The Imperial Centre for Endocrinology is renowned worldwide for diagnosing and treating rare and complex endocrine conditions. Their multidisciplinary team has extensive expertise in conditions affecting the adrenal, thyroid, parathyroid and pituitary glands, infertility, neuroendocrine tumors, hypertension and genetic endocrine disorders. They utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic testing and see a high volume of complex cases, which has made them a leading center for many endocrine diseases. People travel from overseas to receive second opinions and treatment for conditions that others were unable to diagnose or treat effectively.

1. ISSUE 10 AUTUMN 2016
BUILDING EXPERTISE
IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
LIFESAVING STEM CELL
INNOVATION
FRIENDLY FACES TO
IMPROVE CANCER
SUPPORT
Endocrine consulting team

2. People travel from overseas to
undergo treatment at Imperial
Private Healthcare every day.
As head of the International Patients
Office, I frequently see how we have
built an enviable global reputation for
the quality of our service.
Our excellent clinical outcomes
and commitment to continual
improvement shine through.The
services and research highlighted
in this issue of Inside Private
Health show how Imperial Private
Healthcare is going from strength
to strength, and explain why we
are seeing an increasing number
of international patients.
The Imperial Centre for
Endocrinology, for example, is
world-renowned for diagnosing
and treating rare and complex
conditions that aren’t recognised
by many consultants in other
countries (pages 8–9). Our
size, the volume of patients we
see and the expertise of our
multidisciplinary teams enables
us to care for patients who
have received a diagnosis, or
not responded to treatment,
elsewhere.
At Imperial Private Healthcare,
we are continually expanding our
offer. On page 5, we report how
two new renal dialysis machines
are enabling us to treat a wider
range of patients and offer
continuity of care to those
who need dialysis.
On page 10, we look at how
our specialist nurses and
support navigators are guiding
people with cancer through
their treatment.These experts
make life easier for patients,
and their families and carers,
by acting as primary contacts
for any questions about clinical
or practical elements of their
treatment or our facilities.
In this issue, our feature on our
state-of-the-art stem cell lab
explains how we are saving lives
through innovative research and
by manufacturing cells that boost
patients’ immune systems (pages
6–7).We also meet one of our
dedicated physiotherapists, who
tells us about the skills she needs
to help patients with serious
injuries get moving and back to
work (page 4).
All these articles demonstrate
why the quality of our service is
second to none.Through effective
working relationships between
departments and by sharing
knowledge between our private
and NHS teams, we are able to
deliver the right treatment to all
our patients.
Dr Talha Elyas
“By sharing knowledge
between our private
and NHS teams,
we are able to deliver
the right treatment
to all our international
patients.”
WELCOME
DR TALHA ELYAS
GET IN TOUCH…
This publication is produced by the communications
directorate at Imperial College Healthcare NHSTrust.
For feedback, suggestions or further information
regarding this publication, please contact the marketing
team: +44 (0)203 312 6995
For information on any of the services or projects
featured in this issue, contact our customer relations
manager on +44 (0)20 3311 7700
Head of the International Patients Office
2 | INSIDE PRIVATE HEALTH | ISSUE 10

3. 3 News in brief
4 In the spotlight:
Angharad Holland
5 Dialysis service
6 Stem cell innovation
8 Endocrinology expertise
10 Friendly faces for cancer support
11 How to find us
CONTENTS:
Dental service supports private
patients with their dentistry needs
Imperial Private Healthcare now offers private
dental services at Charing Cross Hospital.
Miss Ulpee Darbar, a consultant in restorative
dentistry, is supporting existing inpatients who
require any dental treatment as part of their
overall care – because of either a pre-existing
condition or a complication caused by
other treatment.
Specialist with rare pelvic floor surgery skills
joins the team
Consultant laparoscopic and colorectal surgeon Mr George
Reese has joined Imperial Private Healthcare, working at
Charing Cross Hospital andThe Lindo Wing. Mr Reese
specialises in both functional pelvic floor disorders and
recurrent pelvic cancers. He also has a special interest in
colorectal cancer and hernia surgery, while his other clinical
work includes elective and emergency general surgery and
upper and lower GI endoscopy. His research at Imperial
College London is in the field of colonic imaging and he has
been involved in setting up the colorectal pelvic floor service
at Imperial College Healthcare NHSTrust. Mr Reese is also a
consultant adviser to the charity Bowel Cancer UK.
New appointment brings
expertise in bowel and lower
intestinal surgery
Colorectal surgeon Mr Jamie Murphy,
who has trained extensively in lower
intestinal surgery and complex/recurrent
cancer, has joined the team atThe Lindo
Wing. Mr Murphy completed his medical
training at the University of St.Andrews,
Harvard University and St John’s College,
Cambridge.
He has received a PhD in colorectal
molecular oncology and undertaken
specialist training in areas including
advanced minimally invasive surgery
and the use of chemotherapy during
surgery to treat cancers that otherwise
cannot be removed.
Consultant recognised for contribution to clinical trials
Mr Ahmed Ahmed, a consultant in upper gastrointestinal surgery and lead bariatric
surgeon at Imperial College Healthcare NHSTrust, has been recognised for recruiting the
first patients onto a trial to test a specialist stapler used in weight-loss surgery. Receiving the
award from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Mr Ahmed said: “I can only
do this with the immense generosity and courage of patients who agree to take part in
clinical trials.The credit goes to those whose participation in clinical trials has led
to some of the biggest clinical breakthroughs of our time.”
NEWS IN BRIEF
Jamie Murphy
George Reese
Ahmed Ahmed
INSIDE PRIVATE HEALTH | ISSUE 10 | 3

4. Angharad Holland, one of Imperial Private
Healthcare’s dedicated physiotherapists, is
passionate about helping patients become as
active as possible.
Based at St Mary’s Hospital,Angharad sees every patient in
The Lindo Wing who requires physiotherapy. Her special
interest is orthopaedics, but she covers a mix of specialisms
– vascular, trauma, respiratory, postnatal, post-surgical and
medical, to name a few.
Having worked around the UK and in private facilities
in Australia and New Zealand,Angharad has extensive
experience of all physiotherapy treatments, including
muscle-strengthening exercises, stroke rehabilitation and
balance, chest physiotherapy to reduce the risk of infections,
walking assessments and pain management.
Angharad sees some patients for just a day or two, and
others over several months. For instance, she carries out
detailed ongoing assessments of stroke patients to establish
their needs, and helps elderly patients with broken hips to
regain normal movement and ensures their home set-up
is appropriate.
One of Angharad’s recent trauma patients had a leg
amputation and severe hand injury. “It’s a long process for
me to get a patient with serious injuries moving and back to
work,” she explains.“I worked with an occupational therapist
and hand therapist to increase the patient’s function and
independence.”
Offering advice and reassurance
Angharad adds that soft skills are also vital:“A big part of
my job is educating and motivating patients around being
active, which can be difficult when some patients find it
hard just getting out of bed. I look for signs that a patient is
struggling to cope with their situation. I spend a long time
with patients – every day for several weeks – and they feel
safe talking to me about their anxieties.”
As she sees her patients through all their physiotherapy
needs,Angharad provides continuity of care.“It’s reassuring
for patients to have that relationship with me from start to
finish.They also don’t have to repeat their case history or
goals to multiple people.”
Angharad says she is driven to help people with complex
mobility issues regain their independence:“I wanted to work
here, in a large teaching hospital, surrounded by innovative
research, so that I could expand my knowledge of patients
with highly critical needs. I can get advice from experts in
their field and, likewise, share my findings with them.That’s
great for me and for patients.”
IN THE SPOTLIGHT:
ANGHARAD
HOLLAND
Physiotherapist Angharad
Holland joined Imperial Private
Healthcare in May. She offers
the full range of rehabilitation
treatments to improve patients’
mobility and quality of life.
“A big part of my job is motivating patients to be active… I spend a lot of
time with patients and they feel safe talking to me about their anxieties.”
4 | INSIDE PRIVATE HEALTH | ISSUE 10

5. New facilities are enabling Imperial Private Healthcare to treat more
patients with ongoing renal conditions and complex health problems.
D
of
”
DIALYSIS SERVICE
INCREASES CAPACITY TO SUPPORT PATIENTS
Private patients who require dialysis can now
receive continuous care on site with the arrival
of new dialysis machines.
Two rooms within the Robert & Lisa Sainsbury Wing at
Hammersmith Hospital have been set up with sophisticated
dialysis equipment. This is a significant enhancement to
Imperial Private Healthcare’s offer, says head of nursing
Teresa McHugh:“It gives us greater flexibility to treat a
wider range of patients who need dialysis – both existing
renal transplant patients and private patients with other
secondary conditions, such as cardiac problems.”
Continuity of care
The service also benefits private renal transplant patients
who need dialysis, adds lead nurse Itziar Atucha:“The
process of live kidney donation is complex – from
exhaustive clinical assessments of the donor and recipient
through to recovery from surgery. It is an advantage to
the patient that they can now receive continuous care in
one location, as we can now support them through every
stage of their treatment.This also makes it easier for kidney
specialists, renal physicians and other professionals to be
involved in their care.”
A dedicated private dialysis nurse has also joined the
team. Sister Amrita Acharya has eight years’ experience
and will provide a one-to-one approach, building trusted
relationships with patients. She will work closely with other
NHS colleagues from Imperial College Healthcare NHS
Trust, which is Europe’s largest dialysis service.
Miss Atucha says:“Across theTrust, we have highly skilled
and trained renal nurses and international experts carrying
out innovative research in renal conditions and treatments,
and the new equipment will also benefit their work. Our
private clinical staff can call on their support if we need it
and tap into that specialist knowledge to ensure our care is
of the highest quality.”
Running since November, the service can be tailored to the
patient’s needs and schedule, and enables patients to have
their dialysis in the comfort of their own room.
There are benefits to staff, too. Ms McHugh adds “We are
able to support any patient requiring dialysis through their
whole care journey.That’s really fulfilling.”
“The new service gives us greater flexibility to treat a wider
range of patients who need dialysis – both existing renal
transplant patients and private patients with other
secondary conditions.”
INSIDE PRIVATE HEALTH | ISSUE 10 | 5

6. Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust’s state-of-the-art John
Goldman Centre for Cellular Therapy is delivering unique
treatments that provide greater protection to patients recovering
from blood and bone marrow stem cell transplants.
One of the UK’s most advanced stem cell laboratories is
saving lives by delivering outcomes of revolutionary research
straight to patients.
John Goldman Centre for CellularTherapy at Hammersmith
Hospital is leading the way in the UK by manufacturing
cells that enhance a patient’s immune system to protect
against infections. This complements a world-class
transplantation programme and improves the safety of
these complex procedures, especially in patients without
a fully-matched donor.
This stem cell laboratory is one of a small number in the
UK with a licence to provide medicinal products, in particular
for cellular therapy, which involves infusing living cells into
patients.As an academic health science centre with close
access to Imperial College London, theTrust has researched
this field extensively.
“Many of our private patients come from abroad and belong
to ethnic groups that are not common in the UK,” explains
Dr Jiri Pavlu, consultant haematologist.“If they are not fortunate
enough to have a fully matched relative, we often struggle to find
a matched unrelated donor for them. It is the recent advances
in cellular therapy that enabled us to use mismatched donors
more safely.”
STEM CELL
INNOVATION
FOR ADDED PROTECTION TO
TRANSPLANT PATIENTS
“Our people are knowledgeable about all blood-derived malignant
disorders. The benefit to patients is that we work as an integrated team,
sharing this expertise, and passing research into practice.”
6 | INSIDE PRIVATE HEALTH | ISSUE 10

7. Life-saving research
Currently, the team is using a new way of manufacturing
cells that fight specific viruses – the first time this new
advanced technique has been used in Britain.
“The body naturally produces lymphocytes – white cells
that develop an immune response to a virus,” says Anne
Bradshaw, head of operations and regulatory affairs.
“If that virus reappears, your body usually recognises it and
fights it.That’s how your immune system develops.A patient
who has had a stem cell transplant loses these cells and they
are no longer immune to anything, so a virus that the patient
has had before can reactivate, making an already unwell
patient very sick.”
The team has found a way to harvest these cells from a
donor and give them to a patient.To date, the stem cell
lab team has carried out trials on three transplant patients,
where specific antiviral cells from their donors have been
infused to treat three different viral infections –
all successfully.
State-of-the-art facility
The lab exceeds regulators’ requirements. Mrs Bradshaw
says:“Most similar labs monitor pressure levels and dust
particles weekly or daily, but ours does this continuously,
which gives us total confidence in the cleanliness of the
environment.
“Our people are highly-skilled in related specialisms
– haematology and paediatrics, for instance – and
knowledgeable about all blood-derived malignant disorders.
The benefit to patients is that we work as an integrated
team, sharing this expertise, and passing research
into practice.”
ANTIVIRAL CELL
TREATMENT IS
UK FIRST
Patients with immune systems
weakened by stem cell transplant
treatment can avoid secondary
infections thanks to a novel
technique developed at Imperial.
Researchers from theTrust’s stem cell lab have
found that infusing patients with antiviralT-cells
enriched by a novel technology can stop a
reactivated virus before it makes a post-transplant
patient seriously ill.
In the lab,T-cells from the patient’s donor – often
a relative – are mixed with an antibody specific to
a virus the patient has contracted.These cells are
then isolated and given to the patient, which will
then neutralise the virus.
So far, three patients have trialed the process at
St Mary’s and Hammersmith hospitals, and all
improved quickly.
“This is a safe process that can prevent patients
becoming more sick, which ultimately means
that they can return home much quicker:”
says consultant paediatric haematologist
Josu de La Fuente.
Stem cells preserved in liquid nitrogen remain viable for many years INSIDE PRIVATE HEALTH | ISSUE 10 | 7

8. disorders of the adrenal, thyroid, parathyroid and pituitary glands, infertility,
neuroendocrine tumours, hypertension and genetic endocrine conditions.
Complex cases are discussed in weekly multidisciplinary team
meetings. Specialists collaborate from diagnoses to final treatment.
Consultant endocrinologist Dr Florian Wernig explains:“We have some of
the world’s most experienced and innovative consultants in their field, each
with their own specialism. Constant peer review of our own practices
guarantees a high standard of care.
“Active and close collaboration with our research endocrine group, led by
Professor Sir Steve Bloom, puts us at the forefront of endocrinology, which
is a huge benefit to patients.”
People come from all over the world for second opinions, says consultant
endocrinologist Dr Harvinder Chahal:“We have the expertise to diagnose
conditions that others haven’t been able to identify. Particularly, this helps
patients from countries that don’t have resident clinicians with in-depth
experience of the most complex endocrine disorders.”
In-depth diagnostic testing
With an endocrinology investigation unit, a state-of-the-art laboratory and
uniquely skilled interventional radiologists on site, the team’s diagnostic
capabilities are first-rate. Many symptoms of endocrine conditions are non-
specific – tiredness, for example – so testing is key.
“The golden rule of endocrinology is to first establish a firm biochemical
diagnosis,” says Dr Wernig.“We go above and beyond to ensure
subsequent diagnostic and treatment processes deliver the best
possible outcomes.”
The endocrinology
unit’s expert team has
unrivalled knowledge
and experience in
the management
of hormone-related
disorders.
Recognised internationally for more
than 40 years, the Imperial Centre
for Endocrinology is a world-class
clinical, academic and teaching unit
under the experienced leadership of
Professor Karim Meeran.The team of
renowned physicians and surgeons has
the experience and state-of-the-art
techniques available to diagnose and
treat any endocrine condition.
Ongoing research and the expertise
gained from seeing a high volume of
patients have made the department
a leading centre for many endocrine
diseases and it is especially well
equipped to deal with complex and
rare problems.The conditions managed
include the excess or insufficient
production of hormones and all
BUILDING ON THE FOUNDATIONS OF
ENDOCRINOLOGY
EXPERTISE
Photo above from left to right: Dr Florian Wernig, Dr Harvinder Chahal, Dr Jeannie Todd,
Professor Sir Steve Bloom, Professor Karim Meeran and Dr Channa Jayasena
8 | INSIDE PRIVATE HEALTH | ISSUE 10

9. The centre offers fast diagnostic tests, many of which involve
precise or extensive techniques that can only be carried out
in a specialist centre. Some patients need multiple tests over
several days.The centre has the capacity to carry out all
these in one location, overseen by consultants and trained
endocrine nurses.
A range of treatments
A wide range of treatments are available, from surgery to
hormonal therapies.
In the 1970s, Hammersmith Hospital formed the UK’s
first endocrine surgical unit. Endocrine surgeon Mr
Fausto Palazzo explains:“Hammersmith was the cradle of
endocrine surgery. Few centres have such an effective close
interaction between endocrinology and endocrine surgery.”
This has helped the centre become the UK’s largest for
thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal surgery and, thanks to
Professor NeilTolley, the first to perform robotic thyroid
and parathyroid surgery. It is also unique in offering
every type of adrenal surgery, including laparoscopic and
retroperitoneoscopic adrenal surgery – a minimally invasive
surgery through the back, which means patients have less
pain and a shorter hospital stay.
Patients with fertility issues are jointly assessed by
endocrinology, urology and gynaecology specialists.
Consultant Dr Channa Jayasena sees men and women with
any infertility or reproductive hormone condition. Many of
his patients have severe problems and have not responded
to treatment elsewhere or been told they cannot be helped.
“I diagnose conditions that many doctors aren’t aware
of because the hormonal levels resemble those of other
conditions,” says Dr Jayasena.“Because our centre is run by
reproductive clinicians, rather than scientists, we can spot
particular clinical issues.”
“Many of our experts here have been involved in
endocrinology for decades,” adds Dr Wernig.“Alongside this
rich experience, we have the latest facilities and knowledge
to diagnose and treat every condition. Not many centres
can say that.That’s what makes us strong.”
“ The golden rule of endocrinology is to first establish a firm
biochemical diagnosis. We go above and beyond to ensure
subsequent diagnostic and treatment processes deliver the
best possible outcomes.”
Dr Florian Wernig and Dr Harvinder Chahal
INSIDE PRIVATE HEALTH | ISSUE 10 | 9

10. When a patient is living with
cancer, their whole life is
affected. That’s why Imperial
Private Healthcare’s team of
cancer specialist nurses and
cancer support navigators are
on hand to provide guidance
and reassurance throughout
their treatment.
Patients with cancer meet many people during the course
of their treatment – so Imperial Private Healthcare is helping
them access the right specialists and information when they
need them.
Imperial Private Healthcare has two dedicated cancer
support navigators and two oncology clinical nurse
specialists (CNS) working across Hammersmith and Charing
Cross hospitals. Every patient diagnosed with, or suspected
of having, cancer has a named CNS and navigator who have
in-depth knowledge of their condition and treatment plan.
While consultants will supervise all aspects of patient care,
each patient’s navigator and CNS are available for day-to-
day practical support about everything from medication to
appointments, meaning patients receive a comprehensive
clinical service on all levels.
Navigators and CNS aim to make life easier for patients, and
also their families and carers. From the first conversation,
they get to know the patient and hear their concerns and
how cancer might affect their home life.They become
a familiar face and a visible, comforting presence on the
ward – building a rapport, offering emotional support and
reassurance, and communicating key information.When
the patient is at home or their CNS is not on the ward, the
patient, carer or relative can call or email them directly if
they have something on their mind – no matter what it is.
Expertise and understanding
Clinical nurse specialists are trained and experienced in
cancer nursing. Patients benefit from having easy access to
an additional clinical expert, aside from their consultant, who
can answer questions about their treatment.
Patients can call navigators to manage their appointments
and get whatever information they need – from test results
to details on local community services and home support.
Navigators are also there if patients just want someone to
chat to. If the patient has a clinical enquiry, the navigator will
make sure the CNS or another healthcare specialist on the
team returns their call as soon as possible.
The team is always available – including offering support and
information related to a patient’s secondary condition or
injury they have while being treated for cancer.
Together, the CNS and navigator build a trusted relationship
with their patient, putting them at ease and delivering a
seamless service that exceeds the expectations of everyone
affected by cancer.
FRIENDLY FACES
If you have any ideas for service development at Imperial Private Healthcare, or would like to give feedback,
contact Jane Boyle, head of business development, at jane.boyle@imperial.nhs.uk
OFFER DEDICATED
SUPPORT TO THOSE
LIVING WITH CANCER
10 | INSIDE PRIVATE HEALTH | ISSUE 10

11. Queen Charlotte’s
& Chelsea
Hospital Hammersmith
Hospital
St Mary’s Hospital
A40 LEADING
TO THE M40
A4 LEADING
TO THE M4
& HEATHROW
AIRPORT
A41
LEADING
TO THE M1
A501 TOWARDS
LONDON CITY
AIRPORTEAST ACTON
D U C A N E R O A D
A40
A219
HAMMERSMITH
BARON’S COURT
PADDINGTON
MARBLE
ARCH
H Y D E P A R K
EDGWARE
ROAD
BAKER
STREET
M A R Y L E B O N E R O A D
A501
A
41
A
4
A4
A4
MARYLEBONE
Western Eye
Hospital
Charing Cross
Hospital
FULHAM
PALACEROAD
R I V E R
T H A M E S
W E S T W
A Y
A
4 0
P
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A
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SUSS
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G
A
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D
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S
Tel: +44 (0)20 3311 7700 Email: private.healthcare@imperial.nhs.uk
The Lindo Wing of St Mary’s
Lindo Wing, St Mary’s Hospital, Praed Street, London W2 1NY
Charing Cross
TheThamesView, 15th Floor, Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road, London W6 8RF
Hammersmith
Robert & Lisa Sainsbury Wing, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London W12 0HS
Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea
Sir Stanley Clayton Ward, Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea Hospital, Du Cane Road, London W12 0HS
Western Eye
Western Eye Hospital, 153-173 Marylebone Road, London NW1 5QH
HOW TO
FIND US
INSIDE PRIVATE HEALTH | ISSUE 10 | 11

12. With over 350 consultants covering every medical,
diagnostic and surgical specialty, we care for our patients
whatever their healthcare needs.
Our partnership with Imperial College London means
that many of our consultants are involved in cutting-edge
research, which in turn allows us to provide the most
up-to-date treatment for patients.
All funds generated by Imperial Private Healthcare are
reinvested in Imperial College Healthcare NHSTrust, to
support and enhance both NHS and private clinical services
for the benefit of all our patients.
For more information on our private healthcare services,
please contact our customer relations manager on
+44 (0)20 3311 7700 (09.00 – 17.00 GMT) or email
private.healthcare@imperial.nhs.uk
For more information about our consultants please visit
www.imperialprivatehealthcare.co.uk
At Imperial Private
Healthcare, our patients
experience the best
of both worlds: our
world-class consultants
provide care in modern
private facilities within
the reassuring setting of
some of London’s most
trusted NHS hospitals.
EXPERIENCE
WORLD CLASS CARE