Chinwag Spring 2019

Staff news

Singing their hearts out

The choir is made up of staff, current and former patients, and carers. They spent many weeks rehearsing for their starring roles and a day filming at Salford Lads Club last May, before the episodes were screened in February. The choir was originally put together five years ago by clinical nurse specialist Ros Fox, who works with Julie in the Macmillan secondary breast cancer team. Ros said: “Singing in a group is a really good way of creating togetherness, the feeling of being part of something, and of feeling that one belongs. It’s also incredibly empowering to sing as one in that way.

“Those sorts of emotions are all the more important when you’re going through the frightening and often isolating experience of cancer. Singing has been shown to improve overall wellbeing of patients and our group seems to be no exception.” “It was great fun to get involved with Cold Feet when they had the idea to feature a choir. Being on set with them was very exciting, and it was very emotional when we finally got to see our scenes together when the episodes were aired.” The Rhythm of Life Christie and Maggie’s choir rehearses every Monday, alternately in the conservatory or at the Maggie’s Centre. Staff are always welcome to join and no previous singing experience or talent is needed. For more information, email rosalyn.fox@christie.nhs.uk

No cold feet here: The Rhythm of Life choir with the stars of Cold Feet.

Congratulations to our wonderful Rhythm of Life choir which has been receiving national attention after taking part in the ITV drama Cold Feet. The Manchester-based show has featured a cancer storyline in the latest series with one of the main characters being treated for breast cancer. Christie nurse Julie Orford acted as a script advisor, ensuring the plot was as accurate and authentic as possible. Julie is also a member of the Rhythm of Life choir and when bosses suggested they were looking for a choir to help film, they were delighted to get involved.

New car club The Christie has recently started a car club programme to help cut emissions from business travel. We have taken delivery of four new Toyota Yaris hybrids, which are being used by The Christie At Home team, a group of eight nurses who work in shifts to visit cancer patients in the local community. Previously they used their own cars for business trips and claimed mileage reimbursement. The move forms a key part of the Trust’s green travel plan to reduce the need for cars to be brought on-site and lower the emissions for business travel mileage. The four car club vehicles have been taken on a pilot basis, with plans to expand the fleet to cover other staff at The Christie in the future.

Green travel plan: Members of the nursing teamwith the new fleet

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