More lives are being saved at Bath’s Royal United Hospital thanks to a new high-tech imaging machine which has been funded by a local Charitable Trust.
The benefactor of the Trust, who wishes to remain anonymous, generously donated £56,000 to the hospital’s fundraising charity, The Forever Friends Appeal, so they could buy the much-needed surgical instrument called a BV Pulsera.
It’s now in use in the RUH’s Gastroenterology department, which specialises in all aspects of the digestive system, including the upper and lower bowel, liver, and pancreas.
Its main purpose is to take and then display real-time imaging for a range of clinical procedures such as diagnosing and treating biliary and pancreatic cancer as well as gall stone disease.
It also allows the operator to place stents across blockages in the oesophagus, and the first part of the small intestines and the colon.
Tina Thresher, Endoscopy Ward Manager at the RUH said: “It’s a vast improvement on our present equipment. Since it’s been installed in our department it’s already saved two peoples’ lives, including a patient who was in Critical Care who needed a Gastroenterology procedure.
“As we had the BV Pulsera ready to use, all we had to do was coordinate staff and expertise.
“This surgical imaging instrument is truly lifesaving and we can’t extend our gratitude enough for such a generous donation.”
The BV Pulsera will not only be used for emergency cases, but also for scheduled procedures – and is now linked up to the RUH’s seminar room for use at regional training days to teach other clinicians how to do specialist procedures.
Ben Colleypriest, Consultant in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, said: “This is a vital piece of equipment that will change people’s lives on a weekly basis.
“The upgrade from our previous equipment is revolutionary. It has improved the quality of care we deliver to hundreds of patients and opens up new avenues of treatment. We are extremely grateful for the donation.”
Edward Hassall, Trusts and Foundations Officer from The Forever Friends Appeal said: “We’re thrilled to have received this generous support.
“It means a huge amount to the clinicians in the Gastroenterology Unit. Donations like this, which sit outside our major fundraising campaigns, make a huge difference in helping to support the delivery of high quality healthcare – as well as to save people’s lives. We’re extremely thankful for the kind gift.
“If you’re interested in making a donation to the RUH, we would be delighted to hear from you.”
