Sound Waves of Hope: A New Voice for Neurological Care in the UK

LONDON, UK – November 26, 2025

A new sound is emanating from one of London's most prestigious medical addresses, but it isn't the hum of an MRI machine. It's the sound of voices—of patients, doctors, and innovators—broadcast directly to those who need to hear them most. The Queen Square Imaging Centre, a world-renowned hub for neurological treatment, has stepped into the world of digital audio with its new podcast, "Queen Square in Focus," creating a powerful new resource for individuals living with Essential Tremor and Parkinson's disease. But this initiative is more than just a new show; it represents a significant shift in patient education and highlights a unique model of social enterprise where cutting-edge care directly fuels public health and research.

The Audio Revolution in Patient Care

In an era saturated with information, accessing clear, reliable, and empathetic medical guidance remains a challenge, particularly for those navigating the complexities of a chronic neurological condition. Podcasts have emerged as a uniquely effective medium to bridge this gap. For individuals who may find reading difficult due to tremors or other symptoms, the audio format provides an accessible and intimate channel for learning and connection.

This is the landscape into which "Queen Square in Focus" arrives. The six-episode series, which debuted this week, is not a dry medical lecture. Instead, it pairs in-depth interviews with leading specialists, like pioneering neurosurgeon Professor Ludvic Zrinzo, with the compelling personal stories of patients. By weaving together clinical expertise and lived experience, the podcast aims to demystify advanced treatments and foster a sense of community.

Jodee Cooper, CEO of Queen Square Imaging Centre and the podcast's presenter, articulated this mission in the launch announcement. "Our aim with this podcast is to bring listeners closer to the people, ideas and discoveries that make Queen Square such an extraordinary place," she said. "By pairing expert interviews with authentic patient journeys, we hope to create a platform that informs, inspires and connects our community."

This approach aligns with a growing understanding in healthcare of the power of narrative. Patient advocacy groups like Parkinson's UK and the Essential Tremor Foundation have long used podcasts to share stories, disseminate research, and offer coping strategies, recognizing that hearing a personal account can be as impactful as reading a clinical study.

A Hub of Neurological Innovation

The podcast serves as a window into an institution that stands at the vanguard of neurological treatment in the United Kingdom. Queen Square Imaging Centre is a critical partner of the famed UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. This ecosystem of excellence has made it a destination for patients seeking the most advanced care available.

Central to its modern treatment portfolio is MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS), a revolutionary, non-invasive procedure for Essential Tremor and tremor-dominant Parkinson's. Unlike traditional Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), which requires surgical implants, MRgFUS uses focused sound waves guided by an MRI to precisely target and treat the small area of the brain causing tremors—all without a single incision. Clinical results are compelling, with studies showing immediate and significant tremor reduction, offering a life-changing option for patients with fewer risks than invasive surgery.

The centre asserts its unique position, stating it is the UK's only independent facility providing MRgFUS and the sole location in the country offering a comprehensive suite of advanced treatments—including MRgFUS, DBS, Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), and Gamma Knife Radiotherapy—all under one roof. This integrated approach allows for highly tailored treatment plans, ensuring patients receive the optimal therapy for their specific condition. This commitment to maintaining the highest standards is further evidenced by its consistent accreditation by the UK Accreditation Service (UKAS), which validates its processes against rigorous national benchmarks.

Beyond the Balance Sheet: A Model of Reinvestment

Perhaps the most impactful part of Queen Square's story lies not in its technology, but in its mission-driven business model. The centre is operated by Queen Square Enterprises, a not-for-profit social enterprise that functions as a subsidiary of the University College London Hospitals Charity. This structure is a rarity in specialized medicine and creates a powerful, self-sustaining cycle of service and innovation.

All profits generated from the centre’s services, which cater to both private and NHS patients, are given back. Since its inception in 1985, the organization has donated over £40 million to its parent charity. This is not a vague corporate social responsibility pledge; it is a direct and quantifiable reinvestment into the heart of the UK's neurological care system.

These funds are instrumental in supporting frontline NHS services, purchasing specialist equipment that might otherwise be out of reach, and financing pivotal research initiatives at the adjacent UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology. It means that every scan performed, every treatment administered, contributes to a greater good—advancing the science of neurology and enhancing the care available to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay. This model redefines what it means to "give back," embedding the principle of service directly into the organization's financial DNA.

Human Stories as a Catalyst for Hope

Ultimately, the "Queen Square in Focus" podcast brings the organization's dual mission of innovation and service to life through the power of the human voice. For those newly diagnosed or struggling with the progression of a movement disorder, the medical journey can feel isolating and overwhelming. Hearing directly from a patient who has navigated the decision to undergo a treatment like MRgFUS, and from the specialist who guided them, transforms abstract clinical possibilities into tangible hope.

As one expert from a national patient advocacy group commented, "Sharing lived experiences is crucial. It demystifies the process and, more importantly, it shows people they are not alone. Hearing from someone who has walked the same path can be incredibly powerful; it transforms clinical data into a shared human experience."

By opening its doors and microphones, Queen Square Imaging Centre is doing more than just promoting its services. It is fostering an educated, empowered, and connected patient community. Through stories of resilience and scientific breakthroughs, the podcast is building a bridge of understanding, reminding listeners that behind every diagnosis and every technological marvel are dedicated professionals and determined individuals working together toward a better, more stable future.