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I feel privileged to head up the Stars Appeal, and to be at the heart of something which touches so many lives
The Earl of Pembroke President of the Stars Appeal
We are thrilled to announce that, thanks to our amazing donors and fundraisers, Salisbury District Hospital’s first ever dedicated Breast Unit is now complete and fully open!
The new £1million Unit provides the best possible facilities for patients with dedicated diagnostic equipment, treatment and counselling rooms enabling quicker care and treatment. Diagnosis and follow up are delivered in one place with less need for patients to visit other departments in the Hospital. Thanks to the increased space, and availability of state-of-the-art equipment, patients attending for tests to see if they have breast cancer receive their diagnosis on the same day, avoiding anxious waits for results. And clinics are run jointly with oncologists and plastic reconstructive surgeons, meaning patients no longer need to visit the Hospital as frequently.
The Unit is named after retired Salisbury engineer David Brown who made a particularly substantial donation to the campaign. Many other generous donors have also been recognised within the Unit through the naming of rooms and on a huge plaque within the main waiting area.
Stars Appeal Breast Unit Fund patient rep Jo Bott said: “At the age of 26 I heard the words ‘unfortunately it’s cancer’. I walked through a packed waiting room, into the corridor and tried to find my way to radiology. I had no choice but to cry in the waiting room. This dedicated new unit has changed all that. It provides a more comfortable and private space. It negates the need to move from department to department, constantly explaining who you are and why you are there. It’s somewhere where patients do not need to keep undressing. It makes the whole journey smoother and quicker for those requiring tests, those newly diagnosed and those like myself that are still being monitored. The new breast care unit provides an area for patients and their families to come to terms with their diagnosis and on behalf of all the patients, I would to thank Stars Appeal supporters for their wonderful support.”
Fundraising now continues to provide patient support through the Stars Appeal Breast Unit Fund which is jointly chaired by consultant surgeons Vicky Brown and Anna Aertssen. Miss Brown said: “We are hugely grateful for the massive support from the local community and wish to thank everyone who has supported us. This Breast Unit means better care for thousands of women, men and their families for years to come. On their behalf, and on behalf of the whole team, thank you so much”.
