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New radiotherapy fund launched to enhance local cancer care

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A new fund aims to improve patient experience in radiotherapy at Ipswich Hospital and celebrates the career of Suzanne Isherwood, the long-serving Head of Radiotherapy.

What's happening: Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity created the Radiotherapy Fund to enhance care for cancer patients at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT).

Mary Ovenden (apprentice therapeutic radiographer), Suzanne Isherwood (head of radiotherapy), Nicola Garnham (radiographer) and James Harden (theraputic radiographer)
Left to right: Mary Ovenden (apprentice therapeutic radiographer), Suzanne Isherwood (head of radiotherapy), Nicola Garnham (radiographer) and James Harden (therapeutic radiographer)Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity

Why it matters: This initiative will directly benefit local cancer patients and their families, potentially improving treatment outcomes and quality of life for members of the Ipswich community.

Key details:

  • The fund honours Suzanne Isherwood, who is retiring after 41 years in the NHS, including nearly four decades at Ipswich Hospital.

  • Isherwood has been instrumental in modernising ESNEFT's radiotherapy services.

  • The trust was an early adopter of intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) under her leadership.

What they're saying: "Half our job focuses on the technical side of radiotherapy while the other half is supporting patients in their journey," Isherwood said. "If improving the environment and having the right support in place can make it easier for the patients, then I want to try and do it."

How it works: The fund will support projects to improve the radiotherapy experience, building on previous charity-funded initiatives including:

  • Purchasing specialist equipment

  • Installing sky windows in waiting rooms

  • Providing water bottles, washbags and gowns for patients

What's next: The charity aims to continue enhancing radiotherapy services as Isherwood retires, making treatment less daunting for patients and their families in the Ipswich area.

The bottom line: Residents interested in supporting improved cancer care can find more information or donate to the Radiotherapy Fund at the Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity website.

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

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Police appeal after golf ball attack damages historic Landguard Fort

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Over 40 golf balls were driven at Felixstowe's Landguard Fort, causing mortar damage to the historic structure's outer wall.

Why it matters: The damage constitutes an offence under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, which protects historically significant sites.

Inside the Landguard Fort in Felixstowe
Inside the Landguard Fort in FelixstoweGetty Images

The details: Suffolk Police reported that the incident took place between 17:00 on Monday, 10 March and 09:00 on Tuesday, 11 March.

The golf balls were driven from a grass mound outside the fort on Point View Road, with some projectiles clearing the outer wall and landing in the inner parade area.

What's next: Officers are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about those responsible to come forward.

How to help: Contact Suffolk Police quoting crime reference 37/13803/25 via:

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their online form.

The bottom line: This act of vandalism has caused damage to one of Felixstowe's most important historic landmarks, which is protected by national legislation.

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

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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