The Patrons

THE RT HON OLIVER LETWIN MP

           
I’m delighted to announce that I have become a Patron of Dorset County Hospital NHS Trust’s 2011 Digital Mammography Appeal, which launches on the 11th February 2011.

One in eight women will develop breast cancer and one in four of these women will die from this disease. Three hundred men are diagnosed each year in the UK with breast cancer. The earlier the diagnosis, the greater the rate of survival.

The Trust needs to raise funds to replace its old x-ray machine in the hospital’s breast unit and is seeking to go digital, in line with other hospitals in the region, so that consultants can view patients’ details digitally on a screen. Going digital means more patients can be seen in the breast clinic for their digital x-rays, as the process is faster.

This much needed equipment will also provide much more accurate detection - keeping DCHFT abreast with technological advancements in health care.

The main appeal is very simple: if every person who has been treated at the hospital in the last three years donated just £1 in February – the price of an X-factor vote, or for voting for (or against) Ann Widdecombe in Strictly Come Dancing for instance - we’ll have doubled the amount needed in just a month.

There’s lots of community events planned and the Trust is hoping that Dorset businesses and residents will help them achieve their target. There are lots of ways of getting involved. Donate £1, or more if you can, or do some fundraising, give up your pocket money, have a collection boxes by your front door for loose change. You can support the Appeal on www.boostdch.co..uk when it goes live next month.

As someone whose mother died of breast-cancer, I am particularly keen to see this wonderful initiative flourish.

Will you help the hospital's charity by giving just £1?

Best wishes

Yours sincerely

MRS PHILIPPA CLUNES

Phillipa