The Royal Marsden is celebrating a double win at the LaingBuisson Awards 2025, recognising the hospital’s role at the forefront of innovation and excellence in cancer care. At this year’s ceremony, held on Thursday 20 November, The Royal Marsden took home awards
in two categories – Nursing Team of the Year and Rising Star – a testament to the dedication, expertise and pioneering spirit of its teams across both paediatric and senior adult cancer services.
Nursing Team of the Year was awarded in recognition of The Royal Marsden paediatric team’s introduction of a nurse-led sedation service for children requiring Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for diagnosis, assessment and surveillance of cancer and its
treatment.
Historically, general anaesthetic has been needed for MRI scans to ensure that younger patients remain motionless so that images of sufficient quality can be achieved for clinical interpretation. Whilst considered generally safe, general anaesthetic does
carry some risks. To minimise these risks, the paediatric team introduced an innovative nurse-led sedation service for children undergoing MRI for cancer diagnosis, assessment and surveillance. This approach has increased anaesthetic capacity for other procedures
and provided a safe, cost-effective alternative to general anaesthetic. The service has eased patient and parental anxiety by offering a more familiar, supportive experience and preparing children for what to expect during an MRI. Working closely with radiographers
in the MRI department and the specialist play team, the nurse led service effectively bridges the gap between anaesthetised and awake MRI scans, helping patients transition more comfortably.
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The Royal Marsden won nursing team of the year
Joanna Stone, Lead Nurse and Advanced Nurse Practitioner at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“We are incredibly proud to receive this award which recognises the hard work, collaboration and support we share as a team. For many young patients, MRI scans can be daunting, especially when a general anaesthetic has traditionally been required. This service
offers a safer, more personalised approach that helps children feel more supported throughout their scan and makes it easier for them to gradually move to awake scans.
“It has improved the experience for many patients and freed up anaesthetic capacity for other essential treatments. Together with colleagues in the MRI department, anaesthetist and our play team, we are proud to have established this service within paediatric
oncology and remain committed to improving the experience and outcomes for every child we treat.”
In order to enhance the safety and effectiveness of the new service, The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity generously funded an MRI-compatible medicine administration system. This technology enables nurses to supervise children within the MRI suite and adjust sedation
according to each child’s individual response, ensuring safe, responsive and effective care throughout the procedure.
Antonia Dalmahoy, Managing Director of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, said: “We are delighted that the Charity has supported this important initiative, helping to enhance the safety and comfort of children undergoing MRI scans at The Royal Marsden. I’m
incredibly proud that the generosity of our supporters continues to enable advances like this, improving cancer care for the benefit of patients and their families when they need it most.”
The Royal Marsden received further recognition with the Rising Star of the Year Award presented to Dr Nicolò Matteo Luca Battisti, Consultant Medical Oncologist and Clinical Lead of the Senior Adult Oncology Programme.
The Senior Adult Oncology Programme (SAOP) team is leading a revolution in cancer care, reshaping how older people with cancer are assessed, treated and supported. With the UK’s ageing population and the rising incidence of cancer in later life, Dr Battisti’s
work addresses one of the most pressing challenges in oncology.
Under his leadership, the team works across disciplines to tailor treatment plans that consider frailty, cognitive function, physical performance and functional status, nutrition, social needs, and patient care goals and preferences.
By embedding comprehensive geriatric assessments and personalised, multidisciplinary interventions into routine care, Dr Battisti enables older patients to receive cancer treatment that is both safe and effective, often avoiding overtreatment, unplanned hospital
admissions, and poor quality of life.
The SAOP model has been recognised nationally and internationally, through award wins and education programmes, influencing practice far beyond The Royal Marsden. The team regularly shares findings through peer-reviewed research, professional training, and
speaking engagements.
Initial funding for the SAOP was provided by RM Partners with additional support from The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
Dr Nicolò Matteo Luca Battisti, Consultant Medical Oncologist at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“I am honoured to receive the Rising Star of the Year Award. This recognition reflects the hard work and commitment of the entire Senior Adult Oncology Programme
Team, who are dedicated to improving the way we care for older people with cancer. I am incredibly proud of the impact our work is having at The Royal Marsden and beyond, and I look forward to continuing to advance cancer care for our older patients.”
Together, these awards highlight The Royal Marsden’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of cancer treatment and care – from pioneering approaches that improve the experiences of children and young people, to transforming how older adults are supported through
treatment.
