Manx Breast Cancer Support Group has received a donation from the Microgaming Health & Care Trust for the purchase of a Breast Coil, an essential piece of equipment used in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans.
Manx Breast Cancer Support Group, a Manx-registered charity, embarked on a massive fundraising campaign in November 2013 to raise funds to build a new facility at Noble’s Hospital, a dedicated breast care clinic. In less than two years, the charity managed to raise their mammoth target of ?1.5 million.
But the project doesn’t end there! The local charity is continuing to fundraise in order to ensure the clinic has all the equipment it needs. Keen to get involved, the Microgaming Health & Care Trust has donated over ?16,000 for the purchase of a Breast Coil, a tool used in MRI scans which images the breast by using a strong magnetic field.
Dr Rebecca Miller, Consultant Radiologist at Noble’s Hospital, explained: “This Breast Coil will transform the service we provide on the Isle of Man, particularly with the management and experience of younger women with a strong family history risk for breast cancer. Subtle cancers can now be detected and treated much earlier. Previously, patients had to travel to Liverpool Women's Hospital for their investigations. Now, thanks to the Microgaming Health & Care Trust, we have the necessary equipment to undertake these scans on the island.”
Julie Stokes, Chairman of Manx Breast Cancer Support Group, commented: “Since undertaking this project, we have been overwhelmed by the support we have received, from both the public and corporate companies willing to get involved. I’d like to thank the Microgaming Health & Care Trust for their generous donation. Being able to offer this service on-island will make a huge difference to patients and their families.”
The new breast unit at Noble’s Hospital will house the island’s entire breast screening service, screening around 3,000 patients yearly. All women living on the island will at some point use this unit. It is expected to open early 2016.
Paul Novellie, Trustee of the Microgaming Health Care & Trust, added: “To raise over ?1.5 million for a dedicated breast unit was no mean feat! On behalf of the Microgaming Health & Care Trust, well done to all involved in this remarkable achievement. The island will benefit greatly from this unit. Naturally, we were very keen to get involved in the project and when we knew that Manx Breast Cancer Support Group required funding for equipment, we were more than happy to help out.”
For more information on Manx Breast Cancer Support Group, please visit: manxbreastcancersupportgroup.com.
Photo - The MRI scanner and Breast Coil at Noble’s Hospital.
