There has been a definite change in the weather this week and as it turns colder, we’re already seeing an increase in respiratory conditions such as flu.

Our Emergency Departments (EDs) are treating a high number of patients, which we expect to increase in the coming weeks, so it’s important we all do what we can to protect ourselves by having the Covid-19 booster and flu jab this winter.

We know that people are waiting too long in ED and we’re determined to cut the queues through initiatives I’ve previously shared. However, we cannot ignore the fact that our EDs are among the busiest in London and it isn’t the quickest or most appropriate place to get treated for non-life-threatening conditions.

As always, we value your support in helping residents understand where to get the best care, such as NHS 111 or their local pharmacy, which would be a more pleasant experience.

Latest innovations: A national first

I’m proud that we are the first Trust in the country to introduce an app to improve care for our cancer patients.

The ‘Noona’ app allows patients to instantly message our team with questions or concerns, as well as find information about their treatment in one place.

Around 650 patients are using it and being kept safer, as the app has an algorithm that tracks the urgency of messages. If they report serious symptoms, an alert is raised advising them to call a 24-hour hotline, or go to our ED.

It’s currently integrated across our Radiotherapy, Chemotherapy, and Acute Oncology teams, and additional services are set to follow.

We’ve also recently completed our latest ‘super’ clinic. Theatres 3.0 saw our surgeons complete 22 urology operations in one day – triple the number we would usually complete on an average day.

Best wishes.

Matthew Trainer

Chief Executive