Charity Annual Report and Accounts 2021-22

What we have achieved

mean we can deliver pioneering research into cancer cells. Over the next five years, we’ll explore what the cells respond to and identify more targeted treatments. Studies like this need scientists and clinicians to work side by side in a truly collaborative way. Our Academy of Surgical Oncology will allow our brilliant experts to do this, creating a space for multi-disciplinary research. The new research facility on The Christie’s site will house research laboratories, consultant workspaces and a biological research unit to give our team the right environment to continue to make their life-changing discoveries. Our patients will directly benefit from having leading scientists and healthcare professionals collaborating in the hub and delivering fresh insights into cancer treatments. In 2018 the Proton Beam Therapy Centre was opened at The Christie and The Christie charity funded the research room. In 2021 the proton research beamline was commissioned and the associated biopreparation room is now routinely used for experiments at night after clinical operation has finished. In the past year, as well as a wide range of experiments at conventional dose rates with dosimetry comparable to that used clinically, we have commissioned ultra-high dose rate (FLASH) proton irradiation, with dosimetry which is comparable to the best in the world. We have the potential to spare normal tissue while still suppressing tumour growth. The charity funded research room continues to allow us to explore this new proton therapy modality of delivery and work with clinical colleagues on how we might translate this work to the clinics. We have released £231,501 this project this year.

struggling to cope with the stress, anxiety or trauma of a cancer diagnosis or treatment. It could be because they are struggling with treatment side affects such as sickness. They may also experience claustrophobia, as many patients with head and neck cancers do due to having to use a thermoplastic mask to keep their head still during radiotherapy or proton beam therapy. A complementary therapy team is now housed at our recently opened centre in Macclesfield as part of our vision to bring cancer care closer to home, so we help patients to benefit from this service at all our Christie centres which also includes Withington, Oldham and Salford. Complementary therapy is funded through our patient experience fund which also includes the psycho-oncology service, clinical nurse specialists and nurse clinicians, paediatric play specialist services and specialist physiotherapy and occupational therapy services.

In total the charity has spent £9.9m on grants to The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and The University of Manchester during this financial year. All funding is made in accordance with charity law, our

constitution and the wishes and directions of our valuable donors.

To improve the quality of the patient journey and hospital environment

Our complementary health and wellbeing team can be an integral part of a patient’s cancer journey. Whether it’s providing acupuncture, massage, hypnotherapy or coping techniques, our teams are here to support our patients through the most difficult times. That could be when they are

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