Endoscopy patients at Stepping Hill Hospital are now receiving an enhanced experience thanks to the generosity of local fundraisers and former patients.

Over two years of fundraising has finally enabled the hospital’s endoscopy department to purchase new state-of-the-art ‘Scopeguide’ machine for their patients, which is now in use in one of their three endoscopy rooms.

The Scopeguide enables lower bowel procedures such as a colonoscopy (a camera examination of the large bowel) to be carried out easier, quicker and with more patient comfort. It will be used on around 7000 patients year, supporting patients with many different conditions including bowel cancer, ulcers and growths.

It cost £40,000 and was the work of many different donors, both individual and group donations, and both large and small. Many local community groups have supported the cause, with donations from the Hazel Grove ‘Knit ‘n’ natter ’Group, Whaley Bridge Men’s Probus Group, Hazel Grove carnival committee, and bucket collections from the local pubs in Hazel Grove including the Rising Sun. Local Dunelm and Flair Rugs stores also offered donations and a father and son duo took part in a sponsored skydive.  

Local grandfather Derek Farndell and his grandson Lewis also took part in two epic sponsored bike rides to add to the total; riding back to Hazel Grove from Holyhead in Wales and, a second ride back from London. Derek is also continuing his support for the unit, planning two further bike ride from both Dorsett and Scotland to Hazel Grove.

Consultant Gastroenterologist Colin Kong said “Our whole team would like to say a huge thank you to the many people who have given so generously to the Scopeguide fund. The efforts which people have gone to have been incredible and they really are appreciated.” Endoscopy Sister Beverley Murphy added “We have been especially moved by the kind donations made in memory of a lost loved ones. The help and support from the local community has been wonderful, thanks to all their fundraising we’re now able to offer an enhanced service and this has really made a difference to our patient care.”

The department is now fundraising for a second Scopeguide which would allow more patients to experience the benefits this can offer.

If anyone would like to contribute to the fund for a second Scopeguide, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/scopeguidefund