CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Every cancer diagnosis has a face, a name, and a story to tell.
That’s why we're committed to a person-centred approach to cancer care, that recognises each unique individual, and prioritises their needs with compassion and empathy.
Cancer is more than just a medical diagnosis - it’s a deeply personal experience.
Across our Leaders in Oncology Care Network, we care for almost 30,000 people with cancer every year. Every one of them is unique, each with their own story to tell.
Meet Graham, Kat, Vanessa and Graeme, who along with Joe and Megan, share their unique experiences of being diagnosed with cancer, or treating people with cancer, and give us their thoughts about the importance of person-centred care.
All their stories are unique, but today they stand united in support of every person that's been diagnosed with cancer.
Graham shares his experience of being diagnosed with prostate cancer, his treatment under the care of Mr Vijay Ramani at The Christie Private Care - part of HCA Healthcare UK, his choice to be treated with robotic surgery and his emotional and physical recovery.
In 2010 Vanessa was diagnosed with myeloma - an incurable type of blood cancer - after seeking medical help for severe back pain, which she initially assumed was an injury from climbing; a hobby she had taken up earlier in the year.
Our team of cancer experts understand the vital importance of person-centred care and the positive impact this can have on people living with cancer. Meet Megan, Matron for Leaders in Oncology Care, and Joe, Therapeutic Radiographer, who share their insights into the role of personalised care, and how they ensure their patients feel seen and heard.
“Hi, I’m Megan, I’m the Matron for Leaders in Oncology Care, as well as being an avid reader and a bit of a foodie.
As nurses, we get to spend so much time with our patients, and we’re responsible not just for ensuring clinical effectiveness, but also ensuring that we treat each person with kindness and compassion and ensure that they feel seen as an individual.
There are so many ways we can help our patients feel seen and supported, from involving them in decisions about their care, to promoting their autonomy, to ensuring they feel listened to.
A person-centred approach isn’t just about the big moments. Sometimes it’s just remembering the little things, like how someone takes their tea, even if I haven’t seen them for months. It’s offering someone a hug. It’s knowing what’s happening in their lives outside of the clinic. I was recently talking to one of my patients about their son, who was going on a first date. When I saw her the following week, we had a good gossip about how it went. We see you!”
“Hi, I’m Joe, I’m a therapeutic radiographer for HCA Healthcare UK. When I’m not at work you will find me exploring the world or playing ball sports.
A person-centred approach to cancer care is massively important. For me, it’s as simple as putting myself in their shoes, imaging what it’s like to be in their situation, having to deal with a cancer diagnosis and everything that comes with that. In radiotherapy we use big machines, which could be quite scary at first. I try to understand how they are feeling and put them at ease, and offer advice, or any adjustments I can make so they’re more comfortable.
Recently, a patient came for radiation treatment to his neck. To treat this area, we place the patient in a mask, and for some people - which was the case with this patient – this can be a little difficult or scary at first. Speaking to him, we realised he shared a lot of music tastes with my dad, classic and punk rock from the 70’s and 80’s. So, we created a Spotify playlist for him to listen to during his treatment sessions. It connected us on a more personal level, and it helped put him at ease.”
Our commitment to the care and improvement of human life defines our relentless focus on caring for people affected by cancer.
We are committed to providing exceptional, personalised cancer care from first diagnosis through to treatment, recovery and ongoing support.