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@King’s
The magazine for King’s College Hospital
NHS Foundation Trust
2021, Winter
Caring for patients
throughout the second wave.
Find out more inside
www.nhs.uk
2 Welcome News 3
@King’s
6 Making Headlines Innovation at King’s 7
Channel Four showcases King’s New location for
Havens sexual assault
Protecting the community
response to the pandemic
During the first wave of COVID-19,
unit in West London
Channel 4 News was granted special
access to King’s College Hospital for their
documentary, Surviving COVID. The Havens opens a new unit in West London.
Filmed over the course of six months, the documentary focuses The Havens, which provides London’s opportunity to create
on four people seriously ill with COVID-19 in our critical care unit, forensic medical service for people who a more suitable space for
against COVID-19
and followed what happened to them and their families. Dr Tom have been raped or sexually assaulted, our staff and clients.
Best, clinical director of critical care at King’s and his team featured as well as counselling support and
in the documentary, which looked at the long term effects of the Our new location at
advocacy throughout the criminal
virus. Tom explained: “Generally, the longer the stay in critical care, justice system, has opened a new St Charles Hospital has
the longer the recovery. The good news is that with time, and the unit at St Charles Hospital in North a calm, open and relaxed
right care, most of these problems are reversible.” Kensington. space for counselling and
advocacy, as well as a
Surviving COVID aired on Channel 4 on Wednesday 2 December Part of King’s College Hospital, the modern forensic facility,
The magazine for King’s College Hospital p Dr Tom Best 2020, and is available to view on catch-up. Havens also has units based in which means we can meet ever p The Havens’ new unit
2021, Winter
Camberwell and Whitechapel. emerging new forensic standards at St Charles Hospital
whilst providing a welcoming,
NHS Foundation Trust
Simon Cordon, Service Manager at new unit a challenge, but I’m so pleased
trauma informed environment”.
the Havens, explained: “We previously with the backing the Trust provided
“Take every shift as it comes” had a service based in Paddington,
but we needed to move and took the
“There’s no doubt that the COVID-19
pandemic made the opening of the
for this move and the way staff have
worked together to make this a reality.”
Team King’s took centre stage in January 2021, when the Trust
opened its doors to a crew from AFP, a global news agency.
challenges facing our
Tackling Aplastic Aneamia through research
We hear from local people
Trust and the outstanding care p Caring for people
provided to patients and their families. with COVID-19
The results of this research project could £56,000
infections, or bleeding. Untreated, the
“COVID-19 can have a terrible impact
Funding condition has a high morbidity and
benefit patients across the globe. approved mortality. For those who recover from AA,
Justin Flemming, 47, told the crew he owed his life to King’s.
“I thought I might not see my partner again, my mum — there is a real risk of developing Acute
This year an important genetic research Myeloid Leukaemia or Myelodysplastic
be a dead friend, be just a stat,” he said. “This is a significant
project focussing on Aplastic Anaemia (AA) Syndromes.
historical moment and they protected the country.”
and related blood cancers is being carried
who are getting the on anyone, whatever their age, but
Felicia Kwaku OBE, Associate Director of Nursing at King’s, out at King’s College Hospital, with the Professor Ghulam Mufti commented:
“Our funding request for £56,000 has
View from
urged people to stick to social distancing rules to protect support of The Lions International Blood
themselves and their loved ones. “You take every shift as it Research Appeal (LIBRA). It is believed the been approved by LIBRA Trustees and
comes, you take every day as it comes,” she said. “You may fall results of this research project will go on we are so very grateful to this forward-
down, and you get yourself up. You may feel low, you pick to benefit AA patients across the globe by thinking charity and its supporters. The
because I’m particularly vulnerable,
p Critical care staff prone a patient yourself up. You may have a cry. … But we’re here to care for helping medical experts determine the best results from the study will be pivotal in
patients and care for each other.” treatment paths and better understand understanding key questions in a disease
COVID-19 vaccine.
The media coverage showcased the incredible efforts of staff which patients with AA are more likely to that carries incredibly significant mortality
You might have spotted go on to develop blood cancers, including and morbidity. More importantly, it will
at King’s College Hospital, as well as the experience of the
patients we have been treating.
AFP’s report on King’s in the Read our interview Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. also allow novel therapies for this disease
Times, the Independent, with Felicia on as well as Acute Myeloid Leukaemia or
I wanted to protect myself with the
Interviewed during the second surge of COVID-19, when and in media coverage page 10. AA is a life-threatening condition, which Myelodysplastic Syndromes.”
patient numbers were peaking, the crew captured the around the world. p Professor Ghulam Mufti can result in anaemia, life threatening
the Chair
vaccine. I am lucky to have four children
6-7 Donna Barracks, 56, recently had her and three grandchildren, and I want
first dose of the COVID-19 vaccination. to be around for them as long as Donna Barracks
12 Supporting Team King’s Supporting Team King’s 13
She said: “I have kidney disease and I possibly can.
Jane
Supporting Why I fundraise
ourselves to have the vaccine.
Rossi
our COVID-19
response regularly go into hospital for dialysis
For so many of us, 2020 has been a year like no other. In Jessie John, 7, took on a virtual 5k Santa Dash
and check-ups. So when the virus hit “I understand why people might be Life is short, and we are only here for
challenge for King’s College Hospital Charity.
Alejandra Pascual-Jackson
tells us how her volunteering
this edition of @King’s, we reflect on the past 12 months,
Jessie is a familiar face at King’s. He devastating, but within
roe has changed during the was born here, almost two months hours everything had
premature with only 10% of a bowel, changed. The very next
pandemic.
last year, it was an extremely anxious reluctant to have the jab, but this is a a short while, so protect yourself and
which resulted in him spending the first day I got a call from
nine months of his life in hospital. King’s, to say that they
had a liver for Jessie –
and celebrate how staff, patients and volunteers have come
“King’s has saved Jessie’s life multiple
and that took the pain
times over the past seven years,” says
away immediately.”
Jessie’s aunt, Lucy. “But in 2020 they
time for me and my family. life-threatening virus. We all owe it to your family.”
transformed his life when they gave COVID-19 restrictions
him a new liver. added a new dimension
together to face the biggest challenge the NHS has seen
to the emotional and
physical challenges
of living with a sick
Vaccine volunteers
child in hospital as
they recover from transplant surgery, Smiling from a hospital bed
but Lucy felt safe at King’s. “Some days
help the fight against
in its history.
were really hard. We couldn’t comfort car gave him that focus to think ‘OK,
each other with a hug even though we I’m going to have a liver transplant but
COVID-19 wanted to, but King’s took care of us.
“Every member of staff was amazing
this part of it is going to be fun.’
Alejandra Pascual-Jackson – I honestly can’t thank them enough.
Retired nurse, Jane Rossi, is giving up The cleaners, the receptionists, the
her time to help protect local people “Originally, I became a volunteer with my doctors, the nurses, the surgeons –
against COVID-19. toy poodle Alfie, a ‘Pets as Therapy’ dog everybody who keeps King’s safe for
and we had a wonderful time together, its patients. They have such a caring
Staff across the Trust have
Alongside hundreds of King’s staff over the years there’s nothing bringing patients some cheer. Sadly, nature, and they were all there to
who are delivering the COVID-19 I haven’t seen – or so I thought until following the COVID-19 pandemic, dogs support us because they knew we
Jessie riding to his liver operation
vaccine roll-out, local volunteers are the pandemic came along. After are no longer allowed in the hospital, so were there facing everything on our
also giving up their time to help. supporting the hospital during the while Alfie is on furlough, I’ve been doing own, without our families.
Home away from home for families of liver
His transplant operation has been life-
Jane Rossi, 65, a retired nurse who first wave, it’s been a privilege to my bit for both of us!
changing for us all. Jessie is now able to “They thought of everything. Instead
gone the extra mile to help
lives in Ide Hill, near Sevenoaks, help make sure patients and staff at go to school full time for the first time.
“Initially, I helped sort through the of Jessie walking the ten minutes to
explained why she wanted to the PRUH can have their vaccine as We can both sleep through the night
mountains of donations the hospital the surgical room, they encouraged
be part of the roll-out: “I started quickly and efficiently as possible. and I can work again.”
received to support frontline staff who him to drive there in the unit’s special
volunteering at the PRUH a year
“After so many months of were battling through the pandemic. So electric car and he loved it. He was
ago, when COVID-19 started making Things looked very different earlier
uncertainty, it’s uplifting to know many individuals and businesses wanted the first one to use it. He knew he was Fundraising for King’s College
protect and care for our patients.
the news headlines. Initially, I was in the summer when, while shielding
my role is helping to keep people to help. I’ve recently been able to go back going for a major operation. But the Hospital Charity
a befriending volunteer. A typical at home to protect themselves from
safe through the COVID-19 vaccine. onto the wards, and it’s been a privilege
day involved making sure patients COVID-19, Lucy received a call from
It’s the best way we can make to help patients and their families. It can
had everything they needed, and Jessie’s doctors to tell her that she may If you’re inspired by Jessie’s fundraising and want to take on
sure people in our community – be tough at times; you feel the pain and
keeping them company, as well have to start considering end of life care
transplant patients
especially those who might be more sadness when you lose a patient, but a charity challenge of your own, Kings College Hospital Charity
as helping the staff. for Jessie.
The experiences of redeployed
vulnerable – have some protection volunteering gives you the chance to bring has relaunched Kilometres for King’s. Find out more at
“I worked as a nurse for many years against this awful virus.” people so much happiness. You give a lot, “I had to break the news to the family supportkings.org.uk/K4K
before taking retirement, and but you gain so much more.” over the phone,” says Lucy, “That was
staff on page 8 are truly humbling.
12-13
You can also find out more about
LISTEN support
Contents
Felicia Kwaku OBE, and her efforts
Families of patients Paul McKie, Specialist Social
to make sure staff continue to
be protected throughout the coming to King’s College
Worker at King’s explained: group is lockdown
lifeline
“This accommodation is vital for
pandemic on page 10.
News 3-5 Hospital for liver families who have to rush from
Felicia Kwaku
Even in the midst of a pandemic, transplant surgery will all over the UK when their loved
miracles can happen every day. There’s an insight into the Making Headlines 6 benefit from brand new
one is receiving their transplant
LISTEN is for people going
at King’s.
incredible efforts of King’s staff to care for COVID-19 patients
accommodation, with through their transplant journey.
on page 6. And readers expecting a miracle of their own can Innovation at King’s 7 “Previously, we’ve relied on
find out more about maternity support during the pandemic the opening of a brand volunteers to lend a hand with Chris Winn, a group member, explained:
on page 9. Rising to the Challenge 8 new LISTEN Lodge. the refurbishment. But to help “Having a liver transplant is life-changing.
minimise inflection, staff have And even if you have an extremely supportive
COVID-19 vaccines have
Outstanding Care 9 The rooms have been refurbished, completed the work themselves, family, for most people, it’s not the same as
given us all hope for a return thanks to the King’s liver and it’s been a real labour of love.” speaking to someone else who has been
to normality and an incredible transplant charity LISTEN and
effort from Team King’s is
United Against COVID-19 10 through the same experience.”
coordinated by Wendy Littlejohn,
making sure people can have Transplant Service Manager. Refurbished rooms Linda Fraser, also a member, added:
their vaccine as soon as they Making a Difference in Our “LISTEN is a wonderful community where
are eligible. You can read about Community 11 people of all ages and backgrounds can
one of our fantastic volunteers, get together and share experiences. The
Jane, and how her support is Supporting Team King’s 12-13 pandemic has led to a lot of anxiety and
helping to protect more and uncertainty, and our monthly group Zoom
more people every day meetings have been a real lifeline for many
Jane Rossi
Our Governors 14
on page 12. people, wherever they live.”
I hope you enjoy reading, Become a Member 15
To find out more about LISTEN, visit
Sir Hugh Taylor King’s Chair
https://listenatkings.org/
Front cover photo: Caring for our patients during COVID-19
4 News News 5
Bowel Cancer Screening service Giselle Padmore-Payne Bringing the
wins Child Health Award arts into our
beats COVID-19 backlog hospitals
adult services at King’s. As well as
During the first wave invitations to screening by providing young people with one-to- A new partnership
150%, so we could include one guidance and advocacy, using
of COVID-19 in early people who were potentially between King’s and the
social media, WhatsApp and video
2020, King’s took the at risk, and who were not presentations, Giselle organises Southbank Centre is
difficult decision to able to attend our service transition workshops, patient support bringing art to patients
during the lockdown period. groups and peer mentoring. She has
pause Bowel Cancer By November, our screening of all ages across our
also developed training and resources
Screening, but now service was fully back on for her colleagues to help bridge the hospital sites.
the service is saving track. gap between children’s and adult
services. The Art by Post programme is
lives again. “During the second wave
bringing free poetry and visual
of COVID-19, we were able Orla Stewart, Clinical Nurse Specialist arts activities to people who
During the first wave of to continue offering bowel p Giselle Padmore-Payne at King’s, who supported Giselle’s are most isolated by the current
COVID-19 in early 2020, cancer screening to all our award nomination, said: “It is almost
p The bowel screening team, from left to right: Guy Chung-Faye, social distancing measures,
King’s took the difficult patients in Lambeth and
Eileen Sullivan, Amy Ng, Zoraida Castillo and Shonette Charles-Nurse A transition specialist nurse’s impossible to put into words the including some of our patients,
decision to pause Bowel Southwark. This was a great influence that Giselle has had since
Cancer Screening. Dr Guy achievement, and involved programme has helped joining the Haematology family at
through the post. The booklets
prolonged period of time procedures, and by the end have different themes including
Chung-Faye, Consultant was not an option. of summer, the backlog had
a huge team effort at every young people with sickle King’s in 2016. She has devoted every sports, nature and our homes,
Gastroenterologist and level of the hospital to
been cleared. cell and thalassaemia blood moment to caring for a unique and and many are written by artists
Director of Bowel Screening, From the end of April 2020 restore our service back to extremely complex group of patients.
explained: “Most of our team when Bowel Screening Dr Chung-Faye added: “In normal. Everyone showed disorders. with health issues or disabilities
“It is a privilege to work with her and themselves.
were redeployed to help care services at King’s restarted, July 2020, we were able to extraordinary resilience,
for the influx of COVID-19 Dr Chung-Faye and his reinstate full bowel cancer determination, and moved Giselle Padmore-Payne, Transition Senior I cannot think of another nurse more “The aim is to improve patients’
patients at King’s. However, colleagues systematically screening invitations for heaven and earth so that Nurse, has been recognised by the deserving of this award.” experience of hospital, reduce
our screening service saves worked through the list of local people in Lambeth and we could be there for our Nursing Standard with a Child Health loneliness and boredom and
Giselle added: “Making even a small
lives, and stopping for a patients waiting for their Southwark. We increased patients.” award at the 2020 RCNi Nurse Awards. to encourage our patients’
difference is what I love about my
Giselle specialises in the transition of career, seeing my patients go on to recovery through art,” says Lucy
care, and supports young people with achieve their dreams and aspirations Hamer, Patient Engagement
sickle cell anaemia and thalassaemia fills me with great satisfaction. and Experience Manager.
MBEs for Team King’s
as they move from children’s to I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
Congratulatio
n s!
Critical Care Consultant
Cancer group in search for new members
manage the high volume of
Dr Tom Best, and former patients requiring intensive care
during the first wave in April 2020.
King's Midwife Jill Demilew, Professor Clive Kay, King’s Chief
have been recognised in Jill Demilew, former Consultant Midwife Executive, was among the first to A new patient advisory group, which has breast and colorectal cancers, to help make sure we can
at King’s, has been recognised with an congratulate the recipients. He said, truly reflect the views of all cancer patients.
the Queen’s New Year’s been set up to support local cancer patients,
MBE for services to midwifery. During “All of us at King’s are very proud of
Honours list for 2021. her career, Jill had helped to address Tom and Jill for the hard work and is on the hunt for new members. “We are also seeking people from Black and ethnic minority
groups to join us and share their thoughts on improving
health inequalities and improve access dedication that has led to them
Andy Jonesco, the group’s founder, explained: “Our group cancer care.”
Dr Tom Best, Clinical Director for Critical to healthcare for the most vulnerable being recognised in the Queen’s
Care, has been awarded an MBE for women in south London. Through her New Year’s Honours. They have made aims to improve cancer services, and make sure patients have
services to critical care, particularly work, Jill has applied different models significant contributions in their the support and help they need by bringing together people To find out more about the Cancer Patient
who are living with cancer, and their carers.
for his work during the COVID-19 of care within the community to get fields and I’m delighted it has been Advisory Group, contact Andy on
pandemic. Dr Best was instrumental in the very best outcomes for the most acknowledged at a national level. “We are particularly keen to hear from people with direct andy@efficiam.co.uk
ensuring the Trust was able to safely disadvantaged. Many congratulations to them both.” experience of skin, upper gastrointestinal, urological,
6 Making Headlines Innovation at King’s 7
Channel 4 showcases New location for
King’s response to the pandemic Havens sexual assault
During the first wave of COVID-19,
unit in West London
a TV crew was granted special access to
King’s College Hospital for their documentary,
Surviving COVID. The Havens opens a new unit in West London.
Filmed over the course of six months, the documentary focuses The Havens, which provides London’s opportunity to create
on four people seriously ill with COVID-19 in our critical care unit, forensic medical service for people who a more suitable space for
and followed what happened to them and their families. Dr Tom have been raped or sexually assaulted, our staff and clients.
Best, Clinical Director for Critical Care at King’s and his team featured as well as counselling support and
in the documentary, which looked at the long term effects of the advocacy throughout the criminal Our new location at
virus. Dr Best explained: “Generally, the longer the stay in critical justice system, has opened a new St Charles Hospital has
care, the longer the recovery. The good news is that with time, and unit at St Charles Hospital in North a calm, open and relaxed
the right care, most of these problems are reversible.” Kensington. space for counselling and
advocacy, as well as a
Surviving COVID aired on Channel 4 on Wednesday 2 December Run by King’s College Hospital, modern forensic facility,
p Dr Tom Best 2020, and is available to view on catch-up. the Havens also has units based in which means we can meet ever p The Havens’ new unit
Camberwell and Whitechapel. emerging new forensic standards at St Charles Hospital
whilst providing a welcoming,
Simon Cordon, Service Manager at new unit a challenge, but I’m so pleased
trauma informed environment”.
the Havens, explained: “We previously with the backing the Trust provided
“Take every shift as it comes” had a service based in Paddington,
but we needed to move and took the
“There’s no doubt that the COVID-19
pandemic made the opening of the
for this move and the way staff have
worked together to make this a reality.”
Team King’s took centre stage in January 2021, when the Trust
opened its doors to a crew from AFP, a global news agency.
challenges facing our
Tackling Aplastic Anaemia through research
Trust and the outstanding care p Caring for people
provided to patients and their families. with COVID-19
The results of this research project could £56,000
infections, or bleeding. Untreated, the
Funding condition has a high morbidity and
benefit patients across the globe. approved mortality. For those who recover from AA,
Justin Flemming, 47, told the crew he owed his life to King’s.
“I thought I might not see my partner again, my mum — there is a real risk of developing Acute
This year an important genetic research Myeloid Leukaemia or Myelodysplastic
be a dead friend, be just a stat,” he said. “This is a significant
project focussing on Aplastic Anaemia (AA) Syndromes.
historical moment and the NHS protected the country.”
and related blood cancers is being carried
Felicia Kwaku OBE, Associate Director of Nursing at King’s, out at King’s College Hospital, with the Professor Ghulam Mufti, Consultant
urged people to stick to social distancing rules to protect support of The Lions International Blood Haematologist commented: “Our funding
themselves and their loved ones. “You take every shift as it Research Appeal (LIBRA). It is believed the request for £56,000 has been approved
comes, you take every day as it comes,” she said. “You may fall results of this research project will go on by LIBRA Trustees and we are so very
down, and you get yourself up. You may feel low, you pick to benefit AA patients across the globe by grateful to this forward-thinking charity
p Critical care staff prone a patient yourself up. You may have a cry. … But we’re here to care for helping medical experts determine the best and its supporters. The results from the
patients and care for each other.” treatment paths and better understand study will be pivotal in understanding key
The media coverage showcased the incredible efforts of staff which patients with AA are more likely to questions in a disease that carries incredibly
You might have spotted go on to develop blood cancers, including significant mortality and morbidity.
at King’s College Hospital, as well as the experience of the
patients we have been treating.
AFP’s report on King’s in The Read our interview Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. More importantly, it will also allow novel
Times, The Independent, with Felicia on therapies for this disease as well as Acute
Interviewed during the second surge of COVID-19, when and in media coverage page 10. AA is a life-threatening condition, which Myeloid Leukaemia or Myelodysplastic
patient numbers were peaking, the crew captured the around the world. p Professor Ghulam Mufti can result in anaemia, life threatening Syndromes.”
00Rising
8 Headerto Here
the Challenge Outstanding
Header Here
Care00
9
Redeployed to tackle COVID-19 KAOS improves care for helping and
empowering
Tina Brooker tells us about her redeployment from network young people in hospital young people
administrator into the Programmed Investigation Unit.
KAOS (King’s Adolescent Outreach Service) specialisms, including
gynaecology, social work, nutrition, paediatrics,
“I was redeployed to the Programmed times, they always have smiles on their is an innovative project which works to trauma and haematology. Each and every one of us is
Investigation Unit as a ward clerk in faces and give exceptional care to the
January 2021 from my role as a Network patients, making families feel reassured
improve the care of teenagers and young passionate about helping and empowering young people.
Administrator. that their loved ones are getting the people in hospital. “The last few months have been difficult for us all, especially
utmost exceptional care. for some of our young people. We’ve been able to continue
“I’ve found working on the ward quite
During the COVID-19 outbreak, KAOS teams and colleagues to offer support over the phone when we can’t be there in
emotional. I take calls from families “I take pride in helping the staff and
have continued to offer support to younger patients aged person, and we’ve continued to take as many referrals as
inquiring after their loved ones and I will do anything to ease their busy
between 13 and 25. Zahra Sarwar, A KAOS Youth Worker we possibly can.”
you can hear the concern in their voice role so they can continue to care for the
explained: “Our team members have a huge range of
hoping the news is good. patients. I feel honoured to be working
and helping, however big or small it
“The staff I work with may be in this pandemic.
were all strangers until we
Tina Brooker
Expecting a baby?
started working together. “When I have told people that I have
They are amazing and been redeployed to the ward they say the well done, it’s the nurses. I don’t
despite the stress at ‘well done’, but it’s not me that needs have the stress the nurses are under.”
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in early
2020, many women’s experiences of pregnancy
Tackling COVID-19 on the frontline has changed. Emily Barrett, community
matron at the PRUH, explains how parents
to be can help manage their anxiety.
“Social distancing measures mean that this special time
Belinda Dela Cruz is vaccination provided will hopefully
help decrease the number of where expectant parents are usually surrounded by friends
usually based at Queen COVID-19 patients. and family, and meeting other new parents through
Mary’s Hospital, Sidcup, antenatal classes, has become virtual. The current COVID-19
“Redeployment was indeed a outbreak is stressful for everyone, and if you're pregnant, it's
and was redeployed to very stressful time for me in the understandable if you're feeling especially anxious. The King’s
help the Trust’s response beginning, but with the help and Midwives are still here for you and your baby. Here are some
to COVID-19. great support of the ED team, tips to help look after yourself during lockdown:
the job has been bearable and
been made easy – and eventually 1 Follow us on @Kingsmaternity! Any updates
Belinda explains: “I was
redeployed to support Emergency become something interesting as to our services, visiting policies, and useful Follow
Department (ED) Admin at the I begin to learn new things and contact numbers are posted there. us!
PRUH, where I could help staff with challenges.
2 Come along to our virtual antenatal classes,
the high numbers of COVID-19 “When I look back at this time, Baby Basics classes and Infant Feeding classes. All of these p Congratulations if you are
patients we were seeing. I realised that everything has an are free, and run by our midwives and support workers. expecting or have recently had a baby
end, and losing hope shouldn’t be Search ‘PRUH Maternity’ or ‘King’s Maternity’ on Eventbrite
Belinda explains how she and
an option. Change is inevitable, to book. You can also look into private classes such as with your midwife to make sure you’re booked into
her team remained upbeat and
so adaptation and flexibility are hypnobirthing, that can support you through the birth their clinic.
hopeful during this time. “By
very helpful when an unexpected process and relieve anxiety.
looking on the brighter side, 4 Tell us if it’s all getting too much. If you’re struggling
things will get better eventually situation arises. Kindness must be
3 Ask to see the same midwife throughout your pregnancy. with your mental health, tell your midwife. Support
and this will pass. Also, knowing maintained as well, as chaos can
We aim to provide continuity of care during the antenatal services continue to run throughout the pandemic, and
that almost everyone is on board either bring the best or worst in
period, but changes during the pandemic mean that this we have specialist midwives and clinics who can provide
doing their bit to help, and the people sometimes.”
p Belinda Dela Cruz doesn’t always happen. You can check your appointments additional advice if needed.”
10 United Against COVID-19 Making a Difference in Our Community 11
5 MINUTES WITH… Support for young patients at King’s
I am the Chair of the Chief Nursing The Team on Mary Ray ward are an The Chartwell Children’s Due to COVID-19, vital resources had patient
dwindled with a ‘one patient / one time admissions due
Officer’s BME Strategic Advisory Group, excellent example of colleagues going Cancer Trust is a charity use’ approach adopted for infection to specialist
and we heard some harrowing stories the extra mile. Staff had to be trained
from colleagues across England, who extremely quickly to look after very
raising funds to make control. These much-needed ‘grab and physical and
were worried about their risk of getting unwell patients with acute respiratory improvements to cancer go’ resources included arts, crafts and mental health
play equipment. And with increased conditions,
COVID-19 and dying. We urgently problems, and they rose to the care for young patients, having tools
needed to make conditions safer, and challenge magnificently.
our group was able to support staff and
families and medical teams. for art therapy sessions has a positive
make recommendations to improve risk Is there anything from the impact on young people’s well-being.
The charity has a long-standing
assessments, provide more effective response to COVID-19 that you Health Play Specialist, Jackie Ambrose,
relationship with King’s College
PPE, and ensure that there is a review hope we’ll keep? said: “Thank you to everyone at
of every NHS staff member who died Hospital to help support young
COVID-19 is still with us, and I hope Chartwell. With patients in for weeks
from COVID-19. oncology patients. This has included
there will be a focus on supporting and months, we were running out of
upgrading and modernising oncology
staff who are living with the impact of resources. This means so much to our
It’s an honour for us to care for our rooms, providing medical equipment,
long COVID, as well as the emotional children, young people, their families
patients – but just as importantly, we and setting up cancer support groups
trauma that can come with nursing p Donated arts and crafts resources and us.“
need to look after staff and protect for families with a dedicated group for
through a pandemic. Physical and
them from the virus. teenagers.
mental wellbeing has never been more
What moments have you been
important. Most recently, the charity funded To find out more about The Chartwell Children’s Cancer Trust,
a complete wish list for children’s visit www.chartwellcancertrust.co.uk, contact
Felicia Kwaku OBE most proud of? This is also a fantastic opportunity for
oncology and COVID-19 wards, including info@chartwellcancertrust.co.uk or call 01959 570322.
Staff across the Trust have gone above us to celebrate the amazing efforts and
Our Associate Director of Nursing the youth work service in the hospital.
and beyond the call of duty during achievements of our colleagues, and
talks about the realities of providing
the pandemic, everyone has pulled show how proud we are of them all.
care in exceptional times
together to do the best we can for
our patients. Felicia with her Team King’s colleagues
Helping local
What did those early days of the and Harris Hospice Care and
COVID-19 pandemic feel like? St. Thomas’ Hospital in central
We are all used to working under
women affected
London as well as donating
pressure, but in the 30 years of nursing, to the BRCA Support Group
I had never seen anything on this scale at Guy’s Hospital.
before. We needed to roll out huge
changes to the way we ran our services,
rapid training of staff and redeploying
by breast cancer “Our other core purpose is
patient support. We run a
hundreds of staff so that we could care buddy scheme for patients
for the numerous patients in various The South East London Breast Cancer who would like support
stages of the illness, all the while, Trust was created by former patients to during their treatment.
colleagues experienced their own All buddies are Macmillan
anxieties and also became sick. It is no
help women going through breast cancer. trained. On the last
exaggeration to say that COVID-19 has Wednesday of the month
Samantha Crinnion, a breast cancer survivor, explains: we hold a support group meeting at The Sloane
tested the NHS like nothing else in its
“Our primary aim is to help breast cancer patients and their Hospital in Beckenham, Kent for all breast cancer patients.
history.
families in the South East London Area. In 2019 we started funding a patient counsellor two days
What were the most challenging “South East London Breast Cancer Trust was formed in a week at The Princess Royal University Hospital (During
moments? August 2010 as a result of patients raising £150,000 for a COVID-19 restrictions support is delivered remotely).”
COVID-19 is an illness that can injure lymph node analyser for The Princess Royal University Hospital
many of the body’s organs, causing in Farnborough, Kent. Since then we have raised £500,000 for
moderate to severe effects including new treatment equipment for the following hospitals: The For more information about the charity,
death in a short space of time. Every life Princess Royal University Hospital, Farnborough Kent, Queen search for the South East London Breast
lost is a tragedy and we remember all Mary’s Hospital in Sidcup, The Cancer Centre in Sidcup, Queen Cancer Trust on Facebook, or visit SELBCT.org
those who have died. Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich, Bexley & Greenwich Hospice
12 Supporting Team King’s Supporting Team King’s 13
Jane
Rossi Supporting Why I fundraise
our COVID-19
response Jessie John, 7, took on a virtual 5k Santa Dash
challenge for King’s College Hospital Charity.
Alejandra Pascual-Jackson
tells us how her volunteering Jessie is a familiar face at King’s. He devastating, but within
roe has changed during the was born here, almost two months hours everything had
premature with only 10% of a bowel, changed. The very next
pandemic. which resulted in him spending the first day I got a call from
nine months of his life in hospital. King’s, to say that they
had a liver for Jessie –
“King’s has saved Jessie’s life multiple and that took the pain
times over the past seven years,” says away immediately.”
Jessie’s aunt, Lucy. “But in 2020 they
transformed his life when they gave COVID-19 restrictions
him a new liver. added a new dimension
to the emotional and
physical challenges
of living with a sick
Vaccine volunteers
child in hospital as
they recover from transplant surgery, Smiling from a hospital bed
but Lucy felt safe at King’s. “Some days
help the fight against were really hard. We couldn’t comfort
each other with a hug even though we
car gave him that focus to think ‘OK,
I’m going to have a liver transplant but
COVID-19 wanted to, but King’s took care of us.
“Every member of staff was amazing
this part of it is going to be fun.’
Alejandra Pascual-Jackson – I honestly can’t thank them enough.
Retired nurse, Jane Rossi, is giving up The cleaners, the receptionists, the
her time to help protect local people “Originally, I became a volunteer with my doctors, the nurses, the surgeons –
against COVID-19. toy poodle Alfie, a ‘Pets as Therapy’ dog everybody who keeps King’s safe for
and we had a wonderful time together, its patients. They have such a caring
Alongside hundreds of King’s staff over the years there’s nothing bringing patients some cheer. Sadly, nature, and they were all there to
who are delivering the COVID-19 I haven’t seen – or so I thought until following the COVID-19 pandemic, dogs support us because they knew we
Jessie riding to his liver operation
vaccine roll-out, local volunteers are the pandemic came along. After are no longer allowed in the hospital, so were there facing everything on our
also giving up their time to help. supporting the hospital during the while Alfie is on furlough, I’ve been doing own, without our families.
His transplant operation has been life-
Jane Rossi, 65, a retired nurse who first wave, it’s been a privilege to my bit for both of us!
changing for us all. Jessie is now able to “They thought of everything. Instead
lives in Ide Hill, near Sevenoaks, help make sure patients and staff at go to school full time for the first time.
“Initially, I helped sort through the of Jessie walking the ten minutes to
explained why she wanted to the PRUH can have their vaccine as We can both sleep through the night
mountains of donations the hospital the surgical room, they encouraged
be part of the roll-out: “I started quickly and efficiently as possible. and I can work again.”
received to support frontline staff who him to drive there in the unit’s special
volunteering at the PRUH a year
“After so many months of were battling through the pandemic. So electric car and he loved it. He was
ago, when COVID-19 started making Things looked very different earlier
uncertainty, it’s uplifting to know many individuals and businesses wanted the first one to use it. He knew he was Fundraising for King’s College
the news headlines. Initially, I was in the summer when, while shielding
my role is helping to keep people to help. I’ve recently been able to go back going for a major operation. But the Hospital Charity
a befriending volunteer. A typical at home to protect themselves from
safe through the COVID-19 vaccine. onto the wards, and it’s been a privilege
day involved making sure patients COVID-19, Lucy received a call from
It’s the best way we can make to help patients and their families. It can
had everything they needed, and Jessie’s doctors to tell her that she may If you’re inspired by Jessie’s fundraising and want to take on
sure people in our community – be tough at times; you feel the pain and
keeping them company, as well have to start considering end of life care
especially those who might be more sadness when you lose a patient, but a charity challenge of your own, Kings College Hospital Charity
as helping the staff. for Jessie.
vulnerable – have some protection volunteering gives you the chance to bring has relaunched Kilometres for King’s. Find out more at
“I worked as a nurse for many years against this awful virus.” people so much happiness. You give a lot, “I had to break the news to the family supportkings.org.uk/K4K
before taking retirement, and but you gain so much more.” over the phone,” says Lucy, “That was
14 Our Governors
Membership application
Do you qualify to be a Member? To be a Member, you must be aged 16 years or over and answer YES to one of the following questions.
Governor Elections Do you live in Bromley, Lambeth, Lewisham or Southwark?
Have you been a patient, or the carer/relative of a patient at King’s in the last six years (including Denmark Hill,
Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH), Orpington Hospital and other sites)?
Yes
Yes
No
No
About you: Please use BLOCK CAPITALS
Are you? Male Female Date of birth: D D M M Y Y Title: Mr / Mrs / Ms / Other (please circle)
First name: Surname:
Address:
Postcode:
Telephone No: Mobile No:
Email:
Twitter: @
Do you consider yourself to have a disability? Yes How would you describe this? No
2021 KCH Governor Elections We are seeking to fill the following vacancies:
Please tick if you need information sent by post. We use email wherever possible to reduce paper.
– one more week to get your
nominations in! Public (Lambeth) – 3 vacancies
How would you like to get involved? Local campaigns Improving services Only receive information
Our Governors are a vital link between our Public (Southwark) – 3 vacancies Consider standing as a Governor Fundraising Join King’s Members’ online Share your experience
advisory group of care at King’s
Members and the Directors who make decisions Attending meetings and events Volunteering
about the Trust’s services. We are holding Patient – 4 vacancies
elections for the Council of Governors of To which ethnic group would you say you belong?
Staff (Nursing & Midwifery) – 1 vacancy Asian Chinese Mixed White & Asian
King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
White British Black Caribbean Asian Indian Other Asian Mixed Other
To be eligible, you must be 16 or over and
Staff (Allied Health Professionals) – 1 vacancy White Irish Black African Asian Bangladeshi Mixed White & Black Caribbean Any other ethnic group
a member of King’s, living in a constituency
in which an election is being held. If you are Staff (Medical & Dentistry) – 1 vacancy White Other Black Other Asian Pakistani Mixed White & Black African
not yet a member of King’s, you can join for
free by emailing the Membership team. Staff (Admin Clerical & Management) – 1 vacancy Areas of interest? (please tick as many as you like) Maternity Therapies (e.g. physiotherapy)
To be nominated and to vote in this round
of elections you need to be a registered King’s (Denmark Hill) Dental Men's health Trauma / Emergency Dept
member by 5pm on Monday 8 March 2021. Nomination forms must be received by the Returning Officer King’s (PRUH) Diagnostic services Mental health Women's health
by 5pm on Monday 8 March 2021. King’s (Orpington & other sites) Disability issues Neurosciences Young people (16-24)
Should any nominee wish to withdraw their nomination, this must be Cancer / Haematology Drug & alcohol services Outpatients Other: Please state:
Please note:
in writing to the Returning Officer by 5pm on Monday 15 March 2021. Cardiac (heart) Equality & Diversity Renal (kidney)
You are not eligible for nomination if
Children General Medicine Services for older people
you are currently a Governor at another For all contested constituencies, voting will open on Thursday 1 April 2021.
NHS Foundation Trust. Critical Care Hospital environment Sexual health
Voting will close at 5pm on Monday 17 May 2021. Dementia Liver Surgery
Declaration: I apply to become a Member of King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation
For more information and guidance on standing for election, please contact Ciara Hutchinson, Trust. I agree to be bound by the rules of the organisation and I understand that the
Signature:
Returning Officer, by calling 020 8889 9203 or email Ciara.Hutchinson@cesvotes.com processing of my information is for the purposes of the Trust to meet our legal
requirements as a Foundation Trust and a public body. I also understand that my personal
Date:
information will only be used in relation to my membership of King’s and not shared.
Thank you Please return completed applications to: Membership email: kch-tr.members@nhs.net
FREEPOST, Membership helpline: 020 3299 8785
King’s College Hospital PPI Website: www.kch.nhs.uk
cut here
Produced by Corporate Communications: March 2021
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