Welcome
A word from the executive editor
Firstly, let me say "thank you" to everyone who picked up the launch issue and to those who gave us such lovely feedback. It has been so nice to walk through the canteen, or by the Oak Road seating area, and see people with a copy in hand enjoying our stories.
This second edition is equally packed with happenings from around the Trust. These include news on pioneering research, a look at some of our staff’s talents away from work, and a feature on our cover star and adorable new colleague – Lilo the therapy dog.
Hello, I’m pleased to welcome you to the second edition of our new staff and patient magazine, We are The Christie.
I started at The Christie in the chief nurse role in May last year. I am delighted to be part of such a special place and it’s easy to see why so many patients and their families hold it dear to their hearts.
As I approach my first-year anniversary, I continue to be amazed by the progress, dedication, and innovation on show. The past 12 months have been filled with many achievements, including some which we showcase here, and I’m excited to see what the future holds.
We look forward to celebrating these successes with you and sharing more inspiring stories in the issues to come. If you have any suggestions, please get in touch.
Thank you for reading.
Vicky Sharples
Chief Nurse and Executive Director of Quality
Contents
News in brief
A new type of cancer care doctor is born
The Christie has launched a pioneering training programme to develop a new type of supportive oncology doctor. Three fellows, including Dr Ahmed Aboelnaga, are joining the service, which aims to improve the quality of life for cancer patients living with complex treatment side effects.
“I am thrilled to be one of the first of a new type of cancer care doctor working to improve the quality of life for patients with complex needs,” says Dr Aboelnaga.
The supportive oncology service helps over 2,000 patients a year, offering holistic care like psychological support, pain management, and therapy for long-term cancer effects.
Dr Richard Berman explains, “The three doctors recruited already have an excellent understanding of the principles of supportive oncology and are passionate about its role in cancer care now and in the future.” When training is complete, they will spread best practice internationally, with new fellows taking their place at The Christie.
Pioneering research in radiotherapy for children
Researchers at The Christie and The University of Manchester are leading a study to reduce long-term side effects caused by radiation in children with brain tumours. While radiotherapy is effective, it can cause side effects like memory problems and hormonal issues. The team has identified a radiation-sensitive region in the brain linked to cognition and hormone production.
“We did not expect this frontal region to be as important as it is,” says Professor Marianne Aznar. “We thought it would be the hippocampus as it’s a well-defined structure that’s well known to be associated with memory, so to see that the grey matter at the front of the brain is so important was surprising.”
The team is working on a ‘brain atlas’ to guide treatment plans for radiotherapy and proton beam therapy.
Investments in latest skin cancer treatments
Patients with non-melanoma skin cancer are benefitting from a new £175,000 superficial treatment machine at The Christie. This low-energy radiotherapy is used to treat basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. It is delivered to around 130 patients annually across 550 treatment sessions.
Muriel Large, the first patient treated with the machine, was referred for post-operative radiotherapy after surgery for squamous cell carcinoma on her nose. She recently completed treatment with no immediate side effects.
“I cannot fault any of the staff who have cared for me,” said Muriel. “They have all been brilliant. My consultant, Dr Agata Rembielak, has been lovely, and the staff member who helped fit my treatment mask had a great bedside manner.”
The Xstrahl 150 X-ray system replaces an old machine, offering greater accuracy and adaptability. This is part of a £370,000 investment in our superficial treatment service.
‘United by Unique’ exhibition showcases patients’ artwork
Pat Mountford has been the artist-in-residence at The Christie for 21 years. She runs weekly drop-in art classes for staff and patients at our Withington site.
To mark World Cancer Day, Pat worked with the Manchester Cancer Research Centre to organise a free exhibition of 15 artworks by patients who attend the class. The ‘United by Unique’ collection is available online at mcrc.manchester.ac.uk/united-by-unique, and includes a group painting symbolising the supportive atmosphere of the art room.
“The magic that’s created in this room never fails to astound me, it’s a special place. Sharing the stories alongside the paintings is really important as spending time in the art room really makes a difference to patients’ wellbeing,” says Pat.
The art room is funded by The Christie Charity and can be found in department 12 on the main corridor of our Withington site.
Robotic surgery milestone reached
Our surgery team recently completed their 10th robotic adrenalectomy (removal of one or both of the adrenal glands) as a day case. Adrenalectomies are primarily carried out on people with adrenal tumours. Robotic surgery is keyhole surgery, meaning that patients have quicker recovery times, getting back to their daily lives sooner.
The Christie was one of the first hospitals in the country to perform robotic operations in 2008. We now carry out one of the highest volumes of robotic operations in the UK.
“Robotics has revolutionised minimally invasive surgery and is reflected in our ability to treat patients effectively. Our day case adrenalectomy programme is a true team effort from our theatre and endocrine team, the day case ward nurses, and our enhanced recovery team,” comments Mr Aziz Gulamhusein, consultant urological and robotic surgeon.
Feature story - Therapy dog comforts young patients
We’ve welcomed a very special four-legged colleague to the team here at The Christie.
Lilo, a black cocker spaniel, is a therapy dog. She’s been coming to the hospital every couple of weeks to visit children who are having proton beam therapy – a type of radiotherapy.
Being diagnosed with cancer can be just as tough mentally as it is physically. Spending time with Lilo helps with the children’s physical, mental, and emotional health, bringing comfort and a sense of normality to what can be a difficult time for them and their families.
Ellie-Mae, John and Zac's seal of approval
20-month-old Ellie-Mae Shirly had 33 daily sessions of proton beam therapy at The Christie. She met Lilo early on in her treatment journey.
“She was so excited when she saw Lilo,” says her dad, Adam. “She absolutely loves animals and spent a lot of time just petting her and playing with her. It gave her something to look forward to after treatment. My parents have a dog, so I think it’s helped her feel more comfortable coming in for treatment.”
Like Ellie-Mae, three-year-old Zac Keyworth has a dog in the family. For him, taking Lilo for a little walk was a type of physiotherapy, as brain surgery had left him unable to speak or move without a walker. He met Lilo and another therapy dog, Luna, with his sister Elodie.
“Both kids were so excited to meet her,” says their dad, Jake. “We took them to reception after Zac’s treatment and watched them arrive. Zac took Lilo for a walk, which really helped with his mobility. It was also good for Elodie, as her aunt has a dog, so I think it reminded her of home. It was great to see them having fun with the dog while also knowing that it was helping them both in different ways.”
John Lamb, aged 14, also really enjoyed meeting Lilo.
“I was at The Christie for six weeks having proton beam therapy for a rare tumour that started in my spine, and it was nice to chat about something that wasn’t my treatment. I told the people who brought Lilo in about my cats at home and they showed me how to feed her treats and get her to do tricks. It made things feel a bit more normal,” he says.
Part of a wider therapeutic approach
The visits have been organised by Thérèse Smith, one of our registered health play specialists, and funded by The Christie Charity. Thérèse and her colleagues use therapeutic play techniques to help children be as prepared as possible for their treatment.
“Lilo has gone down a treat with everyone, families and staff alike,” she says. “There’s always great excitement around the centre before she comes, and it’s so lovely to see the children interacting with her. Some of them can be quite anxious about treatment and she helps to take their minds off it for a while. A lot of them will also have pets at home, so her visits bring a sense of normality and helps to create a positive association with being at the centre.”
“Of course, these sessions are just one of the things we do to help make their time at The Christie as positive as possible. We have a model CT scanner and a replica proton gantry machine to educate children during our play preparation sessions. We’re with them right from their first consultation, supporting their overall well-being and advocating for them throughout their treatment. I am delighted that this project is making such an impact on patients’ wellbeing, and hopefully it will go from strength to strength,” she adds.
Spiritual care at The Christie: here to support you
At The Christie, we understand that cancer treatment can be challenging – not just physically, but emotionally too. Our spiritual care team offers a welcoming support service for patients, families, and staff, regardless of faith or belief.
The team is made up of chaplains from different religions, with access to a wider network of representatives from other faiths and non-religious backgrounds. Whether through prayer, spiritual guidance, or simply someone to talk to, the chaplaincy team provides advice and comfort with open arms to anyone who needs support.
The service operates from department 57 on the Withington site, where quiet spaces for reflection are available. The chapel and Muslim prayer room are open 24/7, while the multi-faith room is available from 8am to 4pm. Spiritual resources, including rosaries, prayer mats, scriptures, mindfulness literature, and access to the Shabbat kitchen, are also available on request.
Behnaz Farhadi (Church of England chaplain)
“As an honorary chaplain at The Christie, I feel truly privileged to offer spiritual and pastoral care to patients, families, and staff. Chaplaincy is about presence – offering a listening ear, a word of comfort, and quiet reassurance that no one journeys alone, whatever their beliefs may be.
I work alongside a dedicated team, striving together to create a space where compassion, peace, and hope can flourish. One way we do this is through 'Haven of Hope', a weekly reflection group on Fridays. It offers a moment of stillness and renewal – a space where staff and patients can pause, reflect, and find strength amid the demands of hospital life.
One of the most inspiring parts of my role is witnessing the strength of patients and families. Their resilience and faith are deeply moving, and our staff show incredible compassion and dedication too. This place is more than a hospital – it's a community of hope. It is an honour to walk alongside others, offering faith, comfort, and healing.”
The role of chaplains at The Christie
Each of us has a spiritual life that needs to be nurtured, though what that looks like is as unique as we are. For some, faith plays a key role in their resilience, while others find spiritual connection through music, literature, nature, meditation, or art.
Chaplains at The Christie recognise this diversity and help patients stay connected to what gives them strength, even when they are far from home, loved ones, or their places of worship.
“The role of a chaplain is, in essence, to walk alongside patients and staff, assisting them. We care for their needs, which keeps a person grounded in who they are at their very core.”
— Reverend Andrew Bradley, Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care Coordinator with Fiona Jenkinson, Nurse and Chaplain
Rabbi Dovid Lewis (Jewish chaplain)
“Working as a volunteer chaplain means my phone can ring at any moment, sometimes in the middle of the night, requiring me to drop everything and head to the hospital.
While I am usually called to visit Jewish patients, I’ve also supported people of other faiths – like the time a young man was upset because he couldn’t get hold of his chosen chaplain. I explained that I was Jewish but would obviously help, and I found myself reciting Psalms and Hebrew prayers by the bedside of his loved one.
Hospitals are great levellers, the friendships that grow between patients and families of different faiths and backgrounds amaze me. We are advised not to get emotionally attached, but the relationships we develop are very strong. I’ve attended memorial services and been blessed to join celebrations long after treatment has ended.”
Zenab Sajawal (Muslim chaplain)
“I have been the honorary Muslim chaplain at The Christie for 23 years, offering spiritual support and prayers for patients at all times, especially for those on the end-of-life pathway.
I am available 24 hours a day and my role has many facets, including helping families navigate key arrangements in line with their faith and traditions, and to access financial support when needed. My practice has always remained person-centred, and I have always gone above and beyond to ensure our patients’ spiritual and religious needs are met with care and dignity."
Father Martin Dowd (Roman Catholic chaplain)
"The human side of chaplaincy is always the same, we offer support and care. If we don’t meet the human need first, we won’t get it right. The religious input should come on top of that foundation of care.
My ministry offers the sacraments, including anointing the sick, holy communion, and confession. In times of need, we offer absolution, and in some cases, an apostolic pardon. We visit wards with support from volunteers and Mass is held every Wednesday at 12.15pm in the chapel.
It's a privilege to be welcomed into the lives of those in need. Patients and staff trust us in their most vulnerable moments."
You are not alone
Whether you are looking for spiritual guidance, a quiet space, or simply someone to talk to, our chaplaincy team is here for you.
To speak with a chaplain or find out more about our spiritual care service, please email the-christie.spiritualcare@nhs.net or visit department 57. If you are in urgent need, the 24/7 on-call service is available through our switchboard on 0161 446 3000.
The Christie’s got talent
Our staff are great at their jobs, but that isn’t just who they are. While they bring passion and dedication to work every day, these qualities also extend far beyond their roles.
We thought it’d be nice to share some of these stories and focus on our colleagues’ lives away from work… here are just a few of the hidden talents across The Christie.
Jo Clarke, Lymphoedema Nurse Specialist
Away from work, Jo volunteers as a running coach for MileShyClub — a beginner walking and running group.
Last year, Jo also ran the Manchester Marathon, raising funds to help patients affected by lymphoedema (chronic swelling).
“Over the last few years I’ve taught hundreds of people to run, helping them to enjoy a more active lifestyle.”
Arfan Khan, Specialist Clinical Pharmacist
Inspired by the London Olympics, Arfan took up archery at university and turned a hobby into a competitive passion. Over the years, he has represented his university, club, and county at local, national, and international competitions — even competing against Olympians!
“Archery has not only been an incredible experience but has also allowed me to meet amazing people and develop valuable skills like focus and discipline.”
Claire Chapman, Switchboard Operator
With a focus on furry friends, Claire’s art sales raise money for charity. She recently completed a personal challenge to get her artwork displayed in every state in the USA for the Animal Cancer Foundation.
Claire also volunteers at Manchester Dogs Home and continues to raise funds for the charity through sales of her fantastic art.
“I wanted to raise money and awareness of animal cancer, so I set myself this huge challenge.”
Isabelle Byrne, Research Assistant
Isabelle is a research assistant in our blood cancer trials department.
“Being a cancer survivor myself, I have always wanted to work within oncology,” she says.
Outside of work, Isabelle is a published poet, award-winning short filmmaker, and spoken word artist. Her debut poetry pamphlet, Pandora’s Ruin, details Isabelle’s mental health journey during treatment and was selected for the British Library’s collection. Isabelle also performs spoken word on the Manchester scene and at festivals across the country. She wants to use her creative voice to explore powerful, often personal themes.
“My work now focuses more broadly on experiences of illness and recovery.”
Ben Heyworth, Survivorship Network Manager
Over the past decade, Ben has produced and performed music as This Morning Call, with releases exploring the wide spectrum of electronic music.
He recently played a charity fundraiser with the band Minorplanet, raising £1,500 for Move Against Cancer. Ben will soon visit Blueprint Studios in Salford to record a brand-new, acoustic, singer-songwriter EP, which is set to be released later this year.
“Music is a huge part of my life, and being able to use it to support good causes makes it even more rewarding.”
Alistair Reid Pearson, Chief Information Officer
“I’m an indie author going on wild adventures through a dystopian future filled with crazy characters.”
Under the pen name AJ Bywater, Alistair released his debut novel BitBob: Artificial Earth last year. The book explores truth, reality, and humanity through a dystopian lens and has just been nominated as a finalist in the Wishing Shelf awards.
“I’m also excited to share that book two in the series is almost finished.”
Amelia Cargo, Communications Officer
As a teenager, Amelia's school choir was invited to perform at the funeral of Manchester United legend, George Best. They provided backing vocals for local singer Brian Kennedy, and the song was later released as a charity single — reaching number three in the charts.
“I like to tell people that I’ve had a hit single without any context. It never fails to disappoint.”
Thomas Reading, Clinical Lead Physiotherapist
When Tom isn't at work, he's passionate about fitness, competing, and marathon running. Last year, he and his partner qualified for the HYROX World Championships, placing 12th in the world — an incredible achievement.
Now, he’s setting his sights on a new challenge, running the London Marathon in under three hours while raising funds for the Huntington’s Disease Association.
“Pushing my limits, both professionally and physically, is what drives me every day.”
Staff stories
Each and every person who works at The Christie performs a valuable role which directly links to patient care. Whether it is a nurse delivering chemotherapy or an IT engineer keeping our computer systems running, there is a huge variety of roles that come together to make The Christie special.
You Made A Difference awards
At The Christie, we’re proud to celebrate the incredible contributions of our staff and volunteers through our You Made a Difference Awards.
Recent recipients include:
Around the Trust
Christie at Macclesfield turns 3
Patients from Cheshire are benefiting from trailblazing developments at The Christie at Macclesfield as it marks its third anniversary.
Last year, more patients than ever used the centre (over 49,000), and staff numbers grew from 55 to 85.
Centre manager Dan Holt said: "We deliver life-saving treatment closer to home and have introduced complex treatments, previously only available at the Withington site, like stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) for all cancers."
Barrie Goodwin, a retired lorry driver from Chapel-en-le-Frith, had SABR for lung cancer.
Other developments at Macclesfield include:
- Concurrent chemoradiotherapy for patients with gynaecological and colorectal tumours.
- A growing team of advanced clinical practitioners (ACPs) supporting patients locally.
- Upskilling staff such as healthcare support worker Elaine Barber, who assists radiographers in making immobilisation masks.
- Pharmacy staff supporting breast cancer patients to cope with the side effects of immunotherapy and supporting clinical research.
- Support from the Senior Adult Oncology Team for frail patients with multiple myeloma.
- A new blood test room catering for 60 patients a day.
The £26m Christie at Macclesfield benefited from £23m of funding from The Christie Charity.
Giving back – radiographers support Oldham foodbank
Senior radiographers, Emma Karle and Gamu Maboreke, recently organised a department-wide collection for Oldham foodbank.
The Christie team at Oldham has been running these collections for several years in a show of support for the local community. Donations are usually made at Christmas, Easter, and around Harvest Festival.
Lead Radiographer at Oldham Julie Davies said: “We receive so much support from our community and this is our way of saying ‘thank you’ and giving back in a way other than treatment. I am so proud of the staff who always support patients and families, but also continually think of others in need.”
World Cancer Day with Christie International
World Cancer Day in February was marked with a giant map displayed in our engagement area, highlighting where we are involved in projects and partnerships overseas.
Such initiatives help to address inequalities in cancer care globally, but also benefit The Christie, developing our staff and helping to achieve equitable outcomes for our multi-ethnic patients.
Staff representing Christie International were on hand to point out where they are collaborating on projects as far afield as Australia, India, Kenya, and Nigeria, and to share their experiences.
To learn more, visit The Christie International section of the website and follow us on X @TheChristieIntl
Education at The Christie
2025 is becoming an exciting year of transformation for our Christie Institute for Cancer Education – recently launching a brand refresh and bringing a new strategy to life.
Rachel Ryan, Marketing and Communications Manager, said: “It’s great to showcase all the exciting work we’ve been doing to develop our EDI strategy, our widening participation, and our educational product portfolio across digital, face-to-face, and clinical learning. Our new identity and mission will position us in great stead throughout the year to bring world-leading cancer education to our colleagues at The Trust and beyond.”
Visit the education section of our website to learn more about The Christie Institute for Cancer Education.
Bloods closer to home opens in Wigan
Christie patients from the Wigan area can now get their blood tests done closer to home as part of the ‘bloods closer to home’ initiative.
Wigan is the tenth in the network of local blood test clinics set up by The Christie. The service aims to make pre-treatment tests more convenient and less time-consuming for our patients who are a little further away from the Withington site.
Appointments are available at the Thomas Linacre Centre, Monday to Friday from 7.30am to 9.15am. Book online or call 0161 918 7654.
Other ‘bloods closer to home’ clinics are located at:
- Altrincham Health and Wellbeing Centre
- Bolton Hospice
- Bury Hospice
- Dr Kershaw's Hospice (Royton)
- St Anne's Hospice (Cheadle and Little Hulton)
- St Luke's Hospice (Winsford)
- Tameside Hospital (Ashton-under-Lyne)
- The Christie at Macclesfield
Patients will be told by their clinical team when to have their blood tested before any treatments or appointments. The service is funded by The Christie Charity.
Patient stories
Mary Bruce: Overcoming cancer surgery with dementia support
82-year-old Mary Bruce, a former domestic supervisor at BT, is married to John. Together they have four children: Anne, Marie, Catherine, and John. Mary lives in supported care in Wythenshawe and loves playing darts and card games.
In 2024, Mary was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, after her daughter Marie noticed a small mark on her face. Mary was referred to The Christie in August 2024.
Mary and Marie met with a consultant at The Christie, who recommended surgery to remove the cancer. This would be a challenge though, as Mary has been living with dementia for around eight years and the surgery would normally involve having a local anaesthetic.
Due to Mary's dementia, Mary and Marie were referred to The Christie’s specialist dementia nurse clinician, Lorraine Burgess, to see what support could be put in place for them both to be confident about the surgery. As a result, Mary was able to successfully have surgery twice, with a general anaesthetic.
“Mum finds it difficult to remember things that have just happened and has short-term memory issues,” said Marie. “She is more likely to struggle in stressful situations, for example, when medical treatment is needed.
“Through working at The Christie, I learned about the amazing work Lorraine Burgess does to support dementia patients, although I am sure even if I didn't work here, I would still have been offered that support. Lorraine sorted everything I needed to help me get Mum through the surgery and recovery. She liaised with all the surgical teams involved in Mum's care, but most importantly, she was there to support me through the experience, as it was quite an ordeal.
“My experience at The Christie, both as an employee and as a carer, has been first class. Lorraine gave me some great practical tips and advice, particularly on how to help Mum to relax. I honestly don't think Mum or I could have got through the cancer surgery without that help. The plastic surgery team were also superb, and the team in the Integrated Procedures Unit looked after Mum superbly. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank Lorraine and The Christie for their care."
David Ly: Turning his proton therapy mask into art
David Ly has turned his proton beam therapy mask into a piece of art to celebrate the end of his treatment.
David, 45, who lives in London with his partner Ian, was diagnosed with a chordoma, a rare bone cancer, in 2020. He initially went to the opticians with double vision, thinking he might need glasses, but the optician noticed something was wrong and sent him to hospital. Several scans and tests later, he was told he had a 23mm tumour at the base of his skull.
He had to have three operations to remove as much of the tumour as possible before he could be referred to The Christie for proton beam therapy — a type of specialist radiotherapy. It targets tumours using high-energy protons which are shaped into a beam. As a result, it’s potentially less damaging to the surrounding healthy tissue.
David had 41 sessions of daily proton beam therapy at The Christie. His treatment finished in February 2021 and all subsequent scans have shown his cancer is stable.
Making the mask was a way of processing what had happened to him and celebrating the progress he’s made.
“I had my treatments during the COVID lockdown and it was a really difficult time for me. Being creative with my mask is my way of taking a dark experience and making it bright and beautiful. It includes the scar from the operation I had on my skull and the silver spikes on the top represent the protons treating my tumour. I called it my warrior armour during treatment and now it really looks like that.”
“I keep it in my living room and it’s a reminder of just how far I’ve come. I recently brought it up to the proton beam therapy centre to show my team, which meant a lot to me. They are just brilliant, I can’t praise them enough.”
Turning his own mask into art is just the start for David. He added:
“One day I hope to collect photos of beautiful and creative masks that other people have done and make a display of them.”
Proton beam therapy is only suitable for the routine treatment of a small number of people with certain cancer types, such as where the tumour is close to the brain or spinal cord. Standard radiotherapy using X-rays is also a targeted and highly effective treatment for most cancers.
Charity corner
The Christie Charity 30 by 30 pledge
The Christie Charity plays a vital role in supporting The Christie by providing enhanced services over and above what the NHS funds. From pioneering cancer research, care, and treatment to extra patient services that help make cancer treatment a little easier, the hospital would not be the world-leading centre it is without this support.
Research has always been central to the work of The Christie and will continue to be a focus for charity funding in the future.
We are committed to supporting the Trust’s research division with its vision of ‘Learning from every patient,’ ‘Enabling every patient to participate in research,’ and ‘Applying this knowledge to improve the lives of patients with cancer now and in the future.’
Studies have shown that cancer patients treated at research-intensive hospitals have better outcomes than those treated in hospitals with little or no research activity.
We support the development and provision of trials, allowing more patients than ever to benefit from them. The staff we fund work in a collaborative environment with numerous organisations on a regional, national, and international level, including The University of Manchester, Cancer Research UK, National Institute for Health and Care Research, Greater Manchester Cancer, and Manchester Cancer Research Centre.
These partnerships ensure The Christie remains at the forefront of world-leading cancer research strategies and accelerates research breakthroughs.
Our supporters helped us provide £3.8m to fund research projects last year, and we have committed to a further £30m up to 2030 — our 30 by 30 pledge. The Christie has set ambitious targets for the next few years, including trebling the number of patients participating in research and growing the pipeline of research leaders with regional, national, and international influence, with the ultimate aim of bringing tomorrow’s treatments to patients faster.
The opening of the state-of-the-art Paterson building sees The Christie on the brink of a new era for cancer research and innovation, with the seamless integration of research with clinical care accelerating discoveries from the laboratory into clinical practice, resulting in more advanced treatments and better outcomes for patients.
To secure outstanding results for patients, we need outstanding staff. The Charity will support the recruitment of the next generation of cancer research leaders and clinical research fellows, with the ultimate goal of improving survival rates for patients.
For details on how to support The Christie Charity, visit one of the centres, call 0161 446 7506, or visit The Christie Charity website.
The Charity Centre (Withington site) is located near the Oak Road entrance of the hospital (department 3). Open Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4pm.
The Macclesfield Charity Centre is located in the main waiting area at The Christie at Macclesfield. Open Tuesday to Thursday, 10am to 3.30pm.
Welcome
A word from the executive editor
The name of this magazine was chosen to reflect the togetherness here at The Christie. We believe this is a place where everyone's voice is valued, and we want this new publication to showcase that.
Accordingly, in this first edition, you’ll be able to read stories from our staff and patients alike.
Hello and welcome to the first edition of our new staff and patient magazine – We are The Christie.
We’ve featured snippets of life here at The Christie, from the wards and throughout our departments and divisions.
This winter launch is full of heart-warming news, including a piece about our recent Christie Colleague Awards – which is one of my favourite events of the year – as well as stories about some of our staff and patients. We also share updates on our staff vaccination campaign, the launch of our Green Plan, and much more.
Whether you’re reading this in outpatients, or during a break in the dining room, I hope that you enjoy it. Life isn’t always easy in a busy NHS hospital, but I’m so happy to be able to share just some of the inspiring and interesting stories that take place here every day.
Thanks for reading,
Roger Spencer
Chief Executive
Contents
We’d love to hear your thoughts about this new magazine. Please send any feedback or ideas to the-christie.internalcomms@nhs.net
You can also get in touch by post at:
WATC Editor, The Christie, 2-4 Candleford Road, Withington, Manchester, M20 3JH.
News in brief
The Christie celebrates fifth anniversary of symptom monitoring service
2024 marks the fifth year of our electronic patient-recorded outcome measures (ePROMs) service, called MyChristie-MyHealth. ePROMs are online questionnaires that patients fill in to report their symptoms, side effects, and quality of life.
Over 20,000 patients, across 30 different services, have filled in over 60,000 ePROMs since 2019. The Christie is the first NHS Trust in the UK to routinely introduce cancer symptom management questionnaires on such a large scale. A large portion of the funding came from donations to The Christie Charity.
The service was also awarded the Greater Manchester Cancer Innovation Award in 2022.
Winter vaccination campaign underway
The Christie’s annual seasonal vaccination campaign began on Thursday 3 October 2024, with a drive for staff to get their flu and COVID-19 jabs.
As you may see around the building, some of our staff are currently starring in the promotion of the campaign. They volunteered to have their pictures taken for posters and other marketing materials, with a quote about why getting vaccinated is important to them.
Getting vaccinated helps our staff to protect themselves, and our patients, from flu and COVID-19 during this busy winter period when these viruses are common. Learn more in the interview with vaccinator Rhona Johnson on page 6.
Not had your flu or COVID-19 jabs yet? Visit nhs.uk/wintervaccinations to book now.
Care Quality Commission (CQC) inpatient survey results
In August, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) published the results of the 2023 national inpatient survey, ranking The Christie amongst the top NHS Trusts in England.
The survey gathered responses from 651 Christie patients, who rated their overall hospital experience 9.1 out of 10, well above the national average.
Questions in the survey covered topics such as hospital admission and discharge, the hospital and ward environment, care and treatment, communication with staff, involvement in decisions, and being treated with respect and dignity.
VR therapy for children having radiotherapy
The Christie is the first hospital in the UK to use virtual reality (VR) distraction therapy for children and young people undergoing radiotherapy.
This is part of a 2-year project that aims to reduce anxiety related to cancer treatment.
The VR headset, designed for ages 7 to 16, has been used more than 20 times for procedures like cannulation, injections, dressing changes, and radiotherapy. Patients select face emojis before and after treatment to measure anxiety levels. The data collected will help assess the impact of VR on patient experiences during their cancer treatment journey.
Patients star in new Christie video
We recently produced a new film, We are The Christie, featuring some of our patients from Manchester and the North West.
The film showcases the range of services provided at The Christie and highlights the impact on patients' lives. Participants include BBC sports presenter Chris Latchem, drag artist Jay Swinnerton, midwife Claudia Boardman, and patient advocate Winston Carrington, alongside 24 clinical and non-clinical staff.
The video is being used at presentations and conferences, with translations for international audiences.
Watch the film by visiting The Christie YouTube channel at youtube.com/@TheChristieNHS
Feature story - Employee awards
Acting with kindness is something we ask of all our staff at The Christie. And there is nothing more rewarding for teams than when our patients take the time to say a heartfelt thank you.
Dr Berman honoured with Act with Kindness Award
Dr Richard Berman, Head of Supportive Oncology, was recently presented with the Act with Kindness award at our annual Christie Colleague Awards.
He was nominated by his patient, Helen Hyndman, who described him as "kind, caring, gentle, calming yet professional."
Helen said: “Richard sees me as a whole person, not just a person with cancer or a set of symptoms. He takes the time to really listen to me, without any rush, hearing not only what I say but also what I don’t say. This makes me feel he completely understands me, and I never feel rushed or as though I am just another patient in his clinic.
“Richard and I work together to make treatment decisions that are right for me. I feel he values my thoughts and opinions, always taking these into consideration. He has collaborated closely with other teams to alleviate some of my symptoms, massively improving my quality of life and giving me a future that I didn’t see.
“I don’t know how to begin to thank Richard for everything he has and continues to do for me – he is an incredible doctor and I know how lucky I am to be under his care. He saved my life, and he continues to give me hope and courage for the future – there is no greater impact than that!”
Helen attended our recent Christie Colleague Awards to personally present Richard with his award. They were joined by dozens of other colleagues who were nominated in The Christie Colleague Awards for an evening where we celebrated some of the amazing achievements that have taken place in the last year.
To read more about all of the winners from the colleague awards, please visit our colleague awards 2024 news story.
Under the microscope - Vaccinators
Our staff vaccination campaign at The Christie is currently in full swing, and we thought it’d be nice to catch up with one of our vaccinators, Rhona Johnson, to find out how it’s all going.
Q: What advice would you give to someone unsure about getting vaccinated?
A: Come and speak to one of the vaccinators or visit the vaccine hub. Alternatively, speak to your colleagues that may have already been vaccinated. It’s safe, quick, and easy.
Q: What would you say to a staff member thinking about signing up as a vaccinator next year?
A: Go for it! There is some online training to do, but the more people there are, the better the service that can be provided. If you are going to sign up, please make sure you are up to date with Basic Life Support (BLS) and have been fit tested.
Q: Has there been any particularly rewarding or memorable moments working on the campaign so far?
A: Vaccinating very nervous members of staff and them saying they’re really scared of needles or asking if it’s going to hurt. I tell them I’ve already done it and they didn’t feel a thing.
Q: How has this year’s vaccination campaign been going so far?
A: It’s going well. I believe all available appointments are booked at the moment, and drop-ins are busy too, so take-up has been good.
Q: Why did you sign up to be a vaccinator?
A: I am a roaming vaccinator, which means that I’m on the move and administer vaccinations around the Trust. I signed up because nurses at ward level can find it difficult to get to appointments in the hub, so we are taking the vaccines to them to make things easier, especially for staff coming off a night shift.
Q: What has the response been like so far? Are people eager to get vaccinated?
A: Response has been good; staff have been keen to get their vaccines. There was a two-day delay getting COVID-19 vaccines in for the start of the campaign, and staff were asking for updates on their arrival. That shows how keen people are to get protected.
Q: Why do you think it’s important that staff at The Christie get vaccinated?
A: It’s important not just for ourselves, but also for our patients who are already in a vulnerable category, and not forgetting our friends and family at home.
Patient stories
You Made A Difference awards
Here at The Christie, we celebrate the positive effect our staff and volunteers have on patients, visitors, and colleagues each month, with the You Made A Difference award.
Recent recipients include:
Around the Trust
Memorial tree planting
A memorial tree was planted at The Christie on 17 September 2024 to mark the first National Memorial Day for Health and Care Workers Lost to Suicide.
Since 2011, more than 2,500 health and care workers across the UK are recorded to have lost their lives to suicide. The planting was an opportunity for reflection and to remember those who are no longer with us.
Christie staff were joined by Sarah Jones from Doctors in Distress, a charity that provides mental health support to healthcare staff, at a memorial tree planting at our Withington site.
Dr Neil Bayman, Executive Medical Director, and Andrew Bradley, Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care Co-ordinator, both spoke at the event. In the space, which is located to the right of the Oak Road entrance, benches have been installed where staff, patients, and visitors are all welcome to sit in contemplation.
New inpatient wards open
We are excited to announce that after over 3 years of work, 2 new wards – 14 and 15 – were officially opened on Saturday 19 October 2024.
The wards, which comprise 20 bedrooms for inpatients, were opened with assistance from the NHS Targeted Investment Fund (TIF). The 4-storey building was previously used for offices, but it has now been transformed into single rooms and 2-bed wards, all with en-suite bathrooms, as well as clinical/wellbeing spaces for staff.
The ward opening and moves are an integral part of our improvements around inpatient care and treatment.
Muslim support group launches at Maggie’s
A new Muslim cancer support group has been created in Greater Manchester. The support group, which is set up by Maggie’s and supported by The Christie, had its official launch event in October at Maggie’s Cancer Centre.
The centre, where the group meets, is based on Kinnaird Road, next to The Christie’s Withington site.
The group welcomes anyone from Greater Manchester and the surrounding area who is Muslim and is living with cancer, as well as their family and friends. It supports individuals who have been impacted by cancer directly or indirectly, within a safe environment that facilitates compassionate conversations.
Members can access expert advice and explore support services at Maggie’s, as well as learn about research opportunities from Christie staff to make informed decisions about participating in clinical trials.
For more details contact the Manchester centre: manchester@maggies.org or call 0161 641 4848.
Christie staff show their Pride
The uncooperative Manchester weather didn’t stop over 30 LGBT+ colleagues and allies from taking part in the Manchester Pride parade in August.
The atmosphere on the day was incredible. The group was cheered on along the route, with several people coming over to greet staff and share what The Christie meant to them and their families.
The parade entry was organised by The Christie’s Rainbow LGBT+ staff network group, which is open to LGBT+ people and allies.
Staff stories
Partnering for our patients
In 2010, The Christie entered into a joint venture with our partner HCA Healthcare UK to form The Christie Private Care, a dedicated partnership for patients with private medical insurance or for those who choose to self-fund their care.
The Christie partnered with HCA UK because they are a like-minded organisation with a focus on high-quality care. The benefits that this could bring for patients and for the organisation were evident. 14 years later, The Christie Private Care has treated thousands of patients, helping more people in the region and beyond to access outstanding cancer care.
This partnership brings many tangible benefits to us as a Trust, including a dedicated income stream that we can re-invest into our NHS services. Beyond this, we have found several other innovative ways to collaborate and enhance the benefits of working in partnership with HCA UK. These include shared clinical posts and investment in new technology, to benefit both NHS and private patients.
And during the pandemic, our established partnership meant that we could work together and continue to provide care for our time-critical patients – something we can all feel truly proud of.
For more details, contact the team on 0161 446 3000.
Charity corner
How the Charity supports our Trust
The Christie Charity plays a vital role in supporting The Christie by providing enhanced services over and above what the NHS funds. From pioneering cancer research, care, and treatment to extra patient services that help make cancer treatment a little easier, the hospital would not be the world-leading centre it is without this support.
Studies have shown that cancer patients treated at research-intensive hospitals have better outcomes than those treated in hospitals with little or no research activity. Last year, our Charity funded £3.8m towards research projects and has pledged a further £30m over the next five years.
Reading this in the hospital? Then it’s likely you are experiencing some of the benefits that the Charity support makes possible.
Did you know that our Charity funds specialist staff including:
- Clinical nurse specialists and nurse clinicians who are experts in their field and provide help, advice, and physical and emotional support to patients.
- Clinical research fellows, advanced nurse practitioners, laboratory staff, research assistants, and technicians.
- A dementia nurse specialist.
- An artist in residence.
As well as:
- World-first clinical trials and research projects
- A complementary therapy service for patients, their families, and staff
- A smoking cessation service
- A wig service
- A staff library and education centre
- Music therapy for our younger patients
- An art service for patients and staff
- The maintenance of our beautiful garden and peaceful conservatory
- The enhancement of our catering service, allowing us to offer locally sourced fresh ingredients where possible and to accommodate patients' dietary preferences.
The Charity also funds larger-scale projects such as:
- Christie centres in Salford, Oldham, and Macclesfield
- Our bespoke teenage and young adult unit
- Our proton beam therapy research room (the first in the country)
- Our School of Oncology – a world-class teaching centre
- The Bloods Closer to Home service, to spare patients travel time and inconvenience
- Part funding of the multi-million-pound Paterson research building.
And this is just a small selection of the services, roles, and projects the Charity supports.
The Christie Charity has 2 centres located at the Withington site and The Christie at Macclesfield. The centres offer a welcoming space for anyone seeking more information about how to support the Charity. Both centres also sell a range of merchandise – including gifts, cards, jewellery, stationery, and other goods – with all proceeds going directly to The Christie.
Every donation made to The Christie Charity helps fund groundbreaking research, life-saving treatments, and enhanced patient amenities, creating a brighter future for our patients.
For details on how to support The Christie Charity, visit one of the centres, call 0161 446 7506, or visit: www.christie.nhs.uk/the-christie-charity
The Charity Centre (Withington site) is located near the Oak Road entrance of the hospital (department 3). Open Monday to Friday, 9.30 am – 4 pm.
The Macclesfield Charity Centre is located in the main waiting area at The Christie at Macclesfield. Open Tuesday to Thursday, 10 am – 3.30 pm.
The Christie Charity
