Alumni newsletter- winter 2023
This page contains all the content from the first ever alumni newsletter.
Continue below to hear all about our recent Clinical Champions event, hear about some successes from our graduating cohort and meet our new Improvement Programmes Manager; Jo Riches.
Champions unite for a day of creativity and collaboration!
In November 2023, we united our second and third cohorts of Champions. Over two jam-packed days, our Clinical Champions deep-dived into each other's projects, exchanging valuable anecdotes from their time in the programme. The experience was filled with camaraderie, creativity, and impactful discussions aimed at reshaping prostate cancer care across the UK.
The pinnacle of this bridging event was a captivating community gallery. Cohort 2 showcased innovative posters, offering a glimpse into their hard work and leadership journeys, allowing all our Clinical Champions to connect, network, and share ideas.
We also held an activity where our Champions could talk through the profound impact of their project for men across the UK. This exchange of knowledge and wisdom supports our tireless efforts in enhancing healthcare practices in prostate cancer.
Stay tuned for more updates as our Clinical Champions continue to pave the way for positive change in prostate cancer care!
Celebrating the achievements of Clinical Champions Cohort 2
As the calendar turned to November, we bid a fond farewell to the remarkable journey of our 20 Clinical Champions from cohort 2. Throughout their time with us, these Clinical Champions have demonstrated unwavering dedication, commitment and achieved noteworthy success. Their departure marks the end of a chapter, and while we'll miss their presence, we are confident they'll bring energy and enthusiasm to all their future endeavours.
If you want to be added to the list below, please contact the team!
For those curious about the collective impact of our graduating champions, stay tuned for our comprehensive impact report in 2024.
In November 2023, Lucy treated the first SonablateHIFU patient at Royal United Bath NHS , creating a new focal therapy technology option for patients. What a fantastic accomplishment!
Uschi and her team were recently awarded 'Team of the Year' at the British Association of Urology Conference Awards Gala!
The team provide support for men with prostate cancer through their Prostate Cancer Exercise and Education Programme (PEEP). Congratulations!
Back in May 2023, Leann was recognised with a Bronze Award at the British Journal of Nursing (BJN) Awards.
Congratulations Leann!
Earlier this year, Ben Lamb was recognised for his work in transforming MDTs in the east of England through his creation of a 'ground-breaking learning programme'. Ben has designed a course which will overhaul MDT meetings and provide major savings in time and money for his local area, with hope it can be scaled on a national level.
Well done Ben!
Wissam has undertaken two very successful projects with us. These have looked at a same day discharge and the self-removal of catheters, which together have benefitted hundreds of patients. Wissam has received overwhelmingly positive feedback and has since seen the self-removal of catheter adopted by several other hospitals.
We'd like to welcome to the team Jo Riches as our new Improvement Programmes Manager.
Jo joins Kavita and Holly as part of Prostate Cancer UK's Improvement Programmes Team.
Jo is joining the team from a position with a GP Federation based in Surrey and Sussex, where she developed and led a service managing the ongoing medical needs of refugees and asylum seekers arriving in the UK. Working in partnership with GPs, primary care, wider NHS services and local charitable organisations, Jo notes it was an incredibly fulfilling albeit occasionally frustrating and heart-breaking role.
Jo has an increasing number of friends whose dads are either currently navigating their way through prostate cancer treatment or have died from from it. Along with some of her friends, Jo was part of a group who organised a small local fundraising gig in support of Prostate Cancer UK at the start of the summer raising just over £1600. She wanted to be able to further support the charity, so felt incredibly lucky to find the Improvement Programmes Manager role.
In the non-work side of things she has 2 cats, loves baking-in particular making increasingly complicated birthday cakes for her nieces and nephews, binge watching crime dramas, and a good garden centre.
Jo is thrilled to be joining this wonderful team, and at such an exciting time for the organisation. You can contact Jo directly here.
Upcoming opportunities
Apply for our Clinical Champions Programme
Apply to our Clinical Advisory Group
Inaugural Alumni Event: Leadership: designed to last
Friday 8 March 2024 Prostate Cancer UK Office London