Fundraiser held for a surgical robot at Royal Cornwall Hospital
The cancer unit at Treliske is the only in the UK without the support of the vital technology
A fundraiser is being held at the Royal Cornwall Museum to raise money for surgical robot equipment at Treliske Hospital.
The Royal Cornwall Hospital's cancer unit ranks 13th among the 154 units in the UK, but it's the only unit without the support of vital surgical robots for the benefit of our patients and their families.
The robot would hopefully give the hospital more facilities to prevent patients having to travel out of county for care.
Ellie Pitt, from the Blue Belles charity, told Pirate FM: "Very sadly two years ago my husband was diagnosed with stage four terminal bowel cancer. About six months before, he did receive one of the bowel screening kits in the post and just never got round to doing it and sending it back.
"It's something we constantly think about. Had he sent it back, would they have found the cancer sooner and we might not be in this position now."
The event at the Royal Cornwall Museum will take place on Saturday evening, to raise funds and usher in the future of robotic technology in Cornwall.
Consultant Surgeon and Lead for Bowel Cancer at Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust, Nick Battersby, has spear-headed the campaign. He's previously said: "The Royal Cornwall NHS Trust (RCHT) is the only hospital to provide emergency and planned major surgery for the whole of Cornwall. We are determined to give Cornish patients the best care, in Cornwall, without the need to travel out of county where possible.
"We have been at the leading edge of surgical treatments and are renowned for early adoption of minimally invasive surgery (small incisions made using miniaturised surgical instruments).
"A robot would provide the next step in modern surgical care for patients at RCHT. It is exciting using this new technology. It attracts dynamic surgical and nursing staff, which ensures the RCHT Surgical Departments offer the people in Cornwall the best available care."
The Blue Belles charity, who have helped set up the 'Spring Ball' event, said: "Cancer affects us all, and that's why we're standing in solidarity with Nick Battersby, Consultant Colorectal Surgeon at Treliske, in his efforts to raise funds and bring this crucial technology to our hospital."
You can find more information about the event on the Royal Cornwall Museum website.