New medical equipment is now benefitting patients at the Kent Oncology Centre based at Maidstone Hospital thanks to a generous donation by a former cancer patient.

Stephen Stamp, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in early 2020 and credits the treatment he received at the centre with saving his life, generously donated nearly £7,000 to the Cancer Services Fund, via Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Charitable Fund, to purchase a new bladder scanner for the Radiotherapy Department at the Kent Oncology Centre.

The bladder scanner, which was delivered to the Radiotherapy Department at Maidstone Hospital this week, will be used by the team to provide safe and reliable scans for patients undergoing treatment at the Trust. The scanner is a key diagnostic device that enables staff to determine if a patient is able to pass urine.

Mr Stamp, from Gravesend, said: “I was very lucky to receive an excellent level of care at Maidstone Hospital and thankfully made a complete recovery following my diagnosis.

“I wanted to give something back to the Trust to thank the staff for my care. I also wanted to provide a donation in memory of my late father, John Stamp, who sadly passed away in 1997 after suffering with prostate cancer. My father encouraged me to undergo prostate cancer screening which meant that my cancer was thankfully detected early.

“I hope that this new scanner will ensure quick and efficient diagnosis for future patients and help them on their road to recovery.”

Katie Goodwin, Divisional Director of Operations for Cancer Services at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, said: “We are extremely grateful for this kind donation from Mr Stamp.

“The new scanner will make a huge difference to our patients and our staff here at the Trust. Patients can require multiple scans whilst they are getting ready for radiotherapy and having a new scanner in the department will significantly improve efficiency from both a staff and patient experience perspective.”