Support group make wheelchair donation to our Urology Centre
A prostate cancer support group has presented a wheelchair to Kettering General Hospital’s Urology Centre to help staff improve patient care.
Kettering and District Prostate Support Group Treasurer Tim Buffery presented the £282 chair on Friday April 10.
Tim, 66, a retired Royal Mail accountant, from Kettering, joined the group in 2019 after himself receiving 18-months of treatment for prostate cancer at Kettering general hospital.
Mr Buffery, who is married to Sue and has three children and four grandchildren, said: “Being diagnosed with prostate cancer is a big crossroads in your life and a time for reflection
“A lot of people helped me through my journey and I wanted to do something in turn to help others - and I found out that is exactly what we do in our support group.
“We meet on the first Tuesday of the month, 7.30-9.30pm, at the Midland Band Social Club in Hallwood Road, Kettering, and have guest speakers, quizzes, raffles and organise coach trips.
“A urology nurse attends each event and that enables our members to have a private catch up on their health if they need to.”
Over the last 24 years, since its launch in 2002 by Frank Adams, the group has raised more than £50,000 in charitable funds in a variety of ways.
This has included legacies from its own members, funds raised at its many events and raffles, and donations from other local groups such as Rushden Freemasons.
Mr Buffery said: “We asked the nurses at the Urology Centre what we could do to improve patient care and they suggested a wheelchair to help patients, or family members, who may need to rest or need help getting back to their car.”
Urology Oncology Nurse Specialist Lisa Hall said: “We didn’t have our own wheelchair for the unit so when the group asked what they could do we thought that would be a great idea.
“We want to thank the group for this kind donation and for their ongoing support for the unit which in the past has included buying teaching aids, display boards, and patient education materials, for the centre as well as supporting our quarterly well-being events.”
Group Chair Keith Mitchell sent his apologies after being unable to attend the presentation.