26 April 2011
Local doctors are being given a new weapon in the fight against cancer, thanks to the generosity of the Friends of Leatherhead Hospital.
On Friday 15 April the Friends officially presented a specialist scanner – called a ‘transvaginal ultrasound’ machine – to Mr Mike Katesmark, the Trust’s lead consultant for gynaecological cancer. The cutting-edge scanner, which cost £45,000, will help to diagnose cases of ovarian, endometrial (womb) and other cancers as early as possible and, it is hoped, will save lives.
The charity has also given a £4,000 cash boost to completely refurbish the dedicated room where patients have their assessments, which will go towards new equipment and enhancing the room's overall environment.
The scanner will benefit patients of Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs gynaecology (women's reproductive health) services from Leatherhead Hospital.
Mr Katesmark, who received the scanner on behalf of the Trust, said: "This extremely generous gift will speed up the time it takes women who may be at risk of these cancers to get scanned.
"We're hoping that this new equipment will help us to save lives and will ultimately enable us to concentrate a full range of diagnostic services at Leatherhead Hospital. I know I speak for the whole team when I say that the efforts of the League of Friends are greatly appreciated."
The ultrasound machine works by taking high-resolution pictures of the pelvis through a ‘transducer’. Ultrasonic sound waves are sent out and return to the transducer and detailed pictures are formed from the subsequent ‘echoes’.
Audrey Mellers, chairman of the League of Friends at Leatherhead Hospital, said: "I'm delighted to present this piece of equipment to the Trust. It's gratifying to know that the hard work we put into our fundraising has a direct impact on the health and wellbeing of others."
Gynaecological cancers target the female reproductive system, and affect 18,000 women each year. Amongst the most prevalent are ovarian and womb cancer, which account for a combined 14,000 cases a year.
Mr Katesmark added: "The best weapon in the fight against cancer – of any description – is early detection. Unfortunately, with ovarian cancer, symptoms are often vague or non-specific to the disease, and as a result it is often diagnosed late. Ultrasound assessment – using scanners such as this – together with blood tests, is critical in early diagnosis.
"In addition, for women experiencing post-menopausal bleeding, ultrasound scanning of endometrial thickening – that is, the lining of the womb – is also a vital part of early investigation. In particular, I would urge extra vigilance amongst women who have a history of gynaecological cancer in the family."
Basing the clinics at Leatherhead Hospital has enabled the Trust to pool resources with Central Surrey Health, who run the site and provide nursing support. The range of clinics available means that the Trust can offer a ‘one stop’ diagnostic service closer to home for patients in the Leatherhead area.
