The Prostate Project - Offering care and support to prostate cancer sufferers, their families and friends Offering care and support to prostate cancer sufferers, their families and friends

Autumn 2003 Edition
 

Making a real difference to the way our urology clinic functions

Left: Mike Collett, PP Trustee, Colin Stokes, PP Chairman, Wahid Hosanee, Charge Nurse, Tony Connor, PP Committee, John Davies, Consultant Urological Surgeon, Michele Pietrasik, Specialist Urology Nurse.
Left: Mike Collett, PP Trustee, Colin Stokes, PP Chairman, Wahid Hosanee, Charge Nurse, Tony Connor, PP Committee, John Davies, Consultant Urological Surgeon, Michele Pietrasik, Specialist Urology Nurse.

Colin Stokes walked into my clinic with symptoms of prostate cancer in May 1997. Little did I realise then what a significant consultation it would turn out to be. I completed a radical prostectomy for Colin 3 weeks later and am very happy to report that today he is fit and active and continues to head up our wonderfully successful charity. The Prostate Project has made a very significant difference to our ability to treat patients in the Urology Clinic. RSCH is now recognised as one of the benchmark hospitals for prostate cancer care in the UK and I can confidently say that without the support of the Prostate Project, this would not have been achieved.

The most important tangible benefit is that we are able to treat more men now - 40% more than 4 years ago, largely due to The Prostate Project directly funding a specialist Urology nurse and purchasing a large amount of new equipment to aid both treatment and training. Not only are more men being treated but they are likely to have a better cure rate, simply because more are seeing their doctor as soon as they notice symptoms.

On a personal note, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has donated money to us, no matter how small the amount. You have made a real difference to the quality of care we are able to provide.

John Davies