|
AINTREE HOSPITAL SCOPES OUT UK FIRST FOR NHS
PATIENTS
at the University Hospital Aintree are the first in the country to
routinely benefit from a new mini TV camera, which transmits images
of your insides, thanks to the Liver Cancer Appeal.
SpyGlass is a pioneering tool which is fed through the mouth and
down into the stomach (endoscopy). The University Hospital Aintree
is one of the first hospitals in Europe to be using the device.
The miniature 6,000 pixel fibre optic probe, attached to a camera
head, provides the clearest internal images yet, allowing clinicians
to directly see the bile ducts and liver during operations. It also
allows them to take biopsies and to treat blockages due to cancers
and gallstones in the bile duct.
“This equipment allows us to visualise the insides of the bile
duct and liver gland on a routine basis,” said Clinical
Director of Gastroenterology, Richard Sturgess.
“Previously we have relied on x-ray images of the structures.
We will now be able to see directly inside the organs, access
disease, take biopsies and deliver therapy. SpyGlass will be used to
diagnose and treat around 50 patients this year, none of whom would
previously have had the benefit of such sophisticated equipment.”
Early treatment is of the utmost importance for cancer patients and
SpyGlass will help surgeons diagnose and treat complex digestive
cancers, such as those in the liver and bile ducts.
“These 2 cancers are on the increase and less than 15% of
patients can be operated on,” said Mr Sturgess.
University Hospital Aintree has a long-standing relationship with
the Liver Cancer Appeal, which was set up by a former patient.
“This state-of-the-art endoscopic equipment will enhance the
lives of those suffering from cancer,” said Sheila Scott
(76), founder of Liver Cancer Appeal. “I was diagnosed
with bowel and liver cancer 13 years ago. The surgeons at Aintree
saved my life and I started the charity in 1996 to give something
back. My operation took over 10 hours, today the same
brilliant surgeons are doing similar operations in 4 because of new
equipment and technology.
The Liver
Cancer Appeal is a true charity; none of our members are paid or
take expenses. We all work to raise as much money as possible so
that Richard and his team can continue to provide patients with the
best possible care.
I am in close contact with Richard and we often talk about what the
charity can do to support the hospital and raising money for
SpyGlass, is our latest success.
We receive donations throughout the
year and also host several events, once before we locked a surgeon
in jail and raised money to ‘bail him out.’
In October we hosted a
cabaret dinner at a Thai restaurant, which was attended by 250
patients and their families and there is a gala day planned for
June.”
Clinicians have been able to see internal images for over 30 years. Traditional equipment requires 2 clinicians to operate 2 scopes, 1
transmitting images and the 2nd to perform procedures. In addition,
the internal telescopes have a limited ‘lifetime’, and cannot
perform any diagnostic or therapeutic work. The other option uses
x-rays to visualise blockages in the bile and pancreatic ducts,
producing only two dimensional, black and white images. This
means that repeat operations are often required for both diagnosis
and treatment making it costly and time / labour intensive,
consequently limiting its availability to patients.
In contrast one clinician can perform both tasks with SpyGlass. The
equipment is also compatible with other treatment and diagnostic
devices, is very durable and benefits from 4 way ‘steering’
allowing surgeons to identify conditions, take biopsies, or operate
during the first procedure. The enhanced internal images and
accuracy of this equipment will also reduce the need for expensive
repeat operations, which account for a significant percentage of
current endoscopic procedures. It will also be a great benefit to
patients who will get an accurate diagnosis quicker. |
Young people suffer mental health problems because of finances
AS many as 25%
of 16 to 24 year olds have suffered mental health problems because
of their finances, suggests a new report by Citizens Advice and
young people’s charity YouthNet. The results of the ‘Penny
for your thoughts’ report will shape a programme of financial
support by the 2 organisations on YouthNet’s guide to life for 16 to
24 year olds, TheSite.org. Financial advice will be made available
via online content, podcasts, audio content and on mobile phones.
The charities estimate that the project could reach as many as
500,000 young people, ensuring they’re in a better position to
manage their money and make informed choices about their finances.
The report, which is being launched as part of a ‘Young People
and Finance’ seminar by YouthNet, HM Treasury and the FSA in
London this morning, highlights a number of concerning trends in
young people’s borrowing and budgeting behaviour:-
· 20% of the 16 to 24 year olds surveyed admitted that crossing
their fingers and hoping they don’t run out of money at the end of
the month was how they managed their finances
· 90% of respondents
named parents as the source they’re most likely to have used for
financial advice. Friends came a close 2nd with 76% and the internet
3rd at 67%
· 80% of respondents
had access to some form of credit or had done in the past
· 68% of respondents
had been encouraged to take out credit they did not want or could
not afford
· 87% of respondents
thought there were too many adverts on TV for loan companies and
credit cards
· 47% had experienced
debt problems
· 64% thought more
information was needed to help people struggling with debt.
The survey also
reveals worryingly low levels of understanding of common financial
terms such as APR. As well as helping with basic budgeting
skills, the pioneering 3 year project - funded by £300,000 from the HBOS Foundation - will help young people understand commonly
misunderstood terms such as APR, so they can compare credit and
understand what a loan might mean for them.
Janet Roberts, Grants Manager at HBOS Foundation, commented:-
“This report highlights the serious strain bad financial decisions
can put on people’s mental health as well as on their pockets.
But it also points out how and where young people want to be
supported with their finances. Over the next three years we’ll work
closely with Citizens Advice and YouthNet to use the internet to
help young people make informed choices about their finances, giving
them the information they want, where they want it."
Information on money issues specially tailored to young people’s
needs will be hosted in the ‘Money’ section of YouthNet’s
young people’s website,
www.TheSite.org – the guide to
life for 16 to 24 year olds. Audio versions of the same money advice
will be available for young people to listen to online or download
to their mp3 players. |
