Marking the 20th anniversary of the Nottingham Breast Institute

Staff and supporters gathered yesterday (Tuesday 8^th October) to mark the 20^th anniversary of the Nottingham Breast Institute, at Nottingham City Hospital. 

The Nottingham Breast Institute was officially opened by King Charles, then the Prince of Wales, in July 2004, and has since treated hundreds of thousands of patients.

The 20^th anniversary celebrations were organised by Nottingham Hospitals Charity and were planned to coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which takes place every October. The occasion was marked with an evening of music, food and memories. 

Approximately 35,000 patients visit the Nottingham Breast Institute every year for outpatients appointments, breast screening services, treatments clinics and follow-up visits.

Miss Syeda Nadia Gilani, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon, Breast Cancer Lead and Head of Service at the Nottingham Breast Institute, said: “Over the years, the Nottingham Breast Institute has had a major impact both nationally and internationally in the field of breast cancer research and oncoplastic breast surgery.

“We are immensely proud of this and of all the multi-disciplinary team members that have contributed. Importantly, having a purpose-built unit has created a comfortable environment for our patients, many of whom are extremely anxious. We are extremely proud of what our team has achieved for our patients, and for putting Nottingham on the world map for breast cancer care. 

“I’d like to thank Nottingham Hospitals Charity, and the Nottingham public, who have contributed enormously in raising funds for local breast cancer care and research.”

Nottingham Hospitals Charity has funded numerous projects at the centre over the years, including specialist medical equipment, such as special headlights to aid surgeons during breast surgery, and intra-operative x-ray machines to enable surgeons to ensure all cancerous tissue is removed.

Nottingham Hospitals Charity also funded the Bra Shop at the Nottingham Breast Institute, which provides specially fitted bras, breast prosthesis and swimwear for women who have undergone breast surgery. 

More recently, donations from supporters enabled the Charity to fund the refurbishment of the breast screening waiting room at the Nottingham Breast Institute, transforming it into a more welcoming and tranquil space.

Sallyann Petts has been fundraising for the Nottingham Breast Institute since she was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 37. She has raised more than £18,000 for Nottingham Hospitals Charity since starting her annual Strawberry Tea and Ladies Pamper Afternoon events in 2012.

Sallyann said: “I feel so lucky to have had my care under the Nottingham Breast Institute. When being diagnosed with breast cancer there can be quite a few trips for different appointments, which can be worrying, but when I entered the Breast Institute I felt the feeling of warmth and support.

“All the staff are inviting and helpful and this really helps when you are getting your head around having breast cancer. 

“Happy 20^th anniversary to the Breast Institute, Nottingham is very lucky to have you supporting everyone facing breast cancer.”

As part of its anniversary celebrations, staff at the centre are also holding a variety of fundraising activities throughout October – including a sponsored walk on Sunday 13^th October, a cake sale on Friday 18^th October, and an open day on Saturday 19^th October.

To find out more or donate to the team’s fundraising efforts, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/page/1727270207003nbi