A £150,000 appeal has been launched to replace Newport’s ageing X-ray machine at the Cottage Care Centre, and everyone has been asked to help.
Newport is unusual for a town of it’s size to have it’s own NHS X-ray facility. This is made possible by the Newport League of Friends who own and maintain the unit, as well as paying for the Radiographer.
The appeal, which has been launched by the Newport League of Friends, Newport Rotary Lite and both the Wellington Road and Linden Hall surgeries, is essential to ensure that Newport continues to have accessible and up to date facilities. The new machine is to be updated along with those at Princess Royal and Royal Shrewsbury hospitals to provide state of the art digital technology to allow direct communication of information.
X-ray appeal spokesman Dr. Nick Tindall said ‘ This is such an important appeal for Newport and it’s surrounding villages. The old X-ray machine has served us wonderfully well for 17 years but it’s too old, it isn’t digital, which is critical in modern medicine, and will not be fit for purpose any more. It has done it’s job very well for a long time , but we have to get on with a replacement now in order to maintain a local facility.”
The X-ray facility at the Cottage Care Centre provides NHS care for many patients every year, meaning that patients don’t have to travel all the way to one of the big hospitals for routine X rays. This makes such a difference for elderly patients, people who are working and those patients with caring responsibilities.
The X-ray unit is all paid for by the Newport League of Friends, largely through their shop in Baddeley Court just off Newport High Street, and the use of the shop and donations made by local residents has allowed the facility to remain in the town.
‘What we urgently need is a new machine which is up to date, offering state of the art digital imaging that communicates directly with the big hospitals in Telford and Shrewsbury. This would offer quicker, safer, more integrated care, and would help move care closer to home which is what most patients want” The new machine would secure the X-ray service at the Cottage Care Centre for the future, and would offer patients across Newport and the surrounding area so many advantages”
‘The Newport league of Friends have come together for this appeal with Newport Rotary Lite and both the local GP practices, between them they have done so much for our town so it makes sense to come together on such an important appeal. The Newport League of Friends volunteers work throughout the year to support our amazing Cottage Care Centre, Wellington Road and Linden Hall surgeries between them care for over 25,000 people in our area, and Newport Rotary Lite has had a huge impact on the town through their successful First Responder appeal, support for local schools and charities, and help for groups like Newport in Bloom. So we’ve got the right organisations in place.
Margaret Woodcock, president of the Newport League of Friends said ‘We work hard through the year to support the Cottage Care Centre, but it’s a real pleasure to come together with the GP practices and Newport Rotary Lite to get our town an up to date X -ray machine, the old one really has to be replaced to ensure it’s future”.
Dr. Stefan Waldendorf from Linden Hall Surgery said “The Newport X-ray facilities have been very useful for our clinicians and the population of Newport for many years, with easy access and timely appointments. The upgraded equipment will allow us to provide this service in the future and will allow us to review patient X-rays digitally at the surgeries. Please support us in providing the best health care for our Newport population”.
Dr. Kevin Douglas from Wellington Road surgery said “The local X-ray department is valued by patients of all ages and offers excellent service to the community. The service is well booked and well utilized.”
Wendy Brookfield, Newport Rotary Lite president added “ We’re delighted to partner the Newport League of Friends and our local GPs for the appeal, it’s so important for the town. The new machine will bring so many benefits to people in Newport and the surrounding area, especially the elderly, people looking after others like parents and carers, and people who work. We try really hard to help those in need in our area, and an up to date X ray machine in Newport will help so much. Please help us.”
Dr. Nick Tindall, (retired local GP) is leading the appeal and is keen that this is a real community effort by the people of Newport and district for their own population. Dr. Tindall added “It is hoped that local groups and individuals will help with events and donations. Anyone with ideas can contact me at xrayappeal@gmail.com.
Donations can be made at: League of Friends shop in Baddeley Court, Wellington Road Surgery or Linden Hall Surgery
