05.07.19
Duke of Cambridge discusses mental health at The Royal Marsden hospital
The Duke of Cambridge met with staff and patients to discuss mental health at The Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea, learning about the psychological support being offered to staff, patients and their families.
The Royal Marsden offers a full programme of psychological and emotional support, funded entirely by The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, which provides psychological support from specialist nurse counsellors, a psychologist and a psychiatrist. There also includes a dedicated team for children and young people.
This programme runs alongside the traditional care patients receive from doctors, nurses and other health professionals.
The hospital's counselling support is also extended to any member of staff who is experiencing difficulties in their professional or personal life. As a cancer specialist hospital, staff at The Royal Marsden can find themselves experiencing sometimes harrowing or emotional situations and so the Trust has committed itself to ensuring that support, guidance and counselling are in place for anyone who needs it.
One of the staff members the Duke met during his visit was matron Aly Foyle, who had been diagnosed with stress, depression and compassion fatigue in December 2017. She explained to the Duke about the support she received from the trust while on sick leave, and following her return to work.
READ MORE: Prince of Wales joins forces with RCN to launch nursing cadet scheme
Ms Foyle explained: "“It was a very upsetting and difficult time but with the support of my family, GP and The Royal Marsden team, I not only got through it, I came back stronger than ever."
The Royal Marsden opened in 1851 as the world’s first hospital dedicated to cancer diagnosis, treatment, research and education. Now, it is the largest and most comprehensive cancer centre in Europe, treating and seeing over 50,000 NHS and private patients every year.
The Duke was keen to thank the hospital's staff for their work.
(Image credit: Frank Augstein/PA Wire/PA Images)