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NHS England, the national team for Urological Services and the South West Urology Network visited the new Chestnut Urological Investigation Unit at University Hospitals Plymouth on Friday.  

The teams celebrated the new unit which has capacity for patients to have a scan, biopsy and see a consultant for diagnosis on the same day. There are only two other units in the country with these capabilities.

Perry Mason, who is a member of the Prostate Cancer Patient Support Group, shared his thoughts on the new unit: “It’s a one stop-shop, to walk in and you’ve got everything done, in-situ without having to walk around the hospital which helps a great deal. The consulting rooms are far, far superior compared to what we had in the old unit.”

 

Urology Consultant, Paul Hunter-Campbell said: “The unit is much bigger than our previous footprint which allows us to be more ambitious about what we can provide here. Previously, we would have patients coming back maybe four or five times for investigations and treatments, now we can do it all in one visit.”

The Urology team work closely with the Chestnut Appeal, a charity founded at Derriford Hospital. The charity raises funds for the very latest equipment and comforts for patients, beyond what is offered on the NHS, making the unit the very best it can be. This includes funding for training a psychosexual counsellor, offering a dedicated service for male continence, funding pioneering equipment and technology to be housed in this new space. There will also be a conference room where a support group can meet each month. There have been some fantastic additions to the unit thanks to generous local people and businesses, including artwork donated by Kurt Jackson. The unit also has LED Sky Ceilings which was made possible by donations from Jays Scrapyard and Plymouth Bike Nights. For more information www.chestnutappeal.org.uk 

"This purpose-built unit is going to be amazing for anyone who needs to access urology services, in particular men with Prostate, Testicular or Penile Cancers,” said Lesley-Ann Simpson, Chief Executive Officer at the Chestnut Appeal.

“Early, faster diagnosis saves lives, and this is the third unit in the country offering this service, following on from Manchester and London.”

Chief Executive at University Hospitals Plymouth, Ann James, said: “It is very much a state-of-the-art building, in particular I’m really touched by the Conference Room which will enable support groups to meet and is very much in honour of our consultants, Salvo Natale who is no longer with us.

“The team have worked so hard, in particular, Paul Hunter-Campbell, who made the case for change, very much supported by Anna Wilson, Lead Cancer Nurse and Tracey Whittingham, Unit Manager, all of whom have been a real force for good. I’d also like to thank the Estates Team who have done the most incredible work, being part of that patient partnership and working with the team to get the unit ready.”

The unit was officially opened back in December by Liz Natale whose late husband, Dr Salvo Natale was a co-founder and trustee of the Chestnut Appeal charity. Dr Natale sadly passed away earlier this year, shortly after retiring from UHP where he had worked as a Urologist since 1995. He is remembered by his colleagues as kind, larger than life and someone who brought happiness and laughter to everyone he knew.