Helping patients to receive treatment at Newark Hospital

The range of procedures available to breast cancer patients at Newark Hospital has been extended thanks to the generosity of two organisations.

The League of Friends of Newark Hospital donated £17,250 and breast cancer support group Southwell Pink Ladies donated £3,000 to pay for new equipment.

A body-jet evo fat transfer machine means some patients will not have to travel to King’s Mill Hospital, Sutton-in-Ashfield, for certain procedures, including lipo-filling, which is typically carried out after breast cancer or reconstructive surgery.

Consultant breast surgeon Mr Mohamed Jahan, who unveiled the equipment on Tuesday, said: “This will allow breast reconstruction to be carried out locally for Newark patients and I am truly grateful for the support received.”

Mr Jahan said unlike many cancer patients, breast cancer patients could look forward to a normal life expectancy and it was important to many of them to have a normal appearance.

He said: “It is a successful technique and many of the patients can have the procedure and go home the same day.”

Mr Jahan said the machine would be available to use at Newark immediately.

'A big difference to people living in the Newark area'

Assistant chief operating officer of Sherwood Forest Hospitals Trust, Mr Ant Rosevear, said: “It is another piece of equipment that is going to help Mr Jahan and his team to develop the breast service further.

“It is going to make a big difference to people living in the Newark area and is another way of preventing patients having to travel further for procedures when they do not need to.”

The League of Friends raised money through tombolas, raffles and fundraising stalls and at a coffee lounge and tea bar in Newark Hospital.

Chairman Mrs June Howsam said: “It is very rewarding to see the new equipment and it is nice to know people have not got to travel.

“It is good for the hospital to have this machine and that patients can have the treatment done here.

“They can be in and out of hospital in a day thanks to this machine, which is brilliant.”

Southwell Pink Ladies used money raised from its annual fundraising quiz.

Member Mrs Pat Martin said: “Breast cancer affects so many women and so many families.

“People are always quite keen to give money.”