Chestnut Appeal Funds Extra Specialist Support for Cornwall’s Cancer Patients

Published On: 23 October 2024Last Updated: 23 October 2024By CornishStuff

The Chestnut Appeal for Men’s Health has announced it will be funding an extra day of specialist cancer staff in Cornwall. Earlier this month, the charity signed an agreement to support one day a week for two years for a Prostate Specialist Radiographer at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro. This additional support will be provided by Liz Richardson, who received her Chestnut Appeal scrubs earlier this week.

Boosting Screening Capacity at Royal Cornwall

Radiographers like Liz Richardson play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating cancers through medical imaging, including MRI and CT scans. With the funding from the Chestnut Appeal, screening capacity at the Royal Cornwall Hospital will increase, helping reduce waiting times for men needing a cancer diagnosis or updates during treatment.

Liz shared her enthusiasm about her new role, saying: “I am delighted that The Chestnut Appeal for Men’s Health has agreed to fund me for a day a week in a new role as a Prostate Specialist Radiographer. This will allow extra protected time to support men undergoing radiotherapy for prostate cancer before, during and after their treatment. It is wonderful that this fantastic charity has stepped in to help us provide support to patients and oncologists where services are seeing growing demand.”

Supporting Men’s Cancer Care in the South West

The Chestnut Appeal for Men’s Health is a charity dedicated to supporting men with prostate, penile, and testicular cancer in the South West. They are funded entirely by donations and fundraising efforts, including events like their popular summer sea swims. The funds raised allow the charity to provide specialist staff, such as Liz, and advanced equipment to ease the treatment process for cancer patients.

In addition to funding specialist staff, the charity also offers free holidays to cancer patients, giving them a chance to enjoy respite and create cherished memories with loved ones.

Expert Care at the Royal Cornwall Hospital

Mark Mantle, consultant urologist at the Royal Cornwall Hospital, highlighted the significance of this new role: “At the Royal Cornwall Hospital, we treat many of our prostate cancer patients with state-of-the-art radiotherapy. To get men through this treatment successfully, it is important that they are fully supported before, during, and after their radiotherapy. The exciting new and innovative role of Clinical Radiographer Specialist in prostate cancer will ensure that men get the very best support during this stressful time and ensure that the patient’s pathway is as smooth and timely as possible.”

This new initiative will make a significant difference for men undergoing cancer treatment in Cornwall, providing the support they need throughout their journey.