13 May 2025, 12:56

By Dr Alex King

I’m a clinical psychologist at King Edward VII’s Hospital, where I specialise in cancer psychological care and what we call 'prehabilitation'.

"Prehabilitation" is a team approach to helping people physically & mentally prepare themselves for intense, challenging and sometimes life-changing cancer treatment procedures. I witness pain, fear, and heartbreak, and moments of humanity and emotional courage so powerful they almost defy description. Moments of vulnerability, dignity, resilience and compassion within the community each person builds in the hospital with staff, other patients and their families.

Just this month, His Majesty The King – Patron of King Edward VII’s Hospital – released a message in support of community-based cancer care, reflecting that “the darkest moments of illness can be illuminated by the greatest compassion.”

He spoke movingly about the importance of emotional connection and support, recognising the extraordinary strength shown by patients and their families, and the vital role of those who care for them. It was a powerful reminder that clinical excellence and compassionate community care must go hand in hand, and it is very clearly reflected in the evidence, which typically finds strong positive associations between social support, personal wellbeing and recovery.

We are at our........

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