EQUIPMENT
Big C funds cancer equipment across Norfolk & Waveney to help with the diagnosis and treatment of many types of cancer. Big C works in partnership with the acute trusts of Norfolk & Waveney to ensure that what is so generously donated to our charity is spent on the most needed equipment and services, as identified by doctors and nurses.
Dr Martin Rimmer talking about the new Digital Mammographic Unit at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King's Lynn :
"This is state-of-the-art X-ray equipment. It will allow us to see more patients in our clinics and provide a faster, more efficient service".
Pictured : Ruth May, Chief Executive QEH ; Daniel Williams, Chief Executive Big C; Dr Martin Rimmer, Consultant Radiologist QEH.
Skin Cancer Equipment
In Spring 2008 Big C agreed to the purchase of equipment associated with the establishment of a new Mohs surgery service at the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital at £30, 690. This procedure offers the highest cure rates for treating difficult types of basal cell carcinoma the commonest type skin cancer, because it enables the immediate and complete microscopic examination of the entire depth and peripheral tissue margins, precise mapping of tumour location on tissue sections, permitting all the “roots” and extensions of the cancer to be eliminated, and thus this maximises the preservation of normal tissue and function, improves cosmetic outcome and simplifies reconstruction of the defect.
Upper and Lower Gut Cancer Equipment
Big C has funded the purchase of a Therapeutic Colonoscope for £31,300. The Colonoscope is a flexible instrument used to exam the stomach and large bowel and will be used to diagnose and treat cancers of the upper and lower gut. More modern endoscopes allow more thorough examination and earlier diagnosis of cancers and pre-cancerous conditions. This means James Paget University Hospital will be able to treat cancers earlier, in some cases endoscopically and without the need for major surgery. This will also allow the treatment of inoperable cancers endoscopically, for example with a laser, offering relief of distressing symptoms such as being unable to eat or bowel incontinence or blockage. 
Breast Cancer Equipment
In Spring 2007 a grant for a Digital Mammographic Unit was awarded to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn for £150,000. This system helps play an essential role in the early detection of breast cancers, showing changes in the breast up to two years before they can be detected by doctors, patients or physicians.
Breast imagery equipment in the form of an additional Ultra Sound Machine was granted to the James Paget University Hospital in Great Yarmouth, to the value of £52,910. The ultra sound machine is extremely valuable in showing palpable masses not detectable under a mammographic unit.
These are just a few example of the equipment Big C has funded since 1980.
| 2008 Big C Funded Cancer Equipment/Clinical Projects | |
|---|---|
| Radiotherapy open evenings for patients relatives and careers at the Big C Centre | £1,380 |
| Radiotherapy open evenings for patients relatives and careers at the Big C Centre | £28,000 |
| Patient Information Folders | £16,500 |
| Equipment associated with devpt of MOHS micrographic surgery service for treatment of basal cell carcinoma | £30,690 |
| Purchase of therapeutic colonoscope | £31,300 |
If you would like to make a donation to Big C and help the funding of cancer equipment in Norfolk & Waveney, contact Big C today on 01603 619900.