The Eric and Marion Scott Chemotherapy Unit at Noble’s Hospital has acquired a new portable ultrasound machine, purchased through a £35,000 grant from The Henry Bloom Noble Healthcare Trust.
The dedicated unit, which opened in 2019, provides weekday treatment for cancer patients under remote supervision from oncologists in the north west of England.
The new machine allows staff to accurately position peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PIC lines) used to administer chemotherapy, without patients needing to visit the Radiology Department.
It also assists in managing acute complications, such as fluid build-up, and helps with difficult venous access. Senior Sister Christine Ecolango said: “It will make a huge difference.”
Smoother Treatment
Acute Oncology Nurse Consultant, Markie Chestnut, explained: “The new ultrasound machine allows us to maintain elective clinics in acute oncology for chest and abdominal drainage, assisting patients to remain at home and symptomatically well.”
She added: “It also assists with difficult venous access, allowing the oncology team treating patients to visualise vessels prior to access and subsequent correct placement within a central vein using the ultrasound – meaning we can successfully place a catheter into a large vein in the central chest for systemic anti-cancer therapies.
“This ensures a smoother treatment journey for patients and keeps treatments on their prescribed schedule.”
Malcolm Clague from the Henry Bloom Noble Healthcare Trust added: “The Trustees of the Henry Bloom Noble Healthcare Trust recognise the dedication of the Oncology team towards the patients they treat and were pleased to provide a grant of £35,000 to purchase the machine and train three members of staff in its use.
“An Ultrasound machine that is solely dedicated for use within the Chemotherapy Unit both enhances the role of the staff in caring for their patients as well as leading to better treatment of patients through improved compliance of timing of treatment regimes, resulting in better management and outcomes for Island residents affected by cancer.”