A NEW device in Southend Hospital’s urology department will increase the chances of catching bladder and prostate cancer early.

Former Southend mayor Fay Evans donated almost £40,000 raised during her time as the civic head of the town to the hospital.

Mrs Evans, a former breast cancer patient, said: “If I do nothing else with my life, I know that I have achieved something special.

“I wanted to pick causes that help men and women so aimed for breast and prostate cancer care.

“I am so proud of the money we have raised and the difference we have been able to make to patients.”

The device, for use on men and women, incorporates a camera that can be placed through a patient’s urethra to view the bladder and surrounding areas, including the prostate.

It uses specialist technology, known as narrow-hand imagery, which highlights cancerous cells.

This latest machine cost £25,500.

The stack enables images to be viewed on screen by members of the urology team, assisting with diagnosis, taking biopsies or removing stents. Advanced imaging can also be taken to help improve treatment planning.

Peter Acher, a consultant urologist at Southend Hospital, explained how the new device is already making a huge difference for both patients and staff.

He said: “The camera stack system with high resolution monitor is a great step forward.

It is much more comfortable for the patient and the doctor and the procedure much more dignified.

“Vision within the bladder is greatly enhanced and the patient can be involved at every step seeing inside their bladder in real time.

“Other members of the team can also be involved allowing training in a safe environment.

“The narrow band imaging technology improves diagnosis over standard ‘white light’ by enhancing cancer cells that may otherwise go un-noticed.”

Laura Mason, corporate relations manager for Southend Hospital charity, said: “We are incredibly grateful for this significant donation, it will make a huge difference to the patients treated in these areas.

“A special thank you goes out to the former mayor and her team for all of their hard work and continued dedication to Southend Hospital.”

This latest donation takes the total donated by the Mayor’s charity to the hospital to nearly £40,000.

Money was also given to enhance brachytherapy treatment for cancer with £5,000 left to purchase and install sky ceilings at the hospital’s breast unit.

The fund was boosted with a £10,000 donation from Southend United Football Club courtesy of chairman Ron Martin.

The equipment is already being put to good use.