Letter: NHS in crisis

Tessa Green
Wednesday 13 January 1999 19:02 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sir: Do not be fooled by the Victorian facade at our Chelsea site. As you say, the Royal Marsden is a world-renowned centre ("We must pay up to prevent the decline of our health service", 6 January). We could not maintain our reputation at the forefront of cancer care, treatment and research if we did not invest in buildings and facilities.

In the past seven years nearly pounds 50m has been spent on new wards, operating theatres, treatment and diagnostic facilities. For example, we opened a new clinical block in 1992 and our purpose-designed children's unit opened in 1993; a diagnostic imaging department and breast diagnostic unit opened in 1996, a fully integrated haemato-oncology unit in 1997 and a rehabilitation unit with a whole range of facilities for patients recovering from cancer treatment in 1998.

All are designed to be accessible and well organised for patients and accommodating to new clinical practices and the latest medical technology. Our expertise in radiotherapy, for instance, is recognised by an ISO (International Standards Organisation) 9001 quality standard. We are continuing to invest in the fabric of the hospital for the sake both of patients receiving care and of staff delivering it.

TESSA GREEN

Chairman

Royal Marsden NHS Trust

London SW3

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in