Raising money for scanner appeal is bags of fun

A TEESDALE community group found bags of enthusiasm for a fundraising appeal to buy MRI scanners for Darlington and Bishop Auckland hospitals.

Members of Barnard Castle Rotary Club were out in force at Morrisons supermarket, in the town, during the 1940s Weekend.

They were bag-packing in aid of the appeal, which is being run by the Charity of County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust. 

It aims to raise £2.5million for two new scanners, which will provide much improved images and a better experience for patients. 

In the past, some patients have been unable to tolerate the noise or have felt claustrophobic during the scan which can result in it being abandoned, the hospitals say.

A MRI scan can take between 30 minutes and an hour – much longer than people may realise, so comfort is seen as really important. Modern scanners have a choice of music the patient can listen to and more space.

Dr Ann Barmby, from the club, said: “It’s a very, very good cause and we’re dead keen on helping.”

Advances in technology mean scanners can be enormously helpful in diagnosing cancer, heart conditions, strokes and many other health issues. Scans can also give doctors information that previously required the patient to undergo surgery. MRI scanners don’t use radiation, unlike x-rays.

The bag packing efforts, which involved help from more than 30 Brownies and Rainbows, led to the Rotary Club raising £609.97.

The money will also go towards the Barnard Castle and District Guides.