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News archive 2011 |
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Centres selected to host cutting-edge Proton Therapy services
We've learnt today a little bit more about Goverment plans to improve radiotherapy services in the UK, with more from Andrew Lansley about plans for Proton Beam Therapy.
Up to £250 million will be invested in bringing advanced radiotherapy treatment to UK, and around 1,500 cancer patients a year will benefit from a cutting edge cancer treatment – Proton Beam Therapy – that will be available in London and Manchester, Health Secretary Andrew Lansley announced today.
Up to £250 million will be invested by the NHS in building Proton Beam Therapy facilities at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust hospital in Manchester and University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The Department of Health have set aside public capital for this scheme. Birmingham has been mooted as a third centre, subject to "normal business cases processes and the views of the NHS Commissioning Board". So potentially good geographical coverage. We like that.
Proton Beam Therapy is a type of radiotherapy, which uses a precision high-energy beam of particles to destroy cancer cells. The treatment is particularly suitable for complex...
Read full storyCategory: Brain News | Published: 5 April 2012 -
New brainstrust brain tumour patient stories live...
We've often found that sharing experiences is a good way of coping. It's also a super way to find out about new brain tumour support and brain tumour treatment options.
“It’s been great knowing we can get support and strength from reading similar experiences to ours. I’ve often had a little look when I’ve been feeling a bit lost, and it’s really helped me smile”
Heidi, South Wales, 2011
There you go! So... we've been beavering away on the 'patient stories' area of brainstrust.org.uk for some time now, and have today uploaded Beth's inspirational story (click here), and updates to Lynn East's journey (click here).
Click here to visit the patient stories area of brainstrust.org.uk and learn from others on the brain tumour journey.
If you've a...
Read full storyCategory: Charity News | Published: 22 February 2012 -
Upcoming Brain Tumour Patient and Carer Information Days
Over the next few months, Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust (SDBTT) are running a series of Brain Tumour Patient and Carer Information Days. We've been to a couple so far and they're really good. Free to brain tumour patients and carers, and £50 (£70 for the London event) for Health Care professionals, they're good value, informative days, and a great opportunity to meet people who may be in a similar situation.
Here's what SDBTT have to say about the days:
"Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust’s national programme of information and support days enable those affected by brain tumours to gain information from a range of health professionals, as well as to meet others who are able to identify with their situation. The days are free to attend for brain tumour patients and their friends, family and carers, thanks to funding from the Big Lottery Fund.
Patients and carers also share their own...
Read full storyCategory: Brain News | Published: 8 February 2012 -
Andrew Lansley sets out NHS plans at All Party Brain Tumour Group Meeting
A packed All Party Brain Tumour Group (APPG) meeting provided an opportunity for around 60 members of the Brain Tumour Consortium to quiz Secretary of State for Health, Andrew Lansley MP, over his plans for the NHS and to seek reassurances that the proposed new Health Bill will not set back brain tumour care.
The meeting was chaired by James Arbuthnot MP and started with short presentations from Professor Garth Cruickshank, Consultant Neurosurgeon and brainstrust advocate and brain tumour patient Daryl Gittins.
Prof. Cruickshank appealed to the Secretary of State to ensure that the NICE’s Improving Outcomes Guidance remains an integral part of the care pathway and stressed the need for earlier diagnosis, citing evidence from Birmingham which shows that 85% of brain tumours initially present, not through Primary Care, but through casualty.
Patient Experience
Daryl outlined his differing experiences in Swansea and London explaining that his initial NHS Oncologist in Swansea made crucial decisions without any input from him. Ultimately these proved to be inappropriate whereas the treatment he received in London, after seeking advice from brainstrust, turned out to be less complicated and more suitable. He...
Read full storyCategory: Campaign News | Published: 31 January 2012 -
Running to Remember - Kirsty Lovick
Kirsty Lovick began running to relax and clear her mind after her Dad, Richard, was diagnosed with a brain tumour. She has since raised over £2,800 to help brain tumour patients and carers across the country.
Kirsty (on the right in the picture) has kindly shared with us her moving story about running to remeber her Dad, and to help others who are battling a brain tumour. It's moving stuff, so hanky at the ready...
"As a nurse I want to be able to make a difference to my patients, and I know that this is what brainstrust do."
I began running soon after dad's diagnosis as an escape to clear my mind and to relax, in September 2010 with three other nurses from my ward we ran a 10k raising a large amount of money for cancer research.
Dad wanted to cheer us on but he was too unwell to come with us, it wasn't until we were on the home straight and there he was waiting for...
Read full storyCategory: Charity News | Published: 19 January 2012 -
Clayesmore school in Dorset raises £2000 for our work
A MASSIVE thank you to everyone at Clayesmore school who worked extra hard last year and raised an astonishing £2000 for our work with brain tumour patients and carers.
The funds raised will keep our 24/7 phone and email support line open for a month, or pay for 40 more brain boxes, or more than cover the cost of the second edition of our Little White Book. What a lovely decision for us to be able to make!
The fundraising kicked off when we attended an assembly at Clayesmore school early in 2011 where the children learned all about the Snaggle Tooth Splat.
We're grateful for everything the team at Clayesmore have achieved for us so far. Thanks guys!
For the full story, click here: http://www.clayesmore.com/prep/news?article=181
Read full storyCategory: Fundraising News | Published: 11 January 2012
