Manx Breast Cancer Support and Mannin Cancers, who are working together to raise £1.5m to provide new CT scanners for Noble’s Hospital, have reached a significant milestone, writes Julie Blackburn.

Julie Stokes, chair of Manx Breast Cancer Support Group (MBCSG) said: ’We’ve reached the £1m mark. We’ve still got a good way to go to take us to target but we are delighted to have come this far and we wanted to take this opportunity to thank all the members of the Manx public who have helped us.’

The CT scanners will be housed in a brand new diagnostic imaging suite in the radiology department. The suite will also have a new MRI machine which is being bought by the Henry Bloom Noble Healthcare Trust.

The Department of Health and Social Care is funding the cost of extensive building works to accommodate the machines from the radiology department’s capital budget.

DHSC Minister David Ashford said: ’We congratulate Manx Breast Cancer Support and Mannin Cancers and all their supporters for reaching this landmark.

’To raise £1 million is impressive on any scale, but to do so in such a relatively short period of time is a massive achievement.

’The department would like to thank everyone who played a part in raising this sum for their hard work and commitment.

’The capability of the new radiology suite will be a game-changer for the Isle of Man, providing the population with one of the most advanced diagnostic facilities available in the UK.

’I’m delighted that we are working so effectively with partners in the third sector to improve patient services at Noble’s Hospital.

’This appeal and others show what can be achieved through partnership working when all involved share the same aim.’

Consultant radiologist Dr Vanina Finocch said: ’We’re going to acquire new machines which are top of the line regarding technology in diagnostic imaging.

’Firstly, this will lead to us having better quality of examinations which is what we want for our patients and, secondly, it’s going to increase the capacity, meaning that we are going to scan more patients so waiting lists will come down.

’We will also be able to open up new services such as cardiac CT scans which will mean us being able to fly fewer patients across.’

In the UK a hospital the size of Noble’s would be unlikely to have such a facility. Patients there could take an ambulance journey to the nearest centre of excellence. It is far more disruptive, and expensive for patients to travel from the island.

Instead of a significant number of people having to go across each year just for a scan, these scans will now be done at Noble’s and sent to the appropriate consultant in the UK.

The DHSC has also agreed to provide the funds to ensure the correct staffing levels in the radiology department in order to gain the maximum benefit from the new equipment.

Radiology manager Lisa Airey said: ’From a management point of view the new equipment will help with the retention and recruitment of staff. We are also a training site for radiographers so we will be giving them the best opportunity as radiographers.

The first phase of the building works are scheduled to start next month with the CT scanners in place in February 2020, followed by the new MRI, and the whole suite will be up and running by the end of March.

Superintendent radiographer Kathleen McDowell said: ’There will be no break in service for patients during the building works and installation of the new machines.’

MBCSG and Mannin Cancers have lots of fundraising events coming up to raise the money required to reach their target, including MBCSG’s Isle of Woman next month and Mannin Cancer’s golf days and Killer Queen concert early next year.

Mannin Cancers was set up to focus on prostate cancer and they will also be purchasing a trans perineal biopsy equipment which can diagnose the disease in a less invasive way.

Derek Peters from the charity said he hoped more men would help. ’This is a call for the men to join in and help us, he said. ’All the money that we raise stays here on the island for the benefit of local patients.’