Here are just a few ways your support made a difference in 2023-24:
‘Moving On’ groups supporting patients following treatment for breast cancer
Thanks to funds raised for our breast care unit at Torbay Hospital, patients can now access three ‘Moving On’ groups supporting their recovery with yoga, meditation and art. These weekly sessions are offered free of charge and provide a supportive and welcoming environment in which people can learn new skills, gain new experiences and develop techniques to relax and find peace of mind.
“I think the Moving On Art group is a fantastic idea, there’s such a need for it. Adrenaline got me through surgery and radiotherapy last year but now my emotions are catching up with me. Without the group, I would just be left to get on with life and deal with my emotions. Here I can network with other women in the same boat doing something really creative and positive, helping to deflect negative emotions.”
Lee
Supporting cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
Two scalp cooling machines were funded by the charity at a cost of £10,000 each to support patients on Ricky Grant Day Unit (RGDU).
The Paxman units, work by reducing the temperature of the scalp by a few degrees immediately before, during and after the administration of chemotherapy. This, in turn, reduces the blood flow to hair follicles, which can prevent or minimise hair loss.
The new scalp coolers replace the unit’s current scalp cooling machine which is over ten years old, and offer significantly improved technology.
“We are so pleased to be able to offer the Paxman Scalp Cooling Units to our patients.
“Losing hair can be distressing for patients already under strain from dealing with a cancer diagnosis and treatment, and being able to offer this service makes a significant positive difference to their mental wellbeing.”
Ruth, RGDU Manager
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for six young adult carers
In September 2023, six local young adult carers aged 16-25 had a break from caring responsibilities, as they took part in the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of a week’s sailing adventure from Portsmouth to Plymouth on board an iconic 72ft Challenger racing yacht. The funding came from Torbay and South Devon NHS Charity, thanks to support from Torquay Rotary.
While the Torbay Young Adult Carers (TYAC) service is funded by Torbay and South Devon NHS, their activities which give young adult carers a break, time with other young carers and a chance to build vital resilience, confidence and skills, are only possible thanks to donations and funds raised.
Creating an outside space for Louisa Cary ward patients
Post covid funding to the charity from NHS Charities Together has made a massive difference to patient care and staff well-being; enhancing the Trust’s indoor and outdoor environments, boosting staff morale, supporting staff well-being initiatives and funding vital training. The benefits of this funding will be felt by patients and staff for many years to come.
One project funded thanks to a NHS CT grant was the creation of an outside area by Louisa Cary ward in December 2023, the only outside space next to our children’s ward.
As soon as this work was completed, the team installed Christmas lights and festive decorations, making such a difference to children in hospital over Christmas.
Torbay and South Devon NHS Charity is the NHS charity making things better for our local hospitals and for our community. Funding the big and little things that make a difference to our patients, their families and the staff that treat them.