The Manx Osteoporosis Society has made a generous donation of ?1,500 to the Department of Health to enhance and improve the services which are provided by the Radiology Department at Noble’s Hospital. The donation has enabled the Department of Health to upgrade its Dexa Scanner to the latest technical specifications. The scanner is now able to automatically generate Frax scores, an individual assessment measuring a patient’s risk of having a fracture. For patients at risk from osteoporosis, this is invaluable in their treatment planning. Paediatric patients in particular will benefit as the Department is now in a position to scan them for clinical information relating to their growth and development. Prior to the upgrade, children were sent off-Island to have this particular scan. Minister for Health, David Anderson MHK said, “I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Manx Osteoporosis Society for this generous donation. These funds have enabled us to purchase software which will greatly improve our screening services to those at risk of, or currently suffering from, osteoporosis. My thanks also goes to all those who fundraise and donate to local charities. It just goes to show the real and positive impact donations to local charities can have on frontline services and standards of care.” This is the first donation made to Noble’s Hospital from Manx Osteoporosis Society, which is a local registered charity formed eight years ago with links to the National Osteoporosis Society. Thelma Lomax, the Chairperson said, “It is a pleasure to be able to make this sizable donation to Noble’s Hospital’s Radiology Department. This is our first donation and we are delighted to be able to enhance the services which are provided by the Department.” Diane Rainford, Radiology Manager said “This donation couldn’t have come at a better time; this has finally allowed us to update the software which is used by the Dexa Scanner to improve the detail in the images. I would personally like to thank the Manx Osteoporosis Society for this donation, as it enables us to improve the services we provide to the public here at Noble’s Hospital. “We strive to provide high quality care for patients and this donation has ensured that the hospital has the most up to date technology benefiting of all those patients who require their bone density to be measured.” - ENDS -