A doctor who trialled an innovative therapy session for children whose parents have cancer, has gained a place on a special healtchare programme.

Dr Sylvia Puchalska, a clinical psychologist at Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals Trust, was appointed a fellow of the UCLPartners improvement programme.

She will participate in a 12-month programme as part of UCLPartners an academic health and science partnership, which brings together people from the NHS, social care and academic world.

“I was delighted to be appointed a fellow and am really looking forward to working with my peers to see what we can learn from each other to improve care for our patients, and what other ideas we can develop to improve healthcare now and in the future,” she said.

The doctor will attend workshops with international experts, and collaborate with other fellows to explore new ideas and opportunities. to improve healthcare.

The therapy session held in partnership with 5 in the Hive – a therapeutic theatre company – gave children the opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings about their parents illnesses.

As part of the Trust’s cancer psychological therapies team Dr Puchalska provides emotional support to cancer patients at Queen’s Hospital, Rom Valley Way, Romford, and King George Hospital, Barley Lane, Goodmayes.