A substantial bequest from the estate of a local man has resulted in new equipment for the Radiology Department at Nobles Hospital.
Having been charged with carrying out the wishes of the late Cyril Martin, Mr Robert Jelski of Dickinson Cruickshank and Mrs Daphne Crompton, a Trustee of the Settlement, had been investigating ways in which Mr Martin's estate could, as instructed, be used to assist medicine for the public good.
At the same time, discussions between the Minister for Health and Social Security, the Hon. Eddie Teare MHK, and the management team at Nobles Hospital, had identified that upgrading the Hospital's CT scanner and angiography equipment would result in better service for patients by assisting in diagnosis and also tracking responses to treatment.
Following a meeting at the Hospital with Dr Peter Evans, Mr Jelski and Mrs Crompton agreed to replace the scanner and the angiography equipment, which will bring about considerable benefits to patient care and treatment for Island residents.
Eddie Teare comments, "This generous contribution of ?1.4 million will undoubtedly enable us to provide high quality care to patients.
"I feel confident that this will enable us to take advantage of the very latest technology to the benefit of all concerned.
"I would also like to personally thank Mr Jelski and Mrs Crompton for the care and consideration which they have shown in dealing with a very onerous responsibility.
"I did know Mr and Mrs Martin and I am sure that they would be very pleased with this decision."
Dr Peter Evans, Consultant Radiologist and Clinical Director for the Radiology Department, adds, "We are delighted with this most generous bequest which has allowed upgrading of the CT scanner and angiography (fluoroscopy imaging) equipment used at Noble’s Hospital.
"There have been significant technical developments in both these fields and the replacements planned will provide the ability to treat more patients on the Island to a higher standard than is possible with our older equipment.’
The new CT scanner will permit tests to be carried out in a shorter time than existing equipment can provide and with improved quality of images.
It will provide the ability to carry out tests not currently available and for which patients would otherwise have to go to Liverpool.
The new angiography (fluoroscopy) equipment will replace the oldest piece of equipment, which was transferred from the old hospital, along with the CT scanner. This will provide increased range and quality of examinations performed locally.
Both pieces of equipment will allow increased levels of safety due to improvements in computing speed and X-ray detector efficiency.
The new equipment will be sourced and installed as soon as possible, but during the replacement process there will be some disruption, which will be managed to ensure the minimum of inconvenience to patients.
As the existing equipment is well maintained the trustees have suggested that it be donated to a worthwhile cause and the advice of the Isle of Man Government’s Overseas Aid Committee will be sought.
The cheque was presented to Mrs Barbara Scott on behalf of the Noble’s Hospital Trustees.
Pictured (l-r): Di Rainford (Superintendent Radiographer), Kendra Furness (Dickinson Cruickshank), DHSS Minister Eddie Teare MHK, Dr Peter Evans (Consultant Radiologist), Daphne Crompton (Trustee of Cyril John Martin Settlement), Norman McGregor Edwards (Director of Health Strategy & Performance), Robert Jelski (Dickinson Cruickshank) and Barbara Scott (Hospital Manager).
