The Johnson Wax Charitable Trust – Donation for cancer services equipment

Trustees of the Johnson Wax Charitable Trust visited the hospital on Wednesday 29^th February to be given a demonstration of a new piece of equipment that has been purchased with funds given to The Royal Surrey Appeal.   

A machine, called a  CNC Router, which makes positioning and screening devices to keep patients absolutely still during radiotherapy treatment has been purchased with the money donated by the Johnson Wax Charitable Trust.    

Brad Goodwin, Vice President and Managing Director of SC Johnson UK and Ireland said:

“At SC Johnson we are committed to supporting the local community. It’s our philosophy that wherever we operate in the world, we can and we should make a difference in everything that we do. We are delighted that our donation will enable the Royal Surrey County Hospital to continue to offer the excellent care and services to those in the community who need it most.”

Six of these devices have already been manufactured on the new machine, saving the hospital £11,000 so far.  By making these devices in the hospital, which could never have done to the same standard before, technicians are able to tailor the design to suit the need of the patients and the treatment they are receiving.  Previously clinical staff would have had to modify the treatment to suit the devices that are available off the shelf from outside manufacturers.  

The machine also has the capability to make 3D components, so there is the possibility to produce patient specific shielding/positioning devices or a host of other complex shaped components.  The technicians are in the process of researching the most suitable software for 3D machining. 

The donation has/will also (this project is in progress with the designs being finalised) enable the Trust to upgrade existing radiotherapy devices (breast immobilisation and foot and knee rest devices) – (we will be manufacturing new breast immobilisation and foot and knee rest devices), some of which have been in operation for up to 15 years.   

This gift highlights how the hospital can benefit by being able to invest in new technology, not only saving money for the hospital to reinvest in enhanced equipment but also allows better treatments which leads to more comfort and shorter treatment times for their patients as well as more advanced, accurate and effective treatments. As technology is constantly being updated the hospital needs this type of support from trusts, businesses and the community to enable them to continue to offer the most up to date technology. 

Charlotte Langley, Director of Fundraising at the Royal Surrey County Hospital said; 

“I would like to say a big thank you to the trustees of the Johnson Wax Charitable Trust who donated £14,500 to purchase this equipment.  The Royal Surrey Appeal aims to enable the hospital to have the latest equipment and technology and the support of local charitable trusts is very important to us” 

For further information about raising money for the Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and to see how you could get involved, please visit www.royalsurreyappeal.nhs.uk or call 01483 464146 or email rsc-tr.fundraising@nhs.net