Dear colleague,

This week, we held a graduation ceremony to celebrate staff who have completed qualifications and training programmes including apprenticeships.

Giving our staff the opportunities to develop their careers and reach their potential is important in strengthening our workforce, which ultimately leads to better care for our patients.

I’d like to say a big well done to everyone who graduated.

Robotic surgery cuts gynaecology waits

As you may know, gynaecology is one of the specialties at our Trust with the longest waiting lists. To help tackle this, we’ve been carrying out robotic procedures since 2021 and I’m pleased that more than 500 women have now had robotic gynaecology surgery in our Elective Surgical Hub at King George Hospital.

A surgeon controls the robot and carries out the operation from a console, where they are supported by an assistant. Embracing this technology has had a massive impact on the lives of women with conditions including heavy periods, prolapse and incontinence.

We invited Ilford South MP Jas Athwal and the Mayor of Redbridge, Beverley Brewer, to meet our staff and former patients, who were able to come in and speak about the impact the robotic surgery has had on their quality of life.

I’m grateful that our local representatives came in and saw the work we do and hear from women in our local communities.

Queen’s livestreams training worldwide

And finally, surgeons at Queen’s have livestreamed a technique for treating painful, long-term ear problems to train doctors across the world.

Surgeons use a device called an endoscope camera to go through the ear canal itself rather than making any cuts behind the ear.

The two-day course was livestreamed to trainees and consultants from as far as South Africa, Asia, the Middle East and beyond.

This technique is having a big impact here at Queen’s, with patients now having a reduced risk of infection. I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to share our knowledge with others.

I hope you have a great weekend.

Matthew Trainer,
Chief Executive