Overview

Funding was provided to replace the Electrosurgical Units that were in the Urology and Gynaecology Theatres. The replacement unit now meets all the needs of patients and will facilitate all future advancements in surgery. The new unit will be particularly valuable in pelvic oncology - ovarian, cervical, bladder and prostate cancer work.

Funding was provided for an Operating Microscope as the old microscope was fifteen years old and needed replacing for a new one which will be suitable to work on patients.

Funding was provided for a Phoenix 3 Urodynamics Machine that will be used to run a test to diagnose a problem. As a result of the test result, a treatment plan can be drawn up.

Funding was provided to replace two older cameras that detect Diabetic Retinal Disease. This is detected by digitized photography. The two older cameras use image resolution but this was seen as poor quality and poor to pass quality assurance. The upgrade of the cameras was essential to the department.

Funding was provided for an operating microscope for spinal service for:

• Operating for surgery involving the spinal cord. The microscope will enhance the surgical outcome and improve safety.
• Provide hands on training for spinal surgeons as it will provide a clearer visualisation of the spinal cord.
• Advances in surgery for spinal cord injury surgeons will be expected to deliver regenerative technology directly in to the spinal cord.

The microscope is a major piece of equipment and is an essential piece of equipment in a National Centre.

Funding was provided for an X-Ray Image Intensifier for the Pain Clinic.

Funding to provide a replacement Ultrasound Unit for the main Radiology Department

Funding was provided for a Neurocom Balance Master. The Neurocom Balance Master is a useful tool in the assessment and rehabilitation of balance disorders. Balance can be affected in many different conditions, including Stroke, Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. But it is not only neurological conditions that affect balance. Older people tend to have poor balance and can experience falls, and anyone following prolonged bed rest will experience problems with balance and mobility. Balance rehabilitation is an extremely important component of physiotherapy, in helping to achieve safe and independent mobility so people can enjoy a better quality of life. The Neurocom Balance Master offers a range of objective balance assessments that were previously unavailable to us. Also, it offers a variety of balance exercises that can be progressed as a person's balance improves. The visual feedback from the computer screen ensures the people using it can challenge their balance systems appropriately. With the wide range of objective measures of balance available with this, it will be a very useful tool in future physiotherapy research projects.

Funding was provided for three Intra Aortic Balloon Pumps. These pumps are in constant demand. Balloon-pumping technology can be essential for the survival prospects of patients with advanced cardiac disease, or advanced heart failure.

Funding was provided for St John's Ward, as this ward is an integral part of the Acute Medical Unit caring for many ill patients in the hospital. All three of the six-bedded rooms in the ward needed to be refitted with water and suction points.

Funding was provided to further develop the Bronchoscopy service. This will lead to further developments in Endoscopic Ultrasound service for tumours. This will also help in the training of junior doctors. The Endobronchial Ultrasound will enhance the ability to diagnose lung cancer and also stage the disease.

Funding was provided to purchase an Evoked Potentials Otoacoustic Emission Diagnostic Platform. This tool is vital for audiology service to Oncology, Stroke, Elderly, A&E, ENT and Neurological Patients.

Funding was provided to the ward to replace a bath hoist, which was un-repairable. The new system can be operated more efficiently using a handset control and has a height adjustable system, transfer seat, lift and integrated transport solution system from bed to bath, this ensures a better working method without heavy manual lifting. This piece of equipment is beneficial to all patients but especially patients who have poor mobility and will guarantee the safety of both patients and staff.

Funding was provided to purchase an Anti-Coagulant Analyser. Because of the growing number of patients in the department this piece of equipment has become a fundamental part of the Haematology Laboratory.

Funding was provided to the Accident and Emergency Department in the hospital to improve and development the unit. The Emergency Department is one of the busiest in the hospital and sees approximately 50,000 people per year, many of which require immediate, urgent attention.

To improve the department a demand for new equipment was needed:

• A Rapid Infuser - This device speedily infuses fluids to acutely unwell patients and trauma cases.
• A Blood/Fluid Warming System - This device warms blood products and liquids and benefits many patients including Hypothermic, the elderly and the homeless.
• Vital Sign Monitoring Systems - This piece of equipment is used particularly for the introduction of integrated care pathways, especially the Stroke Care pathway, as these patients require 15-minute vital signs.

Funding was provided to Complementary Therapies in the hospital to provide regular service to patients who attend the hospital. Complementary Therapies is used alongside conventional medicine and is more recently known as integrative medicine where the patient benefits from the best of both approaches. Many patients within the hospital who suffer with Neurological Conditions and Respiratory Conditions are referred and benefit from the therapies given.

Funding was provided to purchase a Portable Two Dimensional Ultrasound device. This new piece of equipment has facilitated the performance, improving success rates and has contributed to operating theatre efficiency.

Funding was provided to replace a Microscope for analysing fluid and cell abnormalities.

Funding was provided to the ward to improve patient care and comfort. The purchase of:

• Two electric beds
• Two televisions - specifically for patients who are in isolation
• Reconfiguration of Storage Room on the ward - this will accommodate and safely store equipment and stock.

Funding was provided for three Intra Aortic Balloon Pumps. These pumps are in constant demand. Balloon-pumping technology can be essential for the survival prospects of patients with advanced cardiac disease, or advanced heart failure.