Autumn is already upon us and we remain committed to support and provide the best care to our patients and staff through the COVID-19 pandemic. We couldn't deliver this care without the invaluable help of supporters like G and K Boyes Charitable Trust, Ralph Lauren, The Henry Oldfield Trust, NHS Charities Together, Lady Garden Foundation, Goldman Sachs Gives, Bridgepoint, Oak Foundation, The Reuben Foundation, The Joron Charitable Trust and The Laurence Misener Charitable Trust, just to name a few.
Our supporters have helped the hospital by funding technology that can be used to facilitate remote patient consultations. This reduces the need for our patients to expose themselves to the risks of travelling into the hospital.
Patients who have received remote consultations have been very positive about this approach.
“During the pandemic, travelling down to The Royal Marsden would have put me at risk. Instead, I have been in contact with the hospital remotely at home. I have needed routine blood tests organised by the hospital which have been carried out at home by a nurse. I then have a virtual consultation with a registrar on an iPad to discuss my results, which thankfully remain positive. We have also talked about my well-being and next steps. Having this conversation virtually was great and really suited me. Being home and somewhere familiar and comfortable really helped. You have time to take in the news you’re receiving, and my wife Zoe could be with me.” Ian
New COVID-19 testing equipment has been installed at The Royal Marsden to support cancer patients and staff during and beyond the pandemic – thanks to a United Way Worldwide grant to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, on behalf of the generosity of The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation. The equipment enables the hospital to find out sooner whether patients have the virus and ensure they are cared for in the most appropriate way. It also reduces the length of time that staff have to self-isolate for if they, or a member of their household, develop symptoms. The Charity has a longstanding relationship with Ralph Lauren, who, in addition to funding the testing equipment, also helped raise funds to support the COVID-19 emergency appeal.
Donations from The Henry Oldfield Trust and Lady Garden Foundation have enabled the hospital to begin unique research projects which are investigating the impact of COVID-19 on cancer patients and the staff who care for them.
NHS Charities Together have funded physiotherapy equipment and virtual sessions which are helping our patients keep fit – a key defense against the virus. They have also funded iPads and apps that enable our inpatients to have virtual contact with their loved ones as visitors are not allowed in the hospital.
A grant from Bridgepoint has enabled us to expand the psychological support available for the hospital’s frontline staff who have been working tirelessly to keep our patients safe throughout the pandemic.
These are just some of the ways that generous donations have helped The Royal Marsden’s patients and staff during the pandemic. Thank you to all our supporters and partners for their continued generosity.