₤1.4million investment in new CT scanners improves patient experience

THE Clatterbridge Cancer Centre has invested ₤1.4 million in 2 new CT scanners to improve services and bring treatment closer to patients. The investment has seen a brand new facility opened at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre Aintree, providing CT Radiotherapy planning scans and diagnostic CT scans at this site, for the 1st time.

The new machine in Wirral replaces an older model, giving patients access to the most up to date technology available. A computerised tomography (CT) scan uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed images of the inside of the body.

CT scans are used to diagnose conditions, including cancer. They can help determine the location, size and shape of a tumour before treatment and can monitor conditions, including checking the size of tumours during and after cancer treatment.

Julie Massey, General Manager of Radiation Services, said:- "Investing in these new scanners means we are offering our patients Diagnostic CT and pre-treatment scans with the most advanced technology.

For our patients in Aintree this will result in a much wider and improved service. Beforehand all patients had to attend our Wirral centre for Radiotherapy planning, the process which determines the volume of tissue and most appropriate radiotherapy technique for treatment. The introduction of the new service in Aintree means the majority of patients in North Merseyside will now be able to have their Radiotherapy planning determined at the centre, bringing Radiotherapy Planning closer to the patient, a key element of our aim to transform cancer care. This scanner is a replacement of one of the 2 scanners based at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, Wirral. The new CT scanner in Wirral is an illustration of our commitment to improve our care. We are always looking to the future to make sure we provide the best cancer care to the people we serve and this dual investment goes a long way to ensuring that."

The newly refurbished facilities have been carefully designed to improve the patient experience.

Some patients who will attend Clatterbridge Cancer Centre Aintree will still be required to attend the Wirral site for Radiotherapy Planning, including those with head and neck cancer and certain prostate, lung and lymphoma cancer patients.

The introduction of the new CT scanners is a major investment by The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Trust as they move forward with their plans to transform cancer care across the Region.

A total ₤162 million investment will see an expansion of cancer services across the Region with the development of a brand new cancer Hospital in the heart of Liverpool, redevelopment of the Wirral site and further investment in Clatterbridge Cancer Centre Aintree.

Julie walks for Maggie's

THE charity Maggie's provides free practical and emotional support for people living with cancer, set to hit the streets of Liverpool , on Friday, 28 September 2018, to take in the cities cultural delights.

Over 170 people have signed up to take part in the Liverpool Culture Crawl. Throughout the 10k sponsored walk supporters will experience exclusive access to some of the cities most iconic buildings and hidden gems. Including:- Western Approaches, Dot-Art and Liverpool Town Hall where walkers will enjoy live entertainment, food and drink. Each person is walking for their own personal reason whilst raising vital funds for Maggie's Merseyside.

Julie Townley from Leasowe Wirral says:- "In my time of need Maggie's was so welcoming towards my family and myself during and after my treatment, my haven of understanding, caring people with a calming atmosphere sprinkled on top. I took part in Culture Crawl 2017 to help Maggie's as they had helped me so much. It was a truly amazing experience, sharing stories and experiences with other walkers and seeing the city in a new light. I've decided to do it again this year to support this worthy cause."

Kathy Wright, centre head, at Maggie's Merseyside said:- "Culture Crawl is 1 of our biggest fundraising events in the calendar helping to keep our doors open to people affected by cancer. Last year many people took part for the cause, in celebration and some walked in memory of loved ones, making it an extra special evening. It was great to see walkers painting the town orange in our branded t-shirts and we are extremely excited to introduce many more walkers to an evening of fun, culture and entertainment."

Maggie's have recruited a variety of performers who will give up their time voluntary to entertain walkers. Pagoda Arts will kick start the event at Liverpool Cathedral, Pop Vox choir will greet walkers at the Victoria Art Gallery. The walk will draw to a close at the Museum of Liverpool where walkers with celebrate to music from the Rockin 60s.

Built in the grounds of Clatterbridge Hospital Maggie's Merseyside is a warm and welcoming place, with qualified professionals on hand to offer an evidence-based core programme of support that has been shown to improve physical and emotional wellbeing.

Maggie's Merseyside relies on voluntary donations to support and to develop its unique, high quality programme of support. The charity's aim is to make the biggest difference possible to people living with cancer and their family and friends.

To find out more about Maggie's Merseyside and to see how the Centre supports people living with cancer across Merseyside, Cheshire and North Wales please visit the Centre at Clatterbridge or get in touch on:- 01513344301 or email them via:- Liverpool@MaggiesCentres.Org.   You can also follow Maggie's Merseyside on Facebook  for the latest news and stories.

Dancers turn out for New Zealand celebration

LIVERPOOL City Council is celebrating famous Scouser with a traditional Haka dance. Female Councillors will come together in memory of Liverpool born Kate Sheppard who led the suffrage movement in New Zealand which enabled women to vote for the 1st time 125 years ago, making it the 1st country to allow women to vote.

The Haka will be performed by students at the highly decorated MD Productions, and will be led by Councillor Liz Parsons, alongside fellow female Councillors and female leaders from across the City.

Cllr Liz Parsons, cabinet member for Communities and Partnerships said:- "We're incredibly proud that a woman from our City led such a pivotal movement and we are thrilled to be able to acknowledge Liverpool's connection with the 1st country in the world to give women the vote. The Haka is our way of celebrating women not only in Liverpool, but across the world past and present, and all of their achievements."

Miguel Doforo, Founder and Creative Director of MD productions said:- "We're thrilled to be able to perform our Haka for the New Zealand High Commission, this dance is sacred in Maori culture and demands so much respect. The dance is all about taking on challenges and that's exactly what Kate Sheppard did when she fought for suffrage, so incorporating the struggle faced by women was very important to us."

The Haka is a traditional and scared dance in Māori culture. It is a posture dance performed by a group, with vigorous movements and stamping of the feet with rhythmically shouted accompaniment.