Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

Dr. Matthew Hodson MBE RN has started his role as director of nursing at North Middlesex University Hospital. Matthew joins us from University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust where he has been deputy chief nurse and deputy director of infection, prevention and control for the past four years. With 25 years' experience, Matthew has also held the role of respiratory nurse consultant and several senior nursing leadership positions in both community and secondary care settings. He is an honorary Professor at Bournemouth University and a Queen's Nurse. Matthew was awarded an MBE in 2015 for services to respiratory services.

North Middlesex University Hospital has opened its new discharge lounge, offering a welcoming and relaxed environment for patients as they prepare to return home. Located on the ground floor of Pymm’s Building, in the ward formerly known as the Mary Seacole ward, the lounge is equipped with two beds and four chairs, with the flexibility to adjust capacity as needed. Patients can use the lounge even if their prescriptions, transport or family pick up is still being finalised, provided they are dressed and ready to go home, and meet the clinical criteria to use the lounge. The area is designed for comfort and accessibility, with wheelchair-friendly spaces. There are magazines and newspapers, as well as patient Wi-Fi to keep connected. A snack station offers tea and coffee, with hot lunches and meal options available for patients, available upon request. The lounge will be staffed by two nurses and one healthcare assistant, ensuring that patients receive the necessary support during their stay, and will operate from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday. Upon arrival, patients will be provided with a new information leaflet about the lounge and what they can expect, ensuring a smooth transition from the ward to home. The opening of the lounge aligns with the trust’s commitment to improving patient flow and reducing waiting times.

A nurse has been honoured for consistently going above and beyond for her patients. Alba Gaughan, an assistant phlebotomist at Edgware Kidney Care Centre, has become the first recipient of the inaugural David Myers Award for Excellence in Kidney Care, after being nominated by her patients. Alba, who has worked at the Royal Free London (RFL) for 24 years, told assembled guests she was “humbled and grateful” to receive the new award. She said: “This award motivates me to work even harder because of the impact I know it has on patients’ lives.” The idea to create the award came from Martha Myers, (pictured right with Alba), the widow of David Myers BEM. David, who died last year, had been a kidney transplant recipient twice over and spent more than 30 years as a renal patient of the Royal Free Hospital (RFH). He campaigned tirelessly on behalf of RFL patients, helping to lead the charge locally to raise awareness of organ donation, especially among ethnic minority groups. The award was presented at the end of an evening where David’s work as part of the Royal Free Hospital Kidney Patients’ Association (RFHKPA) and his three terms as hospital governor was celebrated. From championing patient representation on committees related to their care, improving patient transport, putting in successful grant bids for education events, fundraising for equipment, as well as ensuring renal dialysis centres remain at the heart of communities, David’s legacy lives on. Dr Mark Jesky, consultant nephrologist and service lead, reminded the 100-strong audience gathered on World Kidney Day, that they should never lose sight of the people behind every kidney disease statistic. Speakers included Professor David Wheeler who discussed the management of chronic kidney disease and the new treatments currently available and on the horizon. Professor Danny Gale also shared how patient data is being used in the fight against kidney disease. Transplant patient Patricia Gooden took part in a transplant discussion led by Dr Anamika Adwaney, consultant nephrologist, and Emma Dunning, a renal transplant clinical nurse specialist. The focus was on enabling patients to live their very best lives and Patricia shared how she refused to let her condition stop her from her great love of travel and her commitment to the RFKPA. Nii Plange, chairman of the RFKPA, spoke of David’s unwavering dedication and compassionate heart. He said: “I’m full of gratitude for the time we had together and though I wish we’d had more time I’m comforted by the memories we created. Thank you David for showing us the way.” The event, which took place at the Royal Free Hospital, also included a tribute to David from his godson, Marc Abraham, who read out moving tributes from David’s family. Going forward the award will continue to be presented annually to a member of staff from the RFL renal service who goes above and beyond. The award will be displayed in the RFH’s renal unit.

A grateful cancer patient was so pleased with the care he received at the Royal Free London that he wanted to share his feedback far and wide — by contacting a Radio 2 DJ. Following a surprise visit by The Princess of Wales to The Royal Marsden Hospital to thank staff for their care during her cancer treatment, Jeremy Vine invited listeners to his lunchtime programme to share their cancer stories. Paul McKenzie, who has been treated for cancer twice at the Royal Free Hospital, immediately contacted the show to say ‘thank you’ for the kind and attentive care he received during his treatment. He had special praise for surgeon Professor Christos Toumpanakis and clinical nurse specialist, Sophie Brown. “Without the support and dedication of the staff at the Royal Free Hospital, I’m convinced I would not be here today,” he informed producers of the show. “Their compassion, expertise, and dedication made a world of difference, and I am deeply grateful for everything you did.” In 2019, after undergoing a Whipple procedure, an operation that involves removing the head of the pancreas, the first part of the small intestine, the gallbladder and the bile duct, further tests revealed neuroendocrine tumours in Paul’s liver. Paul was referred to our Neuroendocrine Tumour (NET) unit, where he received expert care from Professor Christos Toumpanakis, one of the leading international experts in that field. “Christos was fabulous,” Paul said. “So caring, thoughtful, funny and explained everything to me in an understandable way. He fought my corner on many occasions. I know I may not be here without his help and support" The Neuroendocrine Tumour (NET) unit at the Royal Free Hospital is a leading centre for the diagnosis and treatment of NETs, receiving referrals from across the UK and internationally. As the designated NET centre within the North Central London Cancer Alliance, the unit offers personalised care, tailoring treatment to the unique needs of each patient. With a multidisciplinary approach, the service combines clinical expertise and cutting-edge laboratory research to optimise treatment outcomes. The NET unit works closely with the oncology department, conducting both clinical and basic science research trials focused on advancing the understanding of NET pathogenesis and improving treatment strategies. Paul also wanted to thank the HPB service, particularly Sophie Brown, HPB cancer clinical nurse specialist, who was his main point of contact during his treatment. “She was there whenever I, or my wife, needed her. I don’t think there was anything Sophie could not do.” Sophie said: “To find out that Paul had been so kind to take the time to do this was a wonderful surprise. I’m so glad that our care has made such a difference to him and his family. It’s been my pleasure to look after him and my support for him continues, as he knows. It’s certainly a real boost to get such lovely feedback – and it really is a team effort.”

Today is No Smoking Day 2025. Several ex-smokers, including former Coronation Street star Kym Marsh, share stories about how they’ve ‘taken back their life’ since quitting. Even if you’ve tried quitting before, give it another go this No Smoking Day. 💙

Virtual wards are a crucial part of NHS plans to increase capacity and tackle the increasing operational pressures facing the healthcare system. We are continuing to expand and explore our virtual ward capabilities deploying face to face nursing care, as well as remote monitoring. We shine a spotlight on two virtual wards at the RFL which are already successfully supporting our patients at home… and we’ll continue to update you on our virtual ward journey as it becomes more widely adopted by different specialities and departments.

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Royal Free Charity 🥰 🐶

A new virtual fracture clinic launched at North Middlesex University Hospital aims to improve patient experience and boost efficiency. 👏 Patients with an injury or suspected bone fracture who visit the emergency department or minor injuries unit can now be referred directly to the virtual fracture clinic. This means that, after having a scan at the hospital, those deemed suitable for the virtual clinic will no longer have to come back in for a consultation. Instead, a consultant will review their scan remotely, alongside their medical history. Patients will then receive their treatment plan via a letter and/or phone call within 72 hours of their scan, enabling faster and more efficient care. The virtual fracture clinic team get in touch with patients to let them know whether they need to come into hospital for a face-to-face appointment, attend physiotherapy or how they can manage their recovery in the comfort of their own home. The virtual clinic means patients will be reducing the number of journeys they make into hospital. The new initiative also aims to improve waiting times for both patients seen virtually and those needing to visit the face-to-face clinic. Hosain Hadi, Darzi fellow and orthopaedic registrar at North Mid, said: “The in-person clinic can be very busy and has seen over 100 people attend in the morning alone. “With the virtual fracture clinic, most of these patients will be saving journeys into the hospital and those that do come in will have been assessed virtually prior to attending. Waiting times will be reduced and fewer face-to-face visits will be needed.”

Thank you to Kasia Madera and BBC News for telling the story of our incredible staff and patients. 💙