Cobalt launch appeal to improve treatment pathway for cancer patients
30th November 2020
Patients will have faster access to their CT and MRI scan, following a fundraising campaign by Cobalt.
Many patients require blood test prior to having their CT or MRI scan. This can mean they have to go to their GP or hospital to have a blood sample taken, which is then sent off to the laboratory for analysis.
We want to develop a new service which will enable the important blood analysis to take place just before the patient’s scan in the scanning department. This will reduce the waiting time for the patient to have their scan, therefore quicker results for the doctor.
We need to raise £25,000 to purchase a point-of-care blood analysis system. This new technology, which is now used on the air ambulances and emergency vehicles, provides accurate results in minutes.
We are also raising funds for state-of-the-art vein finders which will be used to support the new blood analysis service. This new technology will also be used when patients are required to have an injection as part of their scan. Patients who are undergoing chemotherapy, can have their veins scarred and damaged by the needles and catheters, it can therefore be hard to find a vein to give an injection. The AccuVein system uses infrared imaging to detect veins so the best veins can easily be identified for injections and infusions, helping to improve the standard of care.
We are taking part in ‘The Big Give’ this year to help raise the £25,000 needed. This will start on Tuesday 1st December midday to Tuesday 8th December midday. All donations given through the Big Give website (www.thebiggive.org.uk) will be doubled – A £45 donation with gift aid becomes worth an amazing £101 to the Charity!
Professor Iain Lyburn, Cobalt’s Medical Director, said “Cobalt is always looking to reduce patient anxiety, which can include concerns over having to attend multiple hospitals and departments prior to their scan. We have the opportunity to be one of the first to implement technology that will stop cancer patients needlessly waiting for their scan, this is critical to all of our healthcare.”
Cobalt supporter Joe Jepps has already raised over £5,000 for Cobalt and NHS Charities Together. ‘Anything that reduces anxiety for cancer patients can only be a good thing. This equipment is vital if it means patients can save time by getting it all done at Cobalt. Now more than ever charities like Cobalt need our support to carry on doing the amazing work they do!’ Joe Jepps
Cobalt Supporter, Lily Wilcocks knows how important the Cobalt Imaging Centre is and the support it has given to her family. ‘Please support Cobalt this year and double your donations during the Big Give. Many of the patients who will be using this service will be attending Cobalt for urgent oncology scans. With the worries the health pandemic brings this service will give patients peace of mind and save them from extra appointments’.
Donations given to Cobalt through www.thebiggive.org.uk website from Tuesday 1st December to Tuesday 8th December will be DOUBLED from match funding kindly pledged by the Clive and Sylvia Richards Charity.