Caroline's Blog

This famous quote from Woodrow Wilson, America’s 28th President is true for every leader of every organisation. 

The ‘people’ might be customers or the public at large.  In our case, it’s a number of different and important groups, from patients who are the heart of everything we do to the general public.

As a publicly accountable organisation we have a duty to be open and transparent - but the opportunity to build up a strong membership, which foundation trusts status allows us to do, has enabled us to really engage with people across the region and beyond. People who have an interest and can have a voice at the highest level through their Christie governors.

A strong army of people from all walks of life across the land who we can listen and respond to.

I’m delighted that we have just exceeded 20,000 members, with new ones signing up all the time.

I want my ears to be constantly ringing      -     http://www.christie.nhs.uk/ft/membership.aspx

You know that feeling when you arrive back from holiday.  You’ve had a great time, and it’s been fun, refreshing and relaxing.  But as you go through your front door, put the kettle on and sit down on your sofa you get that warm, contented feeling about coming home.  

It’s that moment when “home is where the heart is” doesn’t sound like a cliché but a meaningful expression. 

That’s how I felt walking around The Christie today after a several days away. 

It was wonderful catching up with people, popping into different wards and departments to say a quick hello and presenting our well-deserved employee of the month award to Professor Malcolm Ranson, director of our clinical trials unit. 

There’s always such a positive, happy energy around the place that continues to surprise first-time visitors.

You can’t define or package it, there are too many unique and special ingredients. 

That’s why my heart is definitely in this home.

I’ve been really uplifted by two stories recently publicised in the media.

They have been about two very different people, with very different lives. But both have faced the despair of being diagnosed with difficult to treat cancers and the fear of leaving their families at a heartbreakingly premature time – and both have recently received the joyful news that their cancer has gone.

One of these people is Michael Douglas the Hollywood legend who had throat cancer and the second is one of our patients, Heidi Morter. Heidi is a 41 year old mum of three who was diagnosed with kidney cancer just months after getting married.  The disease had spread to Heidi’s liver and lungs and she assumed there was no hope and started making plans for her funeral.

Heidi however was one of 70 people who was able to go on research study at the Christie for patients advanced kidney cancer. Survival rates for patients with advanced kidney cancer are less than 5%, but around 25% of the patients who were treated with high doses of the drug interleukin-2 on this study are now in complete remission. 

Heidi’s powerful interview on TV praised her doctor and the opportunity to go on this trial.  That’s what research is all about, aiming to discover new treatments for future patients as well as hopefully helping those on the trial.

There is still along way to go, but these stories show – whether they are about Hollywood film stars or about mum’s who live down the road – that we are making progress and give us all hope.

Onwards and upwards.

• www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-12195940
• www.christie.nhs.uk/press/2011/180111.aspx

I’ve been avidly watching our boys ‘Down Under’ and I’m thrilled by their historic triumph.

A first Ashes series win in Australia for 24 years…they’ve done themselves and England proud.  What a way to start the New Year.

In any sporting success, the media always hails one player as the hero - the one who stole the show.

But my philosophy and one that I make sure I continually instil here at The Christie is that there’s not just one star.  It’s not a competition; it’s not a race or about one-upmanship.  A thriving organisation relies on everyone pulling together, mucking in, doing their bit and working as a team.  And when that team’s goal is about saving lives, about caring for people, about improving the patient’s experience, then team spirit goes a long way. 

On that pitch in sunny Australia, each and every one of those players brought about the impressive victory.  And back here in not so sunny Manchester, every single member of staff – from cleaner to consultant - has helped The Christie achieve its proud 100 year history and reputation.  The lives we save, the comfort we bring, the awards and accolades we achieve, are never just down to one person.  Proud isn’t strong enough a word.  Like the cricketers, I’m bowled over by our stars too.