Community pull together to buy equipment for Newham chemo patients

Melissa York, Reporter Saturday, September 22, 2012
10:43 AM

Patients at the chemotherapy unit in Newham Hospital have new equipment coming thanks to fundraising from staff and local businesses.

A raffle and coffee morning at the hospital in Plaistow on Friday August 24 raised £301.67 to buy additional IVAC pumps for the administration of intravenous chemotherapy drugs and other supportive therapies for day patients.

Prizes included VIP tickets to a Hammers game at home and a signed football from West Ham FC.

Sylvorna Kent, a day patient at the Unit who won the signed Hammers football, said: “My grandson Lee Reed is mad keen on West Ham and will be over the moon to get the football.”

Other winners received a hamper of luxury goods and a dinner for two with wine from donors including London City Airport, Greg Jameson Restaurant Guide, Fenside Bakery, and Joe Padwick and Helen Gardner, ISS staff at the unit.

Marilyn Williams, the chemotherapy unit manager, said: “We are absolutely delighted. The response was fantastic.

“Staff, patients, visitors got behind the raffle to support services at their local hospital and allow us to buy additional equipment that will make a difference to patients being cared for in the unit.

“A huge thanks to Joe Padwick, ISS Inpatient Catering Manager, who arranged the raffle to raise funds for the unit.”