New urology service

A new urology service opened last month at Bassetlaw Hospital and the first patients have now been seen by staff.

The £45,000 specialist prostate biopsy machine, which enables staff to examine the prostate and take biopsies, was purchased thanks to donations from the Retford Lions, George Bowles Legacy and Worksop Rotary.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and the second commonest cause of cancer deaths in men. It is confirmed by means of a biopsy and the NHS estimate around 300 prostate biopsies a year will be done.

A spokesman for Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: “Increasing public awareness of prostate cancer has led to increased testing for prostate cancer.”

“Although a raised Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) – a blood test – may identify men at risk of suffering from prostate cancer, the firm diagnosis is made by sampling prostate gland tissue.”

“Around 300 prostate biopsies a year will be done and this may increase to meet the demand.”

Consultant urologist Roger Avill said that the new urology service at Bassetlaw Hospital has also been boosted by the appointment of consultant Sanjeev Pathak.

He said: “Mr Pathak joins us having just completed his training. He has a special interest in laparoscopic surgery, uro-oncology, and stone disease.”