Broadcasting House, the famous headquarters of the BBC, The Langham, London offers guests a regal experience. Steeped in tradition, and dating back to 1865, this grand hotel embodies elegance, luxury and impeccable levels of service.

The Langham’s Victorian design, with stunning chandeliers and exquisite detailing, provides an elegant and timeless atmosphere. Plush furnishings and state-of-the-art amenities combine in each room and suite to ensure the comfort of every guest.

In dining, The Langham Club offers a private lounge for guests to experience gourmet food throughout the day. Renowned chef Michel Roux has also recently opened Chez Roux, a new restaurant inspired by his upbringing and his family’s French culinary heritage.

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from the West End’s leading retailers / 8 Rosewood London offers an idyllic retreat in the heart of the city (PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTOCK/KRISTI BLOKHIN/CHRISPICTURES)

The Langham, London is just a short walk

Index of sponsors

Cleveland Clinic London 22

Cromwell Hospital 10-13, 26-29, 38-41

Globant 62-65

King Edward VII's Hospital 46-51, 58-59

LinkGevity 66-67

The London Clinic 14-17, 42-45, 52-53, 60-61

OneWelbeck 18-21, 30-33

The Royal Marsden Private Care 34-37, 54-57

Sepsis Research FEAT 68-71

www.senatepublishing.co.uk

+44 (0) 20 7723 9825

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