Thanks to the hard-working League of Friends, Lewes Victoria Hospital has a new £50,000 high tech scanner, specifically designed to check for osteoporosis or weakening, “porous bones”.
Until now the only Bone Densitometry facilities have been at Eastbourne and Hove.
Nick Darby, Chairman of the League of Friends says
“We were very pleased to be able to provide this equipment, thanks to the generosity of the people of Lewes and surrounding villages.
We are sure this will be a much valued new service, which will save people an often tiresome and time consuming visit elsewhere.”
Although the disease is most commonly linked to post menopausal women, men and younger women, children and pregnant women can also be affected.
Osteoporosis can cause bones to break after a minor bump or fall and commonly affects the wrist, hip and spine, although other parts of the body can be affected.
Factors that can help to maintain healthy bones are a well balanced diet with adequate calcium rich foods, regular weight-bearing exercise, avoiding smoking and keeping alcohol consumption within the recommended limits.
Once the problem has been picked up it can also be helped with medication, physiotherapy, possibly referral to a falls prevention service.
The new scanner is situated within the x-ray department, making use of the now redundant film store, which has been refurbished to create a pleasant, relaxed environment.
Locality Manager at Lewes Victoria David Jones says,
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to provide this screening service at Lewes.
We feel it will be of great benefit to the population of Lewes and the surrounding areas.
It is an excellent example of partnership working with the Hospital League of Friends who have generously purchased the equipment for us.”
Patients can be referred through their GP or specialist.
An important part of the NHS East Sussex Downs and Weald Strategic commissioning plan is to improve chronic disease detection and management in the local population.
One way to achieve this aim is via health screening services such as the Bone Densitometry screening at Lewes
