Surgeons plot epic Norfolk circuit in bid for new £800k x-ray system
Members of the spinal surgery team at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital are set to complete a circular route of Norfolk on water, foot and bicycle which will see them visit all three of the region's main hospitals.
Setting off on Monday, the team is set to travel by river from Norwich to the James Paget University Hospital in Gorleston - rowing as close as possible to the sister hospital.
A map showing the route the surgeons will take (Image: NNUH)
From there, they will walk from Gorleston to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn, taking the coastal path to visit Cromer Hospital along the way.
And the final leg of their epic challenge will see them cycle from the QEH back to the N&N - with the challenge taking place across June.
They are taking part in the challenge to raise funds to purchase a new x-ray system for the department capable of taking images with a 70pc reduction in radiation exposure.
Tom Marjoram (Image: NNUH)
Consultant spinal surgeon Tom Marjoram said: "This is especially important in children who are more vulnerable to radiation exposure, especially to the abdomen and pelvis.
"It also allows images to be taken in one picture rather than having to stitch them together, which reduces the chance of errors and increases measurement accuracy."
The equipment- a low dose x-ray imaging system - costs in the region of £800,000 - with the challenge taking place during Scoliosis Awareness Month.
Mr Marjoram added: "This system will help reduce waiting times for diagnostic imaging and will mean that patients who require regular repeated scanning, especially from children, will receive low doses of radiation across their lifetime, reducing the possibility of long-term harm that comes from radiation exposure."
To support the appeal, visit www.justgiving.com/team/nnuhspine
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