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New animations to help breast cancer patients understand radiotherapy treatment

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Breast cancer patients at Ipswich and Colchester hospitals can now access two new animations explaining radiotherapy treatment and breathing techniques.

Why it matters: The animations aim to improve patients' understanding of their treatment before they arrive at the radiotherapy department, helping them feel more informed and better prepared.

Breast cancer patients at Ipswich and Colchester hospitals can now access two new animations explaining radiotherapy treatment and breathing techniques
Breast cancer patients at Ipswich and Colchester hospitals can now access two new animations explaining radiotherapy treatment and breathing techniquesESNEFT

The details: The East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) has produced two animations focusing on different aspects of radiotherapy:

  • The first explains how radiotherapy treatment works and what to expect during appointments

  • The second focuses on the "deep inspiration breath hold" (DIBH) technique, used for patients with left breast cancer or right breast cancer affecting the internal mammary chain

How it works: The DIBH technique helps protect cardiac tissues during treatment.

  • Patients are coached to hold their breath for about 20 seconds

  • This breathing technique moves cardiac structures away from the treatment area

  • Patients can practice the technique at home before appointments

  • Treatment stops automatically if patients need to exhale within the timeframe

  • Alternative approaches are available for those unable to hold their breath

Tracy Cruttenden and Dannielle Thurlow
Tracy Cruttenden and Dannielle ThurlowESNEFT

What they're saying: Tracy Cruttenden, Macmillan advanced radiotherapy practitioner at Colchester Hospital, said: "We want patients to have a good understanding of their treatment and what it entails before they come to the radiotherapy department."

"We know it isn't always easy for those patients who are having this type of treatment to hold their breath for the required 20 seconds, so we hope the animation will be helpful to explain why it's important and how they can practise and prepare at home."

Rachel Laker, consultant radiographer at Ipswich Hospital, added: "Working on these animations has been a great opportunity for cross-site working between the whole of the ESNEFT breast radiotherapy team, allowing for the development of standardised services across the Trust."

Rachel Laker and Lisa Mann
Rachel Laker and Lisa MannESNEFT

For context: The project was developed with ESNEFT's Innovation Team and funded through Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity.

Mandy Jordan, associate director for charities and voluntary services at ESNEFT, said: "We hope these animations support patients with their understanding of radiotherapy before they come into hospital so they feel prepared for their treatment."

The bottom line: The animations are available to patients at both Ipswich and Colchester hospitals, with a short version of one animation available online. More information about breast cancer, including symptoms and treatment, can be found on the NHS website.

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Suffolk Libraries CEO requests county council 'listen to reason' as takeover decision looms

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With over 22,000 petition signatures opposing the plan, the library charity makes its final appeal before today's cabinet meeting.

Why it matters: Hours before Suffolk County Council's cabinet meets to decide on taking the library service back in-house, Suffolk Libraries is highlighting what it claims Suffolk residents will lose under council management.

The big picture: The charity has run Suffolk's libraries for 12 and a half years and claims the takeover would jeopardise nearly £2.5m in annual financial benefits and numerous innovative services.

Bruce Leeke, CEO of Suffolk Libraries, and the County Library in Ipswich
Bruce Leeke, CEO of Suffolk Libraries, and the County Library in IpswichOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

By the numbers: Suffolk Libraries says its charity status delivers substantial financial advantages:

  • £690,000 contributed by Friends' groups for furniture, equipment and refurbishments

  • £150,000 yearly from running prison libraries

  • £500,000 in rates relief due to charity status

  • Nearly £100,000 raised annually through fundraising

  • Almost £1m yearly in grant funding only available to charitable organisations

What they're saying: "We urge Suffolk County Council to listen to reason, to stand by its stated mission 'to make a positive difference for Suffolk', and 'striving to improve, and securing the best possible services'," said Bruce Leeke, CEO of Suffolk Libraries.

He pleaded: "Ensure the people of Suffolk continue to benefit from the outstanding library service which has been heralded as the benchmark for excellence within the industry. Please don't make such an important decision based on flawed figures which so many Suffolk residents are clearly opposed to."

Beyond the money: Suffolk Libraries warns that several services may not continue under council control:

  • Arts Council funded programmes

  • Health and wellbeing projects such as Menopause & Me and Moving Minds

  • Community-led initiatives including Men Can Talk and LGBTQIA+ groups

  • The Be Kind to a Kid Christmas toy appeal that donated over 6,000 toys to families in need

The volunteer factor: In 2023-24, over 1,200 volunteers provided 35,500 volunteering hours to the service. The charity says many volunteers "have already stated that they will not continue if the library service is run by the county council."

For context: Suffolk Libraries has achieved numerous industry innovations, including:

  • First library service with a dedicated wellbeing team

  • One of the first to offer libraries as warm spaces during the cost-of-living crisis

  • First to loan eReader devices to customers

  • First to develop its own self-service technology, saving around £100,000

The bottom line: With growing opposition from local residents, MPs, backbench councillors and other key stakeholders, Suffolk Libraries is making a final appeal for the county council to "return to the negotiating table" before the cabinet makes its decision.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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