CHESTNUT APPEAL FOR PROSTATE CANCER DEVON CORNWALL SOUTH WEST
Raising awareness is at the heart of everything we do.
We fund the very latest in treatments and technology that wouldn't be available without our support. For example some men diagnosed with prostate cancer in Devon and Cornwall, some will undergo radical surgical removal of their prostate in either Derriford or the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. The surgery can be performed more precisely with the use of state-of-the art xenon headlights worn by the surgeons. There is evidence that using specialist headlights reduces the blood loss during the surgery as well as the duration of the operation itself.
The Chestnut Appeal has successfully fundraised in order to purchase a new headlight system for each hospital. Not only did the Chestnut Appeal purchase the headlights, but it also paid to equip the headlights with specially adapted camera systems that transmit the image that the surgeon sees directly onto television monitors. This will facilitate training of future surgeons as well as theatre staff within the region, thereby continuing the drive to provide first class prostate cancer services for the men of Devon and Cornwall. The headlights systems were delivered in June and are already in use.
Manager of the charity, Lesley-Ann Simpson says, "We are so pleased to be able to continue making a marked difference to men with prostate cancer across the region. These two cameras have cost a total of £34,995 and will ensure not only the best vision can be achieved by the surgeon, but with the attached camera it can also be used as a training tool. Thank you to everyone who made a donation towards these headlight and cameras."
Simon Angove of Storz Medical explained that they were the first of the latest generation headlights to be used anywhere in the United Kingdom. John McGrath, Consultant Urological Surgeon at Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Trust, said: 'This is yet another example of the Chestnut Appeal demonstrating its commitment to improving prostate cancer care for local patients. We are extremely grateful to the Appeal for its support and ultimately to the generosity of those who work tirelessly on fundraising'.
We fund the very latest in treatments and technology
In addition to this we also fund Prostate Cancer Nurse Specialists in our hospitals. In Devon and Cornwall these are known as Chestnut Nurses. We are delighted to continue working in such a way with our local Hospitals and look forward to many more years of positive partnership.
The success of the Chestnut Appeal is a testament to what can be achieved if we work together as a community. Over the coming years we aim to improve these vital services and do much more in the area, helping reach more of the community.
