Sarah Brain – Patient Story

Patient Story – Sarah Brain
Giant Cell Tumour Right Distal Femur

“My journey starts in September 2021 where I had a night out with my husband, and we had a good dance! The following morning, I found my right knee was aching. Over the next few months, I experienced intermittent pain but not so bad that I felt the need to visit a doctor. I continued walking our dog daily and exercising in the gym with a small amount of discomfort.  A few months later, I accidentally knocked my foot and felt my knee jolt.  As the day progressed, the pain was unbearable, and I could no longer weight-bear.  I visited A&E where they performed an X- Ray but nothing unusual was identified. I was sent home with crutches and pain relief medication while I waited for an MRI scan appointment.

The results of the MRI were a huge shock.  I was told I had a suspicious lesion in my distal femur bone that was most probably a tumour.  The consultant could not tell me anything more at that stage and referred me from his care in Bristol to the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital (ROH) in Birmingham as they were the experts and could take the diagnosis further.

I received a call from the ROH several days later.  The nurse said that my case had been discussed at the MDT meeting and I would need to travel to Birmingham to see a consultant.  In late February, my husband and I made the journey for the initial appointment where we met with Professor Jeys and his team.  I was scared and emotional as I entered the room but was instantly put at ease by their caring manner.  Professor Jeys talked us through the images and confirmed it was a bone tumour. He went on to say that the severe pain I had experienced which led me to A&E was most likely a fracture of the bone caused by the tumour.  The plan going forward would be for me to return as a day case patient for a CT Guided Biopsy under general anaesthetic (GA) so they could identify the tumour.

The day of the biopsy arrived, and I was anxious as I had never experienced GA before.  My husband left me at the doors of the day-case unit where I was greeted by a lovely nurse. In fact everyone I met that day was caring and explained what was happening clearly. The procedure went well, and I returned home.

I had a call a week later to tell me that histology confirmed the tumour to be a Giant Cell Tumour (GCT) and I would need to return to see a consultant who would explain more about treatments available. At the appointment, we met with Mr Kurisunkal. He told us that the results were in fact inconclusive but pointed to GCT and I would need a second biopsy.  It was upsetting to hear this, but he went on to explain that GCT’s are not always easy to diagnose and of course, he needed to be sure that the operation he performed would be the correct one. 


Following the second biopsy, Mr Kurisunkal told me they had ruled out cancer as far as they could and that with my consent, he would perform Intralesional Curettage to remove the tumour, a healthy margin of bone and replace with cement.  Every detail was covered including the risks and outcomes of the procedure.

I was admitted as an inpatient to ROH in April 22.  Knowing how fantastic the staff are strengthened my courage and this time was no different.  I must mention the theatre assistant who sat with me in the anaesthetic room for about 30 minutes before I went in for surgery.  We talked about so many things including our favourite curry and cocktails.  As I went off to sleep, he held my hand and told me he had ordered me a cocktail for when I woke up.  I went to sleep smiling.

A few hours later, I learnt that the operation had gone well, and the tumour was removed successfully. The next day I was up and about with the help of the nurses and physiotherapy team. I felt ready to go home and start my recovery.  I had to partial weight-bear with crutches for six weeks along with exercise and rest.

I returned to see Mr Kurisunkal seven weeks after surgery. At this appointment, I had an X-Ray and he informed me that everything looked great. It was such a relief.  I was now able to start walking our Cocker Spaniel, Ernie which I had missed doing so much.

GCT’s are benign but aggressive tumours and the follow up is a scan and consultation every three months for two years and every six months for a further three years.  Unfortunately for me, my tumour proved to be aggressive. 

Within a few months of surgery, I was experiencing pain in my knee. I called the oncology team, and they booked me in for an MRI and consultation.   A week later, I learnt I had tumour regrowth and further treatment would be needed. I had the option to have repeat Intralesional Curettage or Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA), to burn the regrowth.  With the guidance of Mr Kurisunkal, I opted for RFA as the procedure is not so invasive and has a quicker recovery.  This surgery was in November 22 and the histology confirmed recurrent GCT.  As we got nearer to my next three-month check, the pain returned.  Again, I called the team and was given an appointment to return sooner.  MRI confirmed that I had further tumour regrowth.  I underwent another round of RFA in early March 23.  The histology was not conclusive following this procedure.  Within two months the pain was back!  A call to the team and I was booked for an MRI and consultation. Unfortunately, there was further regrowth, and it was agreed that the best option would be to have repeat Intralesional Curettage surgery.  In June, I was admitted as an inpatient where Mr Kurisunkal removed the cement block, tumours and replaced with new cement and bone graft. The recovery was six weeks on crutches as before. Histology confirmed recurrent GCT.

It is now October 23 and I have just reached a milestone in my journey having my first all clear three-month check. I cried with relief at the news.  I am still experiencing some pain but will be having further physiotherapy to help.

I am overwhelmed by how many amazing, compassionate, and hardworking people have been part of my journey. My family and I are truly grateful to Professor Jeys, Mr Kurisunkal, the whole oncology team and all the nursing staff for their expertise to get us through this tough time in our lives. With their support and that of my family and friends, I am almost back to full fitness and feeling positive for the future.

The ROH is going to be part our lives going forward.  We are pleased to support the Royal Orthopaedic Charity (ROC) with a monthly donation as a gesture of our gratitude. We hope that the money can go toward making the experience of other patients as good as ours”

Sarah is a long term donor for Royal Orthopaedic Charity and has donated over £500 over to the Charity to support patient wellbeing projects across  the hospital. We are so grateful to Sarah for both her ongoing support as well as sharing her story with us.

If you would like to share your story, contact the Charity team on ROC@nhs.net.

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Fundraisers support oncology family room

Fundraisers support oncology family room.

Fundraisers Victoria, Alex, Andy, James, Abi & Poppy, have been fundraising to support The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital Ward 3 Family room, which offers a safe space for families, to convene during an oncology stay. Ward 3 is currently known as the oncology ward at The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital and often means patients stay for some time, both pre and post-surgery. The ward supports biopsies, complex surgery and amputation surgery, meaning a range of care is provided and needed within this space.

Victoria contacted the Trust after the passing of her mother this summer. Both her and her family wanted to commemorate the care she received at the hospital and give back to the ward where she stayed before her passing.

“Our courageous Mum Jacquie lost her battle with cancer on Tuesday 5th September 2023. Mum had surgery at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital as part of her treatment. Mum never made it home, and remained in their care for several weeks.

The care and love Mum received from all the staff at ROH was of great comfort to us. In Mum‘s memory instead of flowers at her service, we asked for donations for the family room on Ward 3 at the ROH. This place was a sanctuary for us, where we could go and have a peaceful moment.

We noticed whilst in there that the room could do with some more computer games/board games/ craft activities and toys. The funds we raise will buy these items for the family room, so other families can have sanctuary and also entertain their little ones when supporting a loved one receiving care” Victoria

Victoria and her family raised over £900 through their Crowdfunding page earlier this year. These funds were used to purchase items for the family room for families to enjoy within Ward 3 (oncology ward).

Items include but are not limited to:

  • Board games
  • Games and colouring books for items for younger siblings to make use of
  • Interactive games that can be played by all ages.

We cannot thank Victoria and her family enough for their generosity. This will make a difference to many people’s hospital experience, not only for the patient on the ward but for the family who visit them for the days or weeks they stay with us.

“Ward 3 are very thankful for these kind donations, we are sure they will provide a source of entertainment and/or distraction for all our patients and relatives that need to use our day room for either a quiet space or for families to spend time together whilst their relative is an inpatient” Natalie – Ward 3 Ward Manager

If you would like to fundraise in memory just like Victoria, contact the Charity team on roc@nhs.net or 0121 685 4379 and we will ensure you and your family are supported throughout the fundraising process.

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Art for health – First round complete!

Art for Health – First round complete

The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital (ROH) completed its first round of Art for Health workshops this year, funded by Royal Orthopaedic Charity (ROC) , set up to support chronic pain patients in managing their conditions.  

Liza Tharakan submitted an application for funds to the Charity as part of our ‘poster competition 2022’ to help give extra support to chronic pain patients at ROH. The winning poster highlighted the benefits to patients of art sessions which help distract patients from the pain they are experiencing. The public, who voted in the competition as well as the Charity Trustees, were overjoyed by the poster and jumped at the opportunity to be involved in the organisation of it. 

Workshops were introduced by Liza Tharakan, Pain Medicine and Anaesthesia Consultant and Chronic Pain Service Lead at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital.  Liza is a keen advocate for the Charity and has worked with us on other projects to support patients at the hospital. 

Liza said: “Chronic pain affects quality of life for patients – they can feel isolated, lack confidence and develop anxiety. As there is no definitive cure for chronic pain, we focus on management as pain specialists. 

“Many of our patients have restricted movement due to their conditions, and some are house bound. These workshops provide patients the opportunity to engage in creative activities that help them recover faster, manage their long-term conditions and experience a better quality of life. It’s been wonderful to see our patients relax during the workshops and many share that they forget their pain while they are here.” 

During the sessions, patients were able to access a range of art therapies including singing, making pinch pots, and painting still life. The sessions encouraged patients to try their hands at different types of art and created the opportunity to speak to others also managing similar conditions.       

Usual treatments for pain management include pain modulation with medications, which can leave patients with side effects. While medication, alongside injections and physiotherapy can help, they are limited in what they can offer patients. By participating in creative art, especially in group sessions, patients can learn distraction from constant pain, reduce social disconnection, and in some cases prevent or treat substance use disorder. 

This is one of the many projects funded by ROC throughout 2023 which give enhanced support to patients. To find out more about how the public’s donations, support the hospital visit: 

 https://rohcharity.org/ourwork/how-your-support-helps/  

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Supporting those in financial hardship

Supporting those in financial hardship

The Royal Orthopaedic Charity (ROC) launched a Hardship Fund in spring 2023 to support both staff and patients experiencing urgent financial hardship, offering one-off grants of up to £500.

The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital has an incredible reputation for providing the very best care to patients. The Trust consistently scores among the highest for patient satisfaction, and ROC believe this is due to putting patients and staff at the heart of what we do. ROC believe that if our team is thriving, they will deliver the best care to our patients.

ROC were pleased to create and implement such a meaningful initiative to give immediate and urgent support to ROH patients nationwide, as well as colleagues who live closer to Birmingham.

Since the launch of this initiative, over £6,000 has been awarded to both staff and patients to support with food expenses, household bills, travel, accommodation and basic needs.

Each application is evaluated by panellists from across the Trust, all who are unaware of the applicants’ personal details.

ROC is committed to supporting those in need, beyond providing the immediate financial assistance. Upon receiving each application and while the application is under review, the Charity provide a cost-of-living booklet to help applicants navigate their financial challenges. Furthermore, regardless of the application’s outcome, the Charity ensure that applicants receive additional support tailored to their specific circumstances. This might include information on anything from free children’s activities to contacts details of organisations who can support, to Citizens Advice. ROC’s goal is to provide  sustainable and meaningful support to everyone they assist.

In light of this, the Charity are thrilled to share that the ROH has been selected as a finalist for the NOA Excellence in Orthopaedics Awards 2023 in the Workforce Retention Initiative category for ‘Financial wellbeing initiatives’.

This is one of the many initiatives ROC are proud to be running to give extra support to both staff and patients throughout this time.

To find out more about this initiative or to make an application, email roc@nhs.net .

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Needle point scanner leads the way

Portable scanner supports patient care

A generous donation by the Guru Nanak Naam Ladies Jatha Group leads to improved patient experience at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital (ROH). 

Thanks to a donation of almost £5,000 from the Guru Nanak Naam Ladies Jatha Group, Royal Orthopaedic Charity (ROC) have purchased a handheld ultrasound device for high-definition imaging of superficial structures from nerves and vessels to musculoskeletal and lung imaging up to 7 cm to be used within ROH clinics.

The portable Clarius L15 HD Wireless Scanner with Needle Visualisation Software is a versatile tool that supports the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions in Therapy Services at the ROH. This cutting-edge technology equips pain management clinicians with the ability to conduct on-the-spot assessments and interventions, enhancing overall efficiency and reducing patient wait times.  

The need of a wireless ultrasound scanner was recognised within our pain management clinics. With only one large scanner located in the injection suite, a space frequently occupied by clinicians and their patients, scheduling limitations became apparent. This immobile scanner posed a challenge for both patients and medical professionals, leading us to explore alternative solutions. 

Enter Mrs Notay, a pivotal figure in the acquisition of the wireless ultrasound scanner. Mrs Notay, a patient of Dr Kafafy’s, has a clear heartfelt desire to contribute to improving patient experience. Mrs Notay is a member of the Guru Nanak Naam Ladies Jatha Group; a keen unit of Sikh ladies who raise funds for UK charities through devotional praise.  

Driven by appreciation following the care she received, Mrs Notay graciously offered, on behalf of the Guru Nanak Ladies Group, to donate funds to ROC, with the support of Dr Kafafy influencing how the money is spent. With the clear need for a more versatile ultrasound device already recognised, the Clarius L15 HD Wireless Scanner was purchased.  

As the scanner integrates into our clinics, initial feedback from patients has been overwhelmingly positive. The ability to provide injection treatment during routine appointments has resonated positively with patients seeking pain management.  

The impact of the portable ultrasound scanner reaches beyond mere convenience. The overarching goal is to establish a comprehensive and efficient service for patients, one that eliminates the need for extended waiting periods. Traditionally, patients scheduled for knee, shoulder, elbow, leg, or foot injections have endured an 18-week wait in the injection suite. With the scanner’s capabilities, clinicians can now administer certain injections during clinic visits, significantly reducing patient wait times. Additionally, this innovation frees space within the injection suite for more complex cases that require X-ray services. 

Looking to the future, a meticulous plan for evaluating the scanner’s impact has been set in motion. The objective is to gauge the extent to which the new technology mitigates patient waiting times for injections. Through diligent data collection and analysis, the effectiveness of the wireless ultrasound scanner will be audited by the Pain Management Team, allowing us to measure its contributions to patient care.  

A huge, profound thank you goes out to Mrs Notay and the Guru Nanak Naam Ladies Jatha Group who kindly donated almost £5,000 to fund and support this device,  also thank you to Dr Kafafy, Pain Consultant, who worked hard to implement the device being brought into clinic. 

To find out more about how you can support ROC in future, visit our ‘appeals’ section or contact the Charity team on roc@nhs.net.

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  • Mrs Notay, Dr Kafafy, scanner and ultrasound image up close

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Zip wire success

Zip wire success

In July fundraisers Phill, Charlotte, and Georgia fearlessly took on the zipwire challenge at Midland Metropolitan University Hospital.
Their courageous efforts paid off, as they collectively raised £800 in support of ROC. This was the first zip wire event ROC have been involved in and we were super proud of both their fundraising efforts and their fearlessness!


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Nigel’s Story

My story started in January 2021. One evening, I folded my arms and felt a lump in my right upper arm. I thought to myself it was probably just muscular. After a couple of weeks, it didn’t appear to be getting any smaller, so I rang my GP, who immediately sent me for an ultrasound scan. It was quite clear from the screen that there was some form of mass in my triceps. Over the next few weeks, things moved quite quickly with x-rays and an MRI scan, following which I was contacted by the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital.

I started to realise that this was a lot more serious than I originally thought and how it may impact my life as a guitarist with my band Witcher, my love of driving, DIY, and general day-to-day living. Within 2 months, I had a CT scan and biopsy at ROH. Resulting in being told that I had a soft tissue pleomorphic Sarcoma, finally I knew what it was. My treatment plan would involve an operation following radiotherapy at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Which meant a 26-mile journey up and down the M5, 5 days a week, for 5 weeks. Fortunately, some good friends took me and my wife, Sarah, every day, which took the pressure off us, and we will always be extremely grateful for what they did for me. The treatment I received under Dr. Peake and his team was first-class.

Following the CT and MRI scan, we met my consultant, Mr. Scott Evans. Upon meeting Scott, I immediately felt relatively at ease and comfortable. As he explained to my wife and me, the seriousness of my operation meant that I could lose sensation in my whole arm. Or the worst-case scenario, being that I could lose my arm. My mind was now working overtime, trying to take in what I had been told. I said, “hang on a minute” as I showed Scott a picture of me playing guitar on my phone. “This is what I do.” He took my phone and asked me what sort of music I played, so bizarrely, we sat and chatted about music, and then he assured me he would do the very best to save my arm. We were then introduced to Miss Foong, who would be assisting Scott with the surgery, and a date was then set for August 23rd, 2021.
We then had to tell our family about how bad the outcome could be, but they couldn’t have been any more supportive of myself and Sarah.

Following my operation, I was relieved to find my right arm still there and my hand still functioning. I was told they had removed 2 of the tricep muscles and managed to save my nerves. I left the hospital 5 days later. Following some physiotherapy and help with lymphedema, life was good, and I was back gigging regularly with the band.
Everything was fine over the next 15 months until my arm started to ache, and I got in touch with the ROH. Immediately after I had an MRI, x-ray, PET scan, and biopsy, it was confirmed that I had a recurrence of Sarcoma in my remaining tricep. I knew in my own mind at this point that I was going to lose my arm and that my life was going to change forever.

So I went back to see Scott, and he told me my PET scan was clear and that the cancer was confined to my remaining tricep. As I suspected, the best way to keep me alive would be to lose my arm at the shoulder. Everyone in the room was surprised by my reaction, but I knew what was coming and had already accepted it. A date for the surgery was arranged with Scott and Miss Foong for February 27th, 2023. This left me with about 4 weeks to prepare for life without my right arm. I started to learn how to do everything with my left hand alone. I knew I was going to need an automatic car so I could continue to drive, and within a week, that was sorted.

We had a trip to the Forest of Dean for a short break with family the week before the operation. First thing on Monday, February 27, I was off to ROH for the operation.

Scott arrived to speak to me before I went to the theatre, and we had a good chat. My operation went well, and the care I received from the nursing team and medical staff at ROH was exceptional. By Friday teatime, I was home having a roast dinner.
After 6 weeks, I attended my driving assessment and had the necessary modifications made to my steering wheel, enjoying driving again and getting my freedom back. Not being able to play my guitar was a massive blow, but a friend said, “why don’t you take up the keyboard?” I laughed at first, thinking, “how do you play a keyboard with one hand?” As I had never touched a keyboard in my life, so I thought, “why the hell not?” Within 5 months of losing my arm, I was back on stage with my band. There was no way I was going to sit back and let the loss of my arm beat or define me. To me, everything is about problem solving, and I’ve not lost an arm; I lost cancer.
On my journey, I have met some truly amazing people throughout the NHS. Here’s a list of massive thank-yous. My GP in Worcester, the CT & X Ray department at Kidderminster Hospital, Worcester Royal Hospital, physiotherapy and lymphedema clinics, Redditch Hospital’s MRI department, Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s Radiotherapy Department, and ALL staff involved in my care and treatment at Royal Orthopaedic Hospital.

I would particularly like to send a MASSIVE thank you to Mr. Scott Evans and his team. Gabriella Stefan and all the Macmillan nurses, the amazing Miss Foong, and her team. Birmingham Amputee and Rehabilitation Clinic and the Carole Hughes Macmillan support line.

Finally, to my son-in-law Brad, who ran the Manchester Marathon and raised a fantastic £2000 for the Royal Orthopaedic Charity, and to my wonderful wife Sarah and family for all your love and support.

A Spectacular Success: Charity Football Match and Family Fun Day Raises Over £2000 for Two Worthy Charities

A Day Filled with Community Spirit
The rain clouds couldn’t dampen the spirits at Shenley Community Sports Centre on Saturday 15th July, as the local community gathered for a heartwarming Charity Football Match and Family Fun Day. The fundraiser was organised in support of the Royal Orthopaedic Charity (ROC) and Bone Cancer Research Trust UK (BCRT). The Charity Football Match and Family Fun Day proved to be popular and a remarkable success, raising over £2,000 with more donations still to come!
Dean Lee taken by JWP Photography
Football Extravaganza The day commenced with a friendly 10 aside match between dedicated ROH colleagues who were full of enthusiasm. Dean Lea was celebrated as the Player of the Match for his outstanding performance on the field.   Following the Friendly 10 aside match, Nightingale F.C and Matt’s Legends F.C, who travelled all the way from Hull to be a part of this fundraiser, took the pitch, demonstrating their commitment to both charities. Both teams put on an impressive display of sportsmanship, with Nightingale F.C emerging victorious with a 5-1 score.  

During the match, Nightingale F.C took control in the first half, scoring four impressive goals; a hattrick for Hunty and 1 goal from Davis. Matt’s Legends managed to pull one goal back just before halftime. The second half was more competitive, with Matt’s Legends creating several chances but unable to convert them into goals. Nightingale F.C secured their victory with a fifth goal, winning the game 5-1.

You can read the full commentary here: https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/nightingalefc3/teams/
273495/match-centre/0-5655850/report

Nightingale F.C and Matt’s Legends F.C
Brett Ellis, Charity Lead and player of Nightingale F.C shared:
After all of the hard work, it was great to see the fundraising efforts prevail. I’d like to thank the ROH staff who took part in the entertaining 10aside game. A big thank you to Matt’s Legends and the BCRT charity for travelling down from Hull and Leeds to take part in the fundraising aspects of the day. The 11aside football match between Matt’s Legends and Nightingale FC was competitive and both teams played the game in the right spirit. A special thank you to Dionne Wortley, Teresa Brodie, Sarah Rich, Victoria Scott and Charlotte Thornewell, as without them, the day would not have run as smoothly and successfully as it did. Finally a huge thank you to all of those who attended on the day, and thank you to Shenley Lane Community Association & Sports Centre for their generosity of allowing us to use all of their fantastic facilities free of charge. Hopefully, we can do this day again…. But with better weather!!!  

Vendor Support
The Family Fun Day carried on with unwavering enthusiasm, offering a variety of activities for all ages. Food vendors provided delicious food; Caribbean cuisine and burgers and chips, bringing comfort to the crowd. The talented face painter, Claire, from Fine Painting worked her magic, eliciting smiles from both children and adults. Meanwhile, Kelly and her son from Sooo Sweet added a delightful dose of sugary indulgence to the day’s festivities by serving slush puppies, American sweets and popcorn. Phil, from Really Awesome Coffee also joined, providing hot beverages to add a kick of caffeine. Thank you to Aurorbella’s Bakes for allowing us to sell your brownies, which were not only delicious but also very popular.

Games Galore
The fun didn’t stop there! The games continued to entertain and engage. Jenga, footballs, skittles, welly wanging and chalk drawings kept everyone entertained and involved, while bubbles floated through the air. The tombola added an element of excitement, enhancing chances to be a lucky winner. For the young football enthusiasts, there was an exciting ‘Beat the Goalie’ game where children showcased their skills and scored unforgettable goals. Adding to the excitement, our cherished Charity mascot, Rocy, made a special appearance, spreading smiles and warmth.

Rocy the Mascot
Gratitude and Appreciation
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the organisers whose dedication made the event possible, rain or shine. Their efforts ensured that the community came together and raised awareness and funds for ROC and BCRT. Thank you Brett; Dionne and the Research Team; the Royal Orthopaedic Charity; Siobhan and Katie from BCRT for traveling down and supporting us on the day; and Tchissola Goncalves for volunteering on the day. A huge thank you to Natalie and the Team at Shenley Lane Community Sports Centre who kindly let us host the fundraiser at their venue free of charge.
Our appreciation goes out to the football teams; ROH staff, Nightingale F.C and Matt’s Legends F.C, for their sportsmanship and dedication to the matches. We are grateful to everyone who attended the event, demonstrating the power of unity and support. Your presence contributed to the event’s success, making a difference in the lives of those the charities serve. Finally, we want to express our immense gratitude to all the generous donors who provided raffle prizes for both the match day raffle and text raffle. Your support and generosity contributed to increased ticket sales and a more memorable day.
In conclusion, the Charity Football Match and Family Fun Day showcased the true spirit of community, coming together to support meaningful and life changing charities. The funds raised will undoubtedly make a significant difference, bringing hope and support to those in need. Here’s to the success of this event, our supporters, and to raising a significant amount of money!
Nightingale F.C.
Dionne and Teresa, ROH staff

The Allen family’s generous gesture

Following the passing of a patient who was under the care of Mr. David Dunlop, a touching gesture occurred during the patient’s funeral. The patient’s daughters, Kerry and Debbie, organised a collection, raising the sum of £250. In January, a representative from the Royal Orthopaedic Charity met with the Allen family. The daughters expressed their desire to involve Mr. Dunlop in deciding how the raised funds should be allocated. This thoughtful gesture reflects the appreciation and gratitude of the patient’s family but also recognises the dedication and care of not only Mr. Dunlop but of all members of the team throughout the patient’s journey.

The Allen family shared: “As a family, we always felt that our Mum was treated with care and respect by Mr Dunlop and his team during her stays with the ROH. Mr Dunlop took care of our Mum for a number of years and we are thankful for all his care he is truly a gift from God. The Allen family.”

Mr. Dunlop and the Occupational Therapists identified the need for haircare and toiletry products, including portable wash basins, hair dryers, detangling sprays and more, based on the challenges faced by bedridden patients. Many patients who are unable to leave their beds, lack access to basic amenities, making it difficult for them to manage their self care.  Engaging in self care can reduce stress and anxiety, boost self esteem and enhance mental health and wellbeing.  Recognising the barriers facing some patients, the team realised that providing these products could enhance patients’ sense of well-being and support their overall recovery.

Since the introduction of these products, patients on the orthopaedic wards have been able to utilise them effectively. The feedback received so far indicates that patients are pleased with the haircare and toiletry items. By improving access to these toiletries, the initiative has positively impacted the patients’ overall experience during their hospital stay. By fostering a sense of independence, patients are empowered to take care of themselves, enhancing their dignity and overall mood. This enhanced emotional well-being is vital in supporting their recovery journey.

A huge thank you to the Allen family for raising the funds to support this incentive!

ROC | Royal Orthopaedic Charity

Bristol Road South
Northfield
Birmingham
B31 2AP

Registered Charity Number: 1078046

Call: 0121 6854379
Email: roc@nhs.net 

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