Chartwell launches appeal to raise £9,500 for a bladder cystoscopy couch, to cut waiting times by 50% and improve treatment outcomes for cancer patients.
The Chartwell Cancer Trust has launched an urgent fundraising appeal to help reduce waiting times for bladder cancer diagnosis across the region, aiming to raise £9,500 to purchase a vital piece of diagnostic equipment for the Urology Unit at Beckenham Beacon Hospital, part of King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
The appeal comes as referrals for suspected bladder cancer cases in the area continue to rise, partly driven by increased public awareness following the recent diagnoses of His Majesty King Charles III and Olympic cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy.
At present, the team at Beckenham Beacon can carry out essential bladder examinations, known as flexible cystoscopies, in just one clinical room. The new diagnostic examination couch will allow the service to double its capacity, helping to meet national NHS targets and significantly shorten the time patients wait for crucial tests.
King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust serves around one million people across South-East London, including the boroughs of Southwark, Lewisham, Greenwich, Bromley, Bexley and Lambeth.
The new equipment will help the Beckenham Beacon team aim for a 10-day turnaround from referral to diagnosis for suspected bladder cancer cases.
The Chartwell Cancer Trust is calling on the local community to support the campaign through their Crowdfunder appeal.
To donate to the appeal, scan the QR code or visit https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/bladdercancercouch
