Charity-funded biopsy equipment delivers big benefits to Hywel Dda patients

Pictured from left with the new biopsy machine: Specialist Nurses Wolfgang Ackerman, David Ceri Thomas and Nicola Thomas; Consultant Mr Yeung Ng, and Cancer Support Worker Janet Mackrell

New biopsy equipment purchased with charitable funds is having a positive impact on the experience of patients across the Hywel Dda region who are being tested for prostate cancer.

Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, has funded state-of-the-art trans-perineal biopsy equipment for Prince Philip Hospital worth £50,000, following a £30,000 donation from the West Wales Prostate Cancer Support Group.

The new biopsy equipment is used to test for the possibility of prostate cancer. Previously, the Hywel Dda urology service had just one biopsy machine located in Glangwili Hospital. However, this machine did not carry out a trans-perineal biopsy, a more accurate procedure.

Mr Ng, Consultant Urologist, said: “The purchase of this equipment is an important step in the full transition over to trans-perineal biopsy for prostate and a key component of the current Cancer Research UK-funded project to provide a gold standard prostate cancer diagnostic service in Hywel Dda. I am very grateful for the continued support of charity and patient group partners to enable us to provide this.”

Neil Griffiths, Service Delivery Manager of Urology, said: “The new equipment has not only allowed us to increase the capacity of prostate biopsies for all Hywel Dda patients who are referred with suspected prostate cancer; it has also enabled us to carry out the advanced trans-perineal biopsies at Prince Philip Hospital.

“This has benefitted patients by reducing waiting times and the need to travel to receive an optimal service.

“It has also improved staff morale as it allows us to provide improved care to our patients.”

Nicola Llewelyn, Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, said: “The purchase enables the health board to continue a sustainable and advanced prostate biopsy service.

“It demonstrates how the generous support of our local communities makes it possible for us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda. We are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”