Patients across the Highlands are set to benefit from faster access to specialist bowel assessments closer to home, thanks to a generous donation from Friends of Raigmore Hospital.
A donation of £37,340 has enabled NHS Highland's colorectal service to purchase portable specialist equipment used to assess bowel function and help diagnose conditions such as faecal incontinence.
For the first time, this type of equipment will be available in Highland, allowing more patients to receive specialist assessments during a single clinic appointment at Raigmore Hospital or during outreach clinics in Wick and Fort William.
The portable equipment will help reduce the need for additional appointments and long journeys to Inverness, particularly for older people and those living in remote and rural communities.
These assessments help clinicians gain a better understanding of a person's condition and identify the most appropriate treatment and support.
Miss Angharad Jones, Colorectal Surgeon with NHS Highland, said: "Having this equipment available in Highland is a significant step forward for the patients we support. It will help us carry out specialist assessments more efficiently; giving people quicker access to the care and support they need, closer to home. We are extremely grateful to Friends of Raigmore and everyone whose generosity has helped make this possible."
Christina Cameron, Chair of the Friends of Raigmore Hospital, said: "We are delighted that the effort from our volunteers and the generosity of our supporters will help bring specialist assessment closer to patients' homes. This is a wonderful example of what local fundraising can achieve, and we are extremely grateful to everyone who helped make it possible."
Early discussions are particularly important when fundraising for equipment or services that must meet NHS regulations and purchasing requirements.
Interested in fundraising for a service close to your heart? Please contact NHS Highland Charity:
email nhsh.charity@nhs.scot
Thank you for your support.