Donna Holland, Rockinghorse CEO and Oli Rahman, Rockinghorse Chair of Trustees, at the Royal Alex with donors
Supporters attend the Royal Alex to find out more about the new dental x-ray machine they helped to fund
Most of us would agree that when we were young a trip to the dentist wasn’t our favourite thing to do. But when it comes to treating more complicated dental issues, a trip to the hospital for dental treatment would make the whole experience even more unpleasant.
But having the right kind of machinery, made especially to treat children, can make all the difference. Which is why we helped to fund a new dental x-ray machine at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital.
The machine not only helps to diagnose dental issues but can also be used to detect bone tumours, soft tissue damage and issues related to the head and neck.
The hospital’s previous machine was over 14 years old and was no longer able to provide the high quality images needed to ensure accurate diagnosis.
Without a replacement the Paediatric Imaging Service could potentially have to turn new patients away, miss subtle problems due to the reduce image quality and mean children would have to be treated in an adult environment, which can cause further worry and stress.
With over 800 x-rays required every year, this is certainly an important piece of equipment to safely diagnose and treat patients for a wide range of dental conditions.
And thanks to donors Morgan Sindall, Best of British Events, Piglet’s Pantry, City Cabs, TPG Sport Events, Trident and Search Seven, we were able to help fund this new machine which is now in place at the hospital.
Darren Sanders talking visitors through the machine
Earlier this month a group of these wonderful supporters came along to the hospital to see for themselves how the machine works and the difference it will make.
Darren Sander, the Lead Superintendent Radiographer at the Royal Sussex County Hospital who requested the funding for this equipment said: “By having the latest dental X-ray equipment in the children’s hospital we are able to produce timely, high quality diagnostic images with a reduced radiation dose to the children of Sussex.
“This enables a child’s visit to the dentist to be not only full and comprehensive, but also quick and easy and allows the dentists and radiographers to work collaboratively to make sure the experience for the children is dedicated to them, receiving the best care possible.
“The new equipment is conveniently located next to the Orthodontic clinic which means that parents and children no longer have to go to a different department or hospital for their imaging to be performed.
“Our team of paediatric radiographers are very excited to have this new equipment and help towards a positive patient diagnostic pathway.
“On behalf of the Imaging department we would like to thank Rockinghorse for raising the funds to buy this vital X-ray imaging equipment.”
Amanda Hetherington, Corporate Engagement Manager at Rockinghorse said: “We are so pleased that some of our generous donors could come and take a look at what they have helped us achieve for the children of Sussex.
“It was great to see the machine in place, it will make such a difference. It means that children can have these x-rays without having to go to the adult wards, which would be very daunting during what is already a stressful time.
“The machine has its very own cuddly toy to help distract children and make it an altogether less scary experience.”
Thanks to each and every one of our generous donors for helping to fund this amazing bit of equipment.
