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The newsletter for Trust members with an interest in heart and lung care
September 2022
Research led by Royal Brompton and Harefield consultant finds thousands of UK women with hearts attacks are underdiagnosed
Research published by Professor Thomas Lüscher, director of research, education and development, and cardiology consultant at Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals, has found that thousands of women in the UK who have experienced heart attacks have missed out on appropriate treatments over the past 19 years.
The study, published in The Lancet, provides insights into the role of biological sex in heart attacks.
Read more here.
Pharmacist secures funding for fungal research
A research study on invasive aspergillosis, a life-threatening infection in people with a weakened immune system, has been awarded funding from pharmaceutical company, Pfizer.
The project will be led by Lisa Nwankwo, specialist pharmacist at Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals and will focus on therapeutic outcomes in patients with invasive aspergillosis.
Aspergillosis is a condition caused by the aspergillus mould and presents in different forms, including invasive, chronic and allergic. Most forms of the disease affect the lungs which causes symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath and wheezing.
Watching open heart surgery – in the operating room
Luke Blair, head of communications, writes about his first-hand experience watching a surgeon and his team carry out a triple bypass.
Most people would readily acknowledge that what happens in an operating theatre is in many ways a miracle. Patients go in, with often very serious threats to their lives due to the condition they are in, and emerge fully treated, having literally had their lives saved.
Of course it is not actually a miracle. Medicine is a science and is built upon centuries of learning, evidence, experience, and clinical practice. Miracles have nothing to do with it.
But having now been lucky enough to stand right next to a surgeon performing a triple bypass operation, I can honestly tell you – what happens is indeed somewhat miraculous.
Read Luke’s full blog post here.
What our staff say: Meet Sonya Angus
Sonya, a phlebotomy manager is also our remote testing lead and office manager for haematology at Royal Brompton Hospital. Now having worked at our hospital for 22 years, she shares her experience with us.
What motivates you to wake up and go to work?
My team motivate me to come into work each day. They are very talented and hardworking, and I saw this especially during the pandemic where they worked tirelessly to provide high-quality care for our patients. I have a very supportive line manager who listens to me and offers me support when needed. It’s also always nice to see and hear positive comments from patients as it makes a difference to staff morale when they receive recognition for their hard work.
Member Events
Join our free
health and wellbeing webinars
Living with Fontan: a webinar series
Wednesday, 14 September
5.00 - 6.30pm
Online via Zoom
Joining link: click here
This webinar series is aimed at Fontan patients and parents/carers of young Fontan patients. The speakers will cover the following: nutrition and diet, anticoagulation- why and what, understanding investigations, hello from Little Hearts Matters and a Q&A session.
How the pandemic has shaped our response to healthcare challenges and an update on the vaccination programme
Wednesday 21 September
5.30pm - 7.00pm
Online via Microsoft Team
To register click here
Join Dr Richard Grocott-Mason, Chief Executive Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals, for a discussion on how the Trust’s responses to current healthcare challenges have been shaped by the pandemic. Participants will also hear from Professor Nick Hart, Consultant Physician in Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine, Research & Development Office and Dr Ali Hashtroudi, Clinical Director and Honorary Senior Lecturer at Guy’s and St Thomas’ about the vaccination programme, including boosters.
Annual Public Meeting
28 September
18.00 – 19.30
Online via Microsoft Teams
To register, Click here.
Find out about the last year in the life of our Trust and our future plans. Speakers will include: Trust Chairman, Sir Hugh Taylor, Chief Executive and Dr Ian Abbs. There will also be an opportunity for you to submit questions.
Focus on sleep
Tuesday, 11 October
11am – 12pm
Online via Microsoft Teams
To register, click here
Lack of sleep not only adversely affects daytime activities due to trouble concentrating, low mood and irritability, but it can also damage your health. Join us to hear from Dr Alanna Hare, consultant in sleep and respiratory medicine, who will discuss the importance of sleep, diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders and the latest research.
Webinar recordings
Catch up on any webinars you may have missed. Access the webinar recordings here.
Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals Charity
Heart vs Lungs: Around the World in 30 Days
Lace up your shoes this September for a virtual challenge you can do wherever you are, which will also take you around the world.
This is the third year that Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals Charity are running their virtual challenge event, Heart vs Lungs. This year the challenge is Heart vs Lungs: Around the World in 30 Days.
Choose either Team Heart or Team Lungs and then after the starting pistol is fired on Sunday 4, September you can walk, jog, run or roll for your team. Every inch you cover will be added to your team's total. Who will be the first team to cover enough ground to make it around the world? That's up to you!
All the information and how to sign up can be found on our website.
Sign up and cover ground this September, where every inch you cover will help your team go around the world.
Brompton Fountain
Sponsor a bear for young patients at Royal Brompton Hospital
Being in hospital can be a very scary experience for children. Some of our young patients will spend a lot of time away from their family, siblings and friends.
You can sponsor a 'Brompton Bear' for £5 for a child at Royal Brompton Hospital to keep them company during their admission. We will include a little card with your message so they know you're thinking of them. Thank you for your kindness and support.
To learn more about your Trust membership, share your feedback or update your contact details, please contact Nancy Dickinson at [email protected]
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