LIFE & LIVING
Keeping Abreast Norwich
Portable Ultrasound Machine for the NNU
Funded by Keeping Abreast Norwich
A portable ultrasound machine has been purchased by the Keeping Abreast Norwich Support Group for the Plastic Surgery Department at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH) to aid its breast reconstruction patients.
The TE7 Portable Diagnostic Ultrasound System, which cost £14,400, will be used on breast patients in Outpatients as well as on the ward. The machine is designed to simplify and speed up ultrasound examinations, thereby improving patients’ experiences and reducing expensive theatre time.
Jane Crockett, who runs the Keeping Abreast Norwich Support Group, said: “Raising funds for this important piece of equipment has taken several years.
Funding has come from a number of different sources, including ‘Booby Cupcake’ sales, sponsored events such as cold water swims, festive fairs, bric-a-brac stalls and car-boot sales, as well as funeral donations. Keeping Abreast Norwich was also fortunate to be named Charity of the Year by Marks & Spencer in Norwich, which raised £3,000 for the cause. We are extremely thankful to the lingerie department at M&S Norwich for their fundraising efforts and support, and to everyone involved.”
Ruth Harcourt, who worked as the Lead Breast Reconstruction Nurse Specialist at the NNUH for over 20 years and in Plastic Surgery for 40 years, and who was one of the founders of Keeping Abreast, said: “I have recently retired, but I came back especially to see this portable ultrasound machine being installed, as I wanted to say a huge thank you to Keeping Abreast Norwich for their fantastic fundraising efforts. The portable ultrasound machine complements the equipment that is already provided by the NHS and the whole Plastic Surgery team really appreciates the Group’s support.”
KEEPING ABREAST
Established in September 2007 by patients Anna Beckingham and Beverley Birritteri and Breast Reconstruction Nurse Specialist Ruth Harcourt. They recognised a great need for women, both newly diagnosed with breast cancer and facing the possibility of mastectomy, and also women further down the line who are also considering reconstructive surgery, to be able to meet and talk to other women who have been through similar experiences. This allows them to make an informed choice about whether or not to proceed with breast reconstruction. The charity has four main objectives, as follows:-
• To provide information, support, practical help and advice for those considering breast reconstruction, including the opportunity to share the experiences of others.
•To enrich the quality of care for those recovering from breast reconstruction.
•To raise awareness of Keeping Abreast within the UK.
•To encourage and support
the establishment of other KA groups nationwide.
For further information on Keeping Abreast and for more details of local Keeping Abreast Support Group and Outreach meetings, please visit: www.keepingabreast.org.uk, call: 01603 819113 or email: info@keepingabreast.org.uk
Also available on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Keeping Abreast also runs a closed Facebook group called the ‘Keeping Abreast Online Support Group UK’ where those facing breast reconstruction can have conversations, swap stories and receive helpful hints and tips.