Local charity Friends of Caterham Dene Hospital have raised £25,000 to fund a new ultrasound machine, enhancing Caterham Dene Hospital’s diagnostic capabilities and patient care.
On 20 September 2023 members of First Community’s Integrated Clinical Assessment and Treatment (ICATS) service were delighted to meet with trustees from the Friends of Caterham Dene Hospital for the official handover of the machine (pictured above).
The diagnostic ultrasound machine is a crucial tool in modern healthcare and allows healthcare professionals to assess and monitor the healing of musculoskeletal (bone and joint) problems.
In addition, ultrasound imaging will provide earlier detection and diagnosis of musculoskeletal problems, allowing the hospital to be better equipped to provide high quality services to its patients.
With financial pressures across the NHS, First Community approached the Friends of Caterham Dene Hospital and put forward a proposal, which was subsequently approved, to fund the new machine.
The charity, comprised of 25 active volunteers, quickly released the required funds following various fundraising activities including events, donations and community outreach projects.
John Hazell, Chair of the Friends of Caterham Dene Hospital said: “We’re so proud that we’ve been able to raise such a significant amount of money over the last year to ensure that staff have the best equipment available to help and care for their patients. It will really benefit our local community and I would like to give thanks to the staff at Caterham Dene Hospital for their patience, support and co-operation.”
First Community’s Integrated Care & Assessment Treatment Service provide assessment and treatment planning for patients with musculoskeletal problems.
Patients can be referred to the service by their GP or they can self-refer. More information can be found here.
“We’re overwhelmed by the generosity and support from the Friends of Caterham Dene Hospital”, said Helen Pritchard, First Community’s Musculoskeletal Lead.
“The new machine will make a significant difference in the quality of care we provide for our patients, allowing earlier diagnosis and a more seamless pathway for patients awaiting musculoskeletal scans.
“First Community has supported members of the ICATS team with postgraduate training to ensure competency and expertise and thanks to the generosity of the Friends of Caterham Dene we now have permanent access to a diagnostic ultrasound machine.
”We’re extremely grateful to the trustees and volunteers for making this happen and for continuing to support our hospital.”
The Friends of Caterham Dene Hospital support the hospital on a daily basis providing newspapers, slippers, socks and toiletries, equipment for the physiotherapy departments and hand creams for staff.
With a loyal membership base of over 500, the charity has 25 active core members who are responsible for hosting many fundraising events throughout the year, as well as receiving Gift Aid Tax, bequests, and donations instead of funeral flowers. A shop within Caterham Dene Hospital is manned by volunteers throughout the week, selling many craft items and donated gifts.
The Friends of Caterham Dene Hospital became a registered charity in 1948, following the formation of the NHS, aiming to provide additional funds for equipment and help improve facilities at the hospital.
They are always looking for volunteers to help with fundraising. If you’d be interested in joining the charity to help develop facilities at Caterham Dene Hospital, you can join for a small membership fee of £10 per year. Please contact chair@focdh.co.uk and membership@focdh.co.uk or visit the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/focdh.
(Pictured left to right: Christopher Butt, Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner – First Community, Jane Hampson, Friends of Caterham Dene Trustee, Jean Mallery, Friends of Caterham Dene Trustee and Michael Crebbin, Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner – First Community).