Amanda Pullinger, Co – Founder at Global Female Investors Management, LLC, shared on LinkedIn:
“Last week I visited the University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Center, the UCL Cancer Institute and the University College Hospital Grafton Way in London to see the work being done to support GI stomach cancer patients – and to once again be inspired by the innovative research being done to create better early detection and better treatment solutions for patients.
The main UCH Macmillan Cancer Center was designed to ensure plenty of natural light and a combination of beautiful open spaces (including a 5th floor garden) and well – appointed private rooms. There are also designated floors for teenagers and young adults. All the key services are housed within a single building making it convenient for patients and medical staff alike. The reception area also features a very impressive installation by artist Simeon Nelson.
As we know, for cancer patients, the environment in which you are treated is critical. But equally important is the ability to be listened to and supported emotionally. I was grateful to speak with two nurses at the UCLH Macmillan Support and Information Service on the ground floor of the hospital. Patients and caregivers can spend time just relaxing and browsing the information provided; they can arrange one – on – one private meetings with the nurses, and or attend regular support groups offered in – person and virtually. It was also interesting to hear about the vital role played by pharmacists, who often pick up patient and caregiver concerns that might otherwise go unheard.
We then visited the research facility, conveniently across the street from the main building. It was fantastic to see the work being done to understand cellular changes from pre – cancer to localized cancer to metastatic cancer, from human tissue samples collected and grown onsite. As I’ve noted previously, the acceleration of personalized medicine in the GI/stomach cancer space will rely heavily on basic biology work being done in the research lab, and at Debbie’s Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer we are keen to ensure this work is well funded.
Huge thanks to Kai-Keen Shiu, Consultant Medical Oncologist at UCLH Gastrointestinal Oncology Service; Lauren McKenzie, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at UCL Cancer Institute, Marnix Jansen, Professor of Gastrointestinal Pathology at University College London (UCL) and University College London Hospitals (UCLH) NHS Trust and all the other medical staff I met with.
It takes a village to ensure that current GI stomach cancer patients receive the best diagnosis and treatment options today, and that we invest in a future where early detection and a better understanding of digestive health leads to improved outcomes.”
Other articles featuring Amanda Pullinger on OncoDaily.
