HRH The Duke of Cambridge visits The Royal Marsden to see latest innovations

His Royal Highness spoke to patients and staff, observed a new radiology procedure, and stepped aboard the Man Van.

18 July

Duke with crowd of people — HRH The Duke of Cambridge, speaking to staff and patients on the stairs of the main entrance at The Royal Marsden in Chelsea.

The Duke visited the hospital on May 24th, and saw how support from the Charity is helping to improve the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

His Royal Highness met staff at the charity-funded Reuben Foundation Imaging Centre, and then joined Consultant Interventional Radiologist, Dr Nicos Fotiadis, to witness a live, robot-guided microwave ablation. This procedure uses energy from electromagnetic waves to heat and destroy advanced cancer.

HRH Duke of Cambridge in surgical scrubs, watching a consultant (male) perform a procedure on a patient — HRH Duke of Cambridge with Dr Nicos Fotiadis witnessing a live, robot-guided microwave ablation at The Royal Marsden.

3 men talking and looking at computer screen, wearing surgical scrubs

3 men looking at a screen, wearing surgical scrubs and masks. The man on the left is the Duke of Cambridge, and the Man on the right is Dr Nicos Fotiadis from The Royal Marsden

3 women and one man sit talking. The man is HRH The Duke of Cambridge. All are wearing surgical masks — The HRH Duke of Cambridge Speaking to Lorraine Kimber (left) and staff at the charity-funded Reuben Foundation Imaging Centre.

Paying tribute to Dame Deborah James

The Duke also spoke to a patient, Lorraine Kimber, who has previously had this procedure. Lorraine spoke about the benefits to patients of ablation, which includes faster recovery time, less pain and no scarring, compared to other surgical techniques.

Lorraine was also a friend of Dame Deborah James, and during his visit, His Royal Highness spoke to her and a number of staff who were involved in Deborah's treatment and care. Deborah inspired many other patients with her positive attitude, and the Bowelbabe Fund has raised over £7.4m for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, Cancer Research UK and Bowel Cancer UK.

Innovation in early diagnosis

The Duke also stepped on board the Man Van, a new mobile health clinic which is providing free health checks for men and aims to diagnose prostate and other urological cancers earlier, when treatment is more likely to be successful.

His Royal Highness heard about the process men go through during a visit, from conversations about health and lifestyle, mental health, and the offer of a blood test. The innovative pilot project was developed by The Royal Marsden, RM Partners West London Cancer Alliance, and The Institute of Cancer Research, London (ICR), with support from The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

A dark-haired man sits next to a woman in a nurse's uniform, they are talking to HRH The Duke of Cambridge who is sat opposite them. There is a digital screen behind them, all are wearing surgical masks — HRH The Duke of Cambridge (right) inside the Man Van, speaking to Dr Masood Moghul
Charity funded Clinical Research Fellow (left) and Advanced Nurse practitioner Fionnuala McCarthy (centre)

During the visit, The Duke spoke to Bishop Mark Nicholson, who attended an appointment in the Man Van and has since been supporting the project.

Mark said: “Before getting involved with the Man Van, I had no idea that one in four black men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime. It was terrible to find out the risk is so high...Having the opportunity to meet The Duke and discuss this project with him today was a real honour as I think this initiative has the potential to have a significant impact on my community.”