FOR 50 years Cobalt has provided advanced diagnostic imaging for life.

Our scanning technology and skilled staff help aid the diagnosis of cancer, dementia and other life-limiting conditions, improving and saving lives.

2014 is a milestone year.

We are celebrating five decades of medical work and launching Cobalt’s Diagnostic Imaging for Life Anniversary Appeal - to make the latest and very best PET/CT (Positron Emission Tomography/Computerised Tomography) scanning available to people across the South West.

PET/CT technology is complex and expensive.

A new scanner, research to improve diagnosis and treatment, and better patient accommodation will cost £1.8 million.

We have been saving to support these new developments but need to raise a further half a million pounds to make this pioneering work a reality for the people of the South West.

We want to help people get faster, safer and clearer scans, improving diagnosis and the treatment of thousands of patients.

Patients like Pauline Turfrey of Gloucester.

‘The results of the scan came through very quickly in 2-3 days…

This was a devastating diagnosis, but at least we now knew the cancer had spread to my thigh bone and the oncologist could amend my treatment accordingly.

I had another scan at Cobalt in September 2013 to check if the chemo and radiotherapy had done their job on my leg.

Without their fantastic technology my bone cancer would not have been picked up until it had spread further.

I truly believe the scans provided by Cobalt have enabled my oncologist to extend my life for many more years.

Pauline Turfrey, Patient and Volunteer

PET/CT looks at the activity level of the body’s cells as well as the body’s structure to show how organs are working.

Patients are given a small amount of radioactive sugar, which very active cells (such as cancer) absorb.

The scan then displays these as bright areas.

In dementia, areas of the brain that have stopped working show as dark patches.

PET/CT can provide information that helps doctors make an early and informed diagnosis and plan the most appropriate treatment.

In the case of dementia patients, often traditional methods of diagnosis – based on cognitive testing and physical symptoms – are inconclusive.

This means that sometimes patients are left for many years without vital knowledge that could influence their treatment and care, along with the opportunity to plan for the future.

Cobalt aims to become a leader in dementia diagnosis – as the only centre in the Three Counties, Bristol and Bath area, providing imaging that assists in dementia diagnosis – and is also contributing to national research.

Our future work in the field of dementia could make a huge difference to thousands of patients and families, across the South West and beyond.

A new ground breaking PET/CT scanner and improved facilities will help us see more patients each day with faster scans, deliver significantly lower radiation doses - making scans safer, and provide clearer images to assist diagnosis and treatment planning.

You, the organisation you are a member of or the company you work for can support Cobalt’s Diagnostic Imaging for Life Anniversary Appeal in a number of ways, including: making a donation, organising a fundraising event or activity, promoting Cobalt’s work and volunteering.

We care that you and those around you benefit from our diagnostic, research and education work.

Our aim is to build a healthier future.

Join us and be part of Cobalt’s Diagnostic Imaging for Life Anniversary Appeal.

To discuss the Appeal further and find out how you can support us, please telephone 01242 535922 or email: mary.peterson@cobalthealth.co.uk or visit www.cobalt50.co.uk

To find out more about Cobalt’s work please visit www.cobalthealth.co.uk