An appeal to help fund state-of-the-art imaging service and equipment at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital has been launched by the N&N Hospitals Charity, marking the 250 years anniversary since the hospital welcomed its first patients in 1772.
The appeal is to raise vital funds to support the introduction of a thrombectomy service at the N&N, to enable the urgent removal of clots (thrombus) which cause strokes. Scans enable doctors to accurately locate and remove the clots, restoring blood supply to the brain. The technique is a major advance in the treatment of stroke patients, saving lives and reducing disability.
NNUH Chief of Division for Clinical Support Services Dr Richard Goodwin said: “Our Imaging Appeal aims to provide more equipment, more services and more facilities where they are most needed at the N&N. This could be another MRI or CT scanner or creating the associated facilities to accommodate a new thrombectomy service for stroke patients. This will bring benefit to a wide range of patients – people with cancer, stroke, cardiac and kidney disease.”
Research suggests that every minute saved in the time from stroke onset to treatment grants the patient an extra 4.2 days of extra healthy life. Currently, only 1% of patients are treated with thrombectomy compared with the recommended 10%, and people in the East of England have the least access to this life saving treatment. Universal access to the service in England could result in 1,600 more people becoming independent after a stroke each year.
One former patient, Sarah said: “I suffered a stroke in February 2019, while I was out running. I was brought into the N&N by ambulance, and after preliminary investigations including a CT scan, I was given thrombolysis and then transferred to Addenbrooke’s Hospital for a mechanical thrombectomy.
“I have absolutely no doubt that having this procedure saved me from sustaining severe and permanent disability, and certainly saved my career. I am now back in full-time work, and able to do everything I did prior to the stroke. I count myself incredibly lucky, and obviously feel very strongly that thrombectomy should be available to everyone who warrants it, in a timely fashion. Having a thrombectomy service locally is vital if this hospital is to provide the best possible care for stroke patients.”
Director of the N&N Hospitals Charity John Paul Garside, said: “Help us to help patients live their life to the fullest by supporting our appeal.”
Visit www.nnhospitalscharity.org.uk to find out more or donate at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/imagingappeal
