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The Colorectal Multidisciplinary Service sends a thank you message to Aid Cancer Treatment

30 January 2023

To ACT Charity

The colorectal service would like to acknowledge and thank you for your support towards improving the quality of cancer services for patients who have Bowel cancer.

The following areas have all benefited from this;

 Funds towards developing and printing a patient Bowel Surgery Information book. This has helped reduce infection rates in CUH significantly. A recent patient survey also showed improved patient satisfaction. We have included the link and promoted ACT on the hard cover of the book. It will also be on the CUH website which will have a link to ACT on the patient information.

 Education; which enabled development of further specialist roles directly impacting care to patients.

 Equipment: Trans Rectal Ultrasound and Anal Manometry machines; enabling us to provide a one stop multidisciplinary clinic that saved multiple visits to clinics for patients

 Wards; to improve patient comfort and prevent complications while in hospital, for example pressure prevention cushions / privacy curtains / seated medical weighing scales and shelving

 Very important – mirrors for shaving and changing stoma appliances and replacement remote controls for televisions which (TV’s were also bought with charitable funds in the past)

The Colorectal Multidisciplinary team are very grateful for the all the assistance for our patients. Any item, big or small makes a difference to the patients experience.

We have of course many ambitions and visions as a team such as pre-habilitation / stationary physio exercise equipment to aid recovery and reduce complications are becoming standards of care worldwide and we would love of course to offer the best to the people of Cork and its region.

Regards
On behalf of the team

Surface Guided Radiotherapy was the latest big investment helped by your donations to Aid Cancer Research.

Draft media release

New Cancer Technology at Cork University Hospital Eliminates the Need for Permanent Tattoos in Radiotherapy

The Radiation Oncology Department at Cork University Hospital has begun using new surface guidance technology which will enhance the quality and precision of radiotherapy treatment – this equipment was supplied by Aid Cancer Treatment Charity.
One major advantage of surface guidance is the elimination of permanent skin markings, or tattoos, which a major benefit for patients. Traditionally tattoos have been required in the delivery of radiation therapy. Quote: “Permanent tattoos used in radiotherapy treatment can have a significant psychological impact on patients. They are a long-lasting reminder of the cancer diagnosis and treatment, a time which patients want to move on from. We are delighted here at CUH to be the first public hospital in Ireland to offer tattooless radiotherapy to our patients and it will be available for all cancer treatments”. Cork University Hospital is the 1st public Hospital and the 1st hospital outside of Dublin to offer tatooless breast radiotherapy.

This surface guided technology, called AlignRT, is also used for deep-inspiration breath hold radiotherapy, where the patient holds their breath during treatment. This allows radiation to be delivered while limiting radiation exposure to the heart and lungs, a technique predominantly used for left sided breast cancer treatment. Due to the higher pin-point accuracy of the technology, there will also be less imaging and x-rays required. Cork University Hospital is also the 1st public centre to have the technology available on all linacs and and CTs allowing. This means all patients have access the leading technology.
Aid Cancer Treatment Charity raised funds of €800,000 to purchase the new technology that was developed and installed by Vision RT. Surface guidance ensures the patient is in the intended treatment position, with pin-point accuracy, providing both comfort and safety.
Aid Cancer Treatment (A.C.T.) is a registered charity founded in 1983 and is a completely independent body whose members give their time voluntarily, thus every penny raised is spent to improve the facilities and services for Cancer Patients in Cork University Hospital (registered charity number:6416).
Over the past 35 years Aid Cancer Treatment has raised approximately €6 to €7 million for the Cork University Hospital and is continuing to raise funds to invest in new developments for cancer services provision in the Cork University Hospital.
“Aid Cancer Treatment’s mission is to improve the health and well-being of individuals and families in their cancer journey through the provision of equipment, investment in research and comfort for those living with cancer in our region.”
Aid Cancer Treatment Charity are contactable on here