Hopes of building a dedicated unit for breast cancer treatment have been boosted with a commitment of ?30,000 from the Henry Bloom Noble Healthcare Trust.
The Manx Breast Cancer Support Group is aiming to raise ?1.5million to create a dedicated breast unit at Noble’s Hospital. The new facility, which will sit in a courtyard between the private patients’ wing and Ward 2, will provide state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment facilities as well as dedicated rooms in which a cancer diagnosis can be delivered in complete privacy and treatment options discussed.
The Henry Bloom Noble Healthcare Trust has committed ?30,000 to the project, which Manx Breast Cancer Support Group Chairman Julie Stokes explained was a significant step forward for the fundraising appeal.
She said: “We are very grateful for the generous support of the Trust, which enables plans for the unit to take another step forward.
‘Through the generosity of the Trust and others, we have so far raised in excess of ?300,000. With this kind of support, our target will become a reality in the very near future.’
Mrs Stokes added: ‘In 2013, just under 100 patients were diagnosed with breast cancer and around 3,000 breast cancer patients visit outpatient clinics every year. Providing this unit will relieve pressure on those clinics, as well as ensuring breast cancer patients are given enhanced diagnostic and treatment facilities.
‘In addition to accessing the latest and best treatments, the unit will allow many more patients to be treated on the Island, without the delays and upset that travelling away can cause.’
Members of the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group who have experienced breast cancer diagnosis and treatment will be available at the new unit to talk to newly-diagnosed patients.
The Henry Bloom Noble Healthcare Trust was established in 1888 by renowned Island benefactor Henry Bloom Noble with the ambition of improving the quality of healthcare in the Island. Today, the Trust funds equipment, training, research, education and health promotion to help improve the standard of healthcare in the Isle of Man and the quality of life for sick, infirm and disabled people in hospital, care-settings or their own homes.
Trust Chairman Larry Keenan said: ‘The Trust is delighted to make this commitment of ?30,000 to the appeal.
‘The central aim of the Trust is to assist with the enhancement and improvement of healthcare in the Isle of Man, and this unit meets that ambition very well. The aim is to provide state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment facilities to patients in the Isle of Man in a specifically-designed environment which will offer an improved experience to patients and staff.
‘It will also minimise the number of patients travelling off-island for treatment, as well as reducing the numbers attending oncology outpatient clinics inside Noble’s Hospital.’
The Henry Bloom Noble Healthcare Trust relies on donations and bequests from the public. If you would like to support the Trust, visit the website www.hbnhealthcaretrust.org.im, email info@hbnhealthcaretrust.org.im or call 616108.
Photograph: (from left) Manx Breast Cancer Support Group Treasurer Anne Dowds, Henry Bloom Noble Healthcare Trust representatives Robert Young, Sheila Dean, Malcolm Clague, Larry Keenan and John Wilson, Manx Breast Cancer Support Group Chairman and Julie Stokes and Group President David Gawne MBE
