State-of-the-art scanners donated to hospital trust

The state-of-the-art Sonosite scanners are used in the departments to scan haemodialysis patients.

They use ultrasound technology to enable nursing staff to gain a clear view of a patient’s fistulas in order to improve needle insertions and patient experience during cannulation, which is an essential part of dialysis.

A fistula is a surgical joining together of an artery and a vein to create a high-volume reservoir of blood.

When needled, this allows cleaning and return of blood through a dialysis machine.

The three new scanners will be stationed in each of the trust's dialysis units, meaning patients across Doncaster and Bassetlaw will see the benefits.

The new machines are also set to benefit staff, being much easier to use, standing at eye-level with a touch screen and having the ability to store images.

Debbie Starbuck, renal specialist nurse at DBTH, said: "This additional equipment will ensure that all of our haemodialysis patients benefit from a constant, ultrasound guided service.

“DaBKA are very supportive towards our quality improvement ideas and they always work tirelessly to help us provide the right assistance to our patients.

“We'd like to thank them for their continued support."

DaBKA are a local charity who help to support kidney patients in Doncaster, Dearne Valley and Bassetlaw.

“They are a volunteer run charity and rely on donations from the public

“One of their biggest supporters, Endeavour Martial Arts, holds regular sponsored events at its gym to raise money for the charity.”

Sean Starbuck, chairman of DaBKA, said: "We have supported the renal units at D and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals for more than 12 years now.

“We'd like to thank anyone who donated, and those that have given their time over the years.

“ We're just pleased that it will make a difference to local renal patients."