Three new ultrasound scanners given to Derriford Hospital

Derriford Hospital has been acquired three new ultrasound scanners thanksto both a bequest and a generous donation by The George Appeal.

The scanners will provide a vital service in maintain the health of both the unborn baby and the mother during pregnancy.

The new equipment is replacing three units which were due for replacement by the Plymouth Hospitals Trust.

The George Appeal, run by James and Ruth North, is a charity dedicated to supporting hospitals in providing ante-natal scans.

The charity named in support of George North, James and Ruth’s son who was tragically stillborn 31 weeks into the pregnancy in 2006.

It was thanks to the support and scans from their ante-natal unit that James and Ruth where able to be informed of their options and circumstances.

Ruth North explains:  “The care and support we were given by Mr Welch and staff meant a great deal to us. George was scanned regularly throughout the pregnancy and through these scans we were able to monitor his progress and make informed decisions throughout.

“We wanted to do something that would recognise the care we were given and also try and highlight the importance or ante-natal scanning. In Georges’ memory and upon discussion with Mr Welch we set ourselves the challenge of raising enough money to purchase an ultrasound scanning machine.  These machines last about five years before they need replacing due to technology always updating.”

Ross Welch, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist commented: “James and Ruth have raised a huge amount of money and they have shown astonishing determination and perseverance with enormous support from people in North Cornwall to get this far.

“Two of the machines are being used for day-to-day screening to identify foetal abnormalities and the third is in the early pregnancy unit to identify complications in early pregnancy.

“On behalf of everyone in the department I would like to offer a huge thank you for their generous donation which will go a long way to help our patients.”
James North, said: “In 2007 we organised a sponsored walk around the Cornish Coastal Path which was a staggering 295 miles in 15 days. We have also held ladies nights, sold Christmas cards designed especially for the charity and one year we designed and sold our own calendars.

“We have also had two sponsored abseils off the main tower block at Derriford Hospital and the Pharmacy Department have held a monthly lottery, with a donation going to the charity. As well as all of these events we have been lucky to have received some very generous donations. 

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank our friends and family for their support when we lost George and to Mr Welch and staff involved in our care and later with the birth of our two other children Lowenna and Isaac.
"We also want to thank fellow charity trustees Kathy Davies, George’s Nanny and Graham Snook and George’s Granny Sylvia North for coffee mornings and attending numerous car boot sales.

“We would also like to thank Derriford Hospital pharmacy department, Feedback, Launceston Football Club, Tregadillett Football Team, Adi Harvey and Maurice from The Bell Inn in Launceston. We would also like to thank Western Power Distribution, Chris Hume and staff at The Eliot Arms in Tregadillett and everyone who donated money, attended an event or raised money for the charity.”