Trust Charity Funds New Cooling Technology to Support Cancer Patients at QEH

News - 25 February 2026

At Healthwatch Greenwich, we champion local initiatives that improve the health and wellbeing of residents. We are pleased to highlight an important development at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), where patients undergoing chemotherapy are now benefiting from innovative new technology funded by the Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust Charity.

A £20,000 Donation Supporting Better Cancer Care
Thanks to a generous £20,000 donation from the Trust Charity—made possible by the kindness of local supporters—the Macmillan Brook Unit at QEH has installed a Hilotherm ChemoCare CIPN machine, offering a significant boost in comfort and care for chemotherapy patients.

The device is designed to reduce Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN), a common and often debilitating side effect that causes tingling, numbness and pain in the hands and feet. By maintaining a controlled cooling temperature during treatment, the Hilotherm system helps protect nerves and ease discomfort, improving the overall treatment experience.

While Hilotherapy is widely used in private healthcare settings, only a small number of NHS hospitals currently have access to this advanced technology—making its arrival in Greenwich especially meaningful for local patients.

Real Benefits for Local Residents
For many individuals receiving treatment, the new machine is already making a life-changing difference.
One patient, Garry Cavender, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2025, shared how the technology allowed him to manage his symptoms more comfortably:

“I came to QEH specifically for this machine after researching ways to manage chemotherapy side effects. It’s really helped with the pain and numbness… and it means I can start playing the saxophone again.”

Stories like Garry’s highlight the impact of investing in equipment that not only supports clinical outcomes but also helps people maintain their quality of life throughout treatment.

Supporting Compassionate and Comfortable Cancer Care
Staff at the hospital are also seeing the benefits firsthand.
Sarah Phillips, Chemotherapy Day Unit Manager, emphasised the importance of introducing this technology:

“The Hilotherm machine will significantly enhance patient experience and provide vital support throughout treatment… It’s a perfect example of how we can make a cancer patient’s journey more comfortable.”

At Healthwatch Greenwich, we know how vital it is for patients to feel supported, informed, and cared for throughout their treatment journey. Innovations like this, backed by strong community support, directly enhance local cancer care.

A Community Effort Making a Real Difference
The Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust Charity plays a vital role in improving hospital environments, funding new equipment, and supporting staff and patient wellbeing. Their continued work ensures that residents across Greenwich and Lewisham benefit from care that goes beyond the basics—care that prioritises comfort, dignity, and positive experiences.

If you would like to support further projects that make a difference to local patients, you can contact the Trust Charity at:
📩 lg.charity@nhs.net

Source: Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust