UHNM Team of the Month: Radiotherapy Department

Engineers and clinical staff from University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust’s (UHNM) Cancer Centre who came up with an ingenious in-house solution to a national shortage of eye protection have received recognition for their work.

When the only supplier of protective lead in-eye shields stopped production, staff from UHNM’s Radiotherapy Department took it upon themselves to start making the shields, ensuring there was minimal negative impact on patient care.

Those involved in the design, testing and implementation of the eye shields at the Royal Stoke University Hospital were awarded UHNM’s Team of the Month. 

Carolyn O’Donovan, Radiotherapy Service Manager at UHNM said: “The in-eye shields are used by patients who have skin cancers in and around the eye, for example on the skin of the eyelid or around the eyelid. They’re mainly designed to protect the lens of the eye, which is particularly sensitive to radiation. If any of the doses of radiation required in the treatment of skin cancer were delivered into the lens of the eye, the patient would rapidly develop a cataract and require further surgery.”

Approximately 12 to 15 patients a year will benefit from the UHNM-produced eye shields, which were first used in September this year.

The team of engineers from the Cancer Centre’s workshop, more used to maintaining equipment, and clinical staff were led through the 18-month project by Nick Wright, Senior Radiotherapy Technician, and Natalina Milazzo, Advanced Practitioner in Skin.

Nick said: “Nationally, hospitals were having to pursue other avenues of treatment for skin cancer, including surgery, because of the unavailability of the lead eye shields. However, a lot of patients aren’t fit enough for surgery, and those who do undergo it often suffer in the after care and recovery. This prompted us to look for a solution internally.

“We came up with a streamlined and safe way of making the shields, as being made of lead, you can’t handle, sand, or grind them. We developed a bespoke series of jigs and fixtures so there was minimal hand contact, and used 3D printing to create a tool used to form the three different sizes of shield required, whilst taking off any sharp edges in one process. 

“This project has opened up new doors for our workshop engineers and technicians, linking our skills and experience closer to the clinical side of things.”  

Natalina said: “Rather than facing mounting delays, we’re pleased we could continue to move forward with treatments. It’s been a nice process, and to see an outcome at the end where we can help patients and continue doing what we enjoy doing in our roles.” 

The team were nominated for the Team of the Month award by Helen Watkiss, UHNM Health and Safety Manager, and Laura Holland, Advanced Practitioner.

Helen said: “The team’s pure commitment to our patients, ensuring the most effective method of treatment to give the best experience and outcomes, developed and delivered under their own initiative, is commendable.”

Nick, Natalina and colleagues were presented with their award by Jane Haire, Chief People Officer at UHNM. 

Carolyn said: “Nick, Natalina and the team have done a phenomenal piece of work. There have been many hurdles they have had to clear, but they have persevered to get to this point with a passion for our patients and the service they provide.”