The recently launched charity appeal to raise £2.5m to bring state of the art MRI scanners to Bishop Auckland Hospital and Darlington Memorial Hospital is already receiving donations and offers of support from politicians, businesses and members of the public alike. Councillor Joy Allen, who represents Bishop Auckland, and others keen to be involved in fundraising for the appeal met at Bishop Auckland Hospital and were shown the current radiology facilities by Dr Elizabeth Loney, clinical director of radiology at County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust. Councillor Allen, said, “This is great news for the residents of Bishop Auckland and the surrounding area as well as for the hospital. We have a fantastic building offering a wide range of services to patients from across the county. I am delighted to take this opportunity to get behind the appeal and help raise awareness and funds for the MRI scanner which will improve patient experience and the environment and more importantly the diagnostics and outcomes for local people. As a local resident, Councillor and Trust Governor, I am keen to play an active role in helping to raise funds to support the purchase of this much needed equipment.
“I encourage everyone to get involved either by making a donation or running a fundraising event – after all we never know when we or a loved one might need an MRI. “The scanner will be the latest investment in Bishop Auckland Hospital, following a £1.2 million upgrade to the theatres, creating an orthopaedic centre of excellence and the opening of a clinical simulation centre offering the very latest in training techniques for clinicians, nurses and others involved in patient care. We’re also looking forward to the forthcoming opening of a 24 hour minor injury unit. Dr Elizabeth Loney, Clinical Director for Radiology, adds, “MRI scans are particularly good at looking at soft tissues. Tremendous advances in technology over recent years mean they can be enormously helpful in diagnosing cancer, heart conditions, strokes and many other health issues. Scans can also give doctors information that previously required the patient to undergo surgery or another invasive procedure as part of the investigation of their symptoms.
Crucially, MRI scanners don’t use radiation, unlike x-rays. “MRI scans are so useful we’re doing more of them each year. In the last year alone the number of MRI scans has increased by 11%. “In the past, some patients have been unable to tolerate the noise or have felt claustrophobic during the scan which can result in it being abandoned. An MRI scan can take between 30 minutes and an hour – much longer than people may realise, so comfort is really important. Modern scanners have a choice of music the patient can listen to – they can even bring their own! “An MRI scanner is one of the most expensive pieces of equipment a hospital will ever purchase and with the NHS facing huge financial challenges we need to seek public help in buying them. “We’ve already had donations from people happy with the care they or a loved one has received, regardless of whether they had a scan. We’d love the whole community, including individuals, companies, schools, sports clubs etc, to support us by holding events such as coffee mornings, cake sales and sponsored activities in aid of the Scanner Appeal. Every pound counts. After all, you never know when you or a loved one might need a scan. “We’re happy to offer support and advice and will be publicising events and fundraising on the CDDFT website.” If you would like to make a donation to our MRI appeal or get involved.
If you would like to make a donation to our MRI appeal or get involved: • Visit the ‘justgiving’ website at www.justgiving.com/cddft • Send a cheque to: Cashiers, Darlington Memorial Hospital, Hollyhurst Road, Darlington, DL3 6HX. Please make cheques payable to: Co Durham & Darlington NHS FT Charity. • Pick up a donation envelope with more information, from one of our waiting areas or wards. • Text SCAN02 £10 to 70070 to donate £10 to CDDFT. • To discuss fundraising or for more information, ring 01325 743786 or email: cddft.charity@nhs.net • Follow us on twitter: @CDDFTCharity • Find the charity on Facebook
