Hywel Dda Health Charities on a £60,000 scanner bought for Prince Philip Hospital

Hywel Dda Health Charities has been able to purchase a Faxitron scanner, costing more than £60,000, for use in breast cancer surgery at Prince Philip Hospital, thanks to donations from our communities.

The Faxitron machine is a type of x-ray machine and is an important piece of equipment for breast cancer surgery.

It is used to provide immediate x-ray specimens which demonstrate whether the edges of a biopsy are visibly clear of cancer which helps to reduce the need for a patient to return for further surgery, reducing anxiety and stress for patients. 

Saira Khawaja, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon at the hospital, said: “On behalf of the breast unit team in Prince Philip Hospital, I would like to personally thank everyone for their generosity in contributing charity funds for our new upgraded Faxitron machine. 

“This is a piece of equipment which is utilised by us in the operating theatre.  It is an x-ray system which assesses the surrounding area after breast cancer tissue is removed. 

“This state-of-the-art specimen radiography machine decreases the need for a patient to return for further surgery. 

“The funding by the community for this important piece of equipment for breast cancer care is so very much appreciated.”

Head of Hywel Dda Health Charities, Nicola Llewellyn, said: “The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

If you would like to help your NHS charity make a positive difference to the health, wellbeing and experience of NHS patients, service users and staff across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire, you can find more information at www.hywelddahealthcharities.org.uk

Saira and locum consultant breast surgeon Yousef Sharaiha are pictured with the new Faxitron scanner.