Newsletter October 2025
This page contains all the latest news and updates from the Improvement Programmes Team.
Self-removal of catheters post-prostatectomy (self-TWOC)
Between March and April of this year, a survey was conducted with patients from the Royal Surrey who had undergone self-TWOC (Trial without catheter) after a radical prostatectomy to understand their feelings and experiences of the procedure. 289 patients responded, and 94% said they would do it again. Self-TWOC allows patients to safely remove their own catheters in the comfort of their own homes, providing benefits for patients as well as cost and resource savings for NHS Trusts.
We’ve created a patient-friendly video featuring a man who has experience of self-TWOC, providing practical guidance and reassurance to help patients make an informed decision. If you are interested in implementing self-TWOC in your Trust, get in touch with the Improvement Programmes team at [email protected]
Clinical Champion Kal Kaur transforms prostate cancer diagnostic service
When Clinical Champion Kal Kaur took on the challenge of redesigning the prostate cancer diagnostic pathway, the service was under immense strain. Referrals had surged 110% since 2018, with demand still climbing, but investment and workforce capacity hadn’t kept pace. Change wasn’t optional; it was essential.
The challenge
By 2022/23, the pathway still followed a traditional consultant-led model spread across three hospitals. Post-COVID, the shift to a virtual “straight-to-test” system left patients with limited face-to-face contact and staff under pressure. Delays were growing, morale was low, and the service needed a reset.
The transformation
Kal engaged clinicians, nurses, and patients to review and redesign the entire pathway from entry to exit.
- Her new nurse-led team
- Redefined roles, moving key tasks from consultants to specialist nurses for a more flexible, consistent, and satisfied workforce.
- Expanded clinic capacity, balancing appointments for triage, investigations, and results.
- Introduced innovation, such as nurse-led fusion biopsies and weekly face to face nurse-led clinics for older patients
- Put patients first, using surveys and discussion groups leading to the introduction of a “PREPARE” education session to provide patients personalised support at diagnosis.
With evidence-led planning and collaboration, Kal and the team secured five years of funding to future-proof the service.
The impact
The results have been transformative.
- Consultant time freed up, backlogs cleared, and clinics evenly distributed across the week.
- Efficiency improved, reducing costly extra sessions and making procedures faster and less invasive.
- Patient experience enhanced, with faster diagnosis, clear information and compassionate care from specialist nurses.
Kal’s leadership has not only fixed a failing pathway, but it’s also changed the culture of care, creating a sustainable, data-driven, and patient-centred service built for the future.
Clinical Champions Programme
Applications for the sixth cohort of our Clinical Champions Programme open soon. If you know of any colleagues who would be interested in applying and developing their leadership, improvement skills, and confidence to drive real impact across your organisation, send them the link in this newsletter.
Education Bursary Update
Education bursaries are on hold for the 2025–26 financial year as we are currently reviewing the scheme.
Have your say
Your insights are essential in helping us understand your current learning needs. By sharing your thoughts, you’ll play a crucial role in shaping our bursary scheme to better support your professional development.
The survey consists of just six questions and should take no more than five minutes to complete. The deadline for completing is Friday 31 October 2025.
Need help?
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. Contact us at: [email protected]
