ThankYou newsletter Volume 1 | Page 22

Thank You newsletter No. 1_Layout 1 22/11/2013 10:39 Page 22 Swim will boost lung function machine appeal The Respiratory Department have launched a campaign to purchase a Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) machine. This equipment is used to test a patient’s lung capacity and is frequently done before anyone undergoes an operation that needs general anaesthetic – and the service is particularly important for people with cancer who may be undergoing chemotherapy. On a daily basis the department test people referred from GPs, the Berkshire Cancer Centre, Cardiology, Rheumatology, Renal, Haematology and the Pre-Op Clinics – often at short notice. And they do all this while testing and caring for patients with existing respiratory problems. Currently these services are performed with a single machine and if an additional machine can be purchased it will enhance patient care throughout the hospital and in the community. To date the department has raised £11,000 towards the £30,000 target. On Saturday, November 30, a team from the department will be swimming the equivalent of the English Channel (1,416 lengths) at Reading Swimming Pool. Bravo! If you would like to make a donation please use the form on the last page of this newsletter. Alternatively you can donate online at www.justgiving.com/RespiratoryRaiders/