Went up to Birmingham on Monday, for a meeting yesterday (Tuesday). The meeting brought together various charities who have been very successful raising money for Cyberknife machines in their areas/campaigning over the funding issue, and a large assortment of experts/professionals. The Marketing Director of Accuray Europe was also there, as was her assistant, and Accuray’s British PR company.
Anyway, the outcome is that we are now having discussions to set up a National Charity (a professional PR company that specialises in third sector projects will set this up). We obviously have quite a way to go, but it seems the main objective will be to get a publicly funded Cyberknife machine in every teaching hospital (which will also involve a range of other activities, such as raising awareness, fund raising etc).
We plan to have another meeting in May/June, so I will keep everybody informed.
I did mention to Accuray’s marketing Director, that I have read on this forum that some Oncologists seem quite ignorant about Cyberknife, and frequently give patients the wrong information, or say it’s not suitable. She said that every Consultant Oncologist has been given information about Cyberknife, but because it’s not widely available/funded, many feel it’s kinder to just tell patients it’s not suitable - even if it is.
Anyway watch this space, as they say.
Well done Lemongrove, sounds like a really positive meeting. Thanks for driving this forward.
Thank you for all your efforts Lemongrove. Sounds like quite a successful meeting and things seem to be moving in the right direction.
Marina x
That sounds very possitive Lemongrove, your determination and perseverence in this matter is outstanding. I had never heard of cyberknife until I recently joined this forum. I hope many women in our position can benfits from your efforts in thr future. Keep up the good work.
Pumpkin
Thanks so much for this update - sounds like very positive developments that show recognition of the problem in UK with access to Cyberknife. As others have said, appreciation to you for all of your ongoing efforts.
Fran
You are doing a great job, they were meant to be getting one in Plymouth but I believe this has been put on hold due to the cost.
Ali
Thank you lemongrove for all the hard work you continue to put in.
Hi Alibabes, just to let you know the Cyberknife situation in Plymouth is being resolved. Ruth Peberdy, of the Peberdy Trust was at the meeting yesterday, and she is now part of the consultation process. The problem is the PCT agreed to finance it, without putting enough aside for the building to house it. Ruth mounted various protests which were publicised in the local rag, and it seems the PCT are now finding the money.
Thanks for the update (and for your work on this!), that sounds encouraging.
That is great news eh! It is important that people have access to new methods across the country and Plymouth is such an important hub for the West Country.
Ali
Congratulations Lemongrove. Thank goodness for people like you.
Stella
Many thanks for all your efforts Lemongrove. Much appreciated.
Diana
Well done and thank you for your hard work.
Wandyx
Excellent result and thank you very much.
bump
Bump
Excellent and well done.
Well done Lemongrove. Much appreciated as it takes a lot of effort and time to do something like this. Thanks again. Adi
Excellent news. Well done, Lemongrove and thanks for your passion and commitment.
Rachel
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Lemon grove Thanks for pushing this forwrds J xx