Help us ‘build for better care

The centre would be built on the Colchester Hospital site on Turner Road. Its benefits would include: • a better experience for patients and carers • fewer cancelled operations, as beds will be dedicated to planned orthopaedic surgery and could not be used by emergency patients • shorter waits for surgery • new and exciting ways of working, in turn helping to retain existing staff and attract new talent to East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT), which runs Colchester and Ipswich hospitals and a range of community services increased capacity to treat all local people into the future. As part of the £44 million project, a replacement day surgery unit (DSU) would also for their views about this important development. We will do this together with our colleagues at Healthwatch Essex.” People can share their views at www.esneft.nhs.uk/ publicconsultation or by emailing hello@esneft.nhs. uk and putting ‘Orthopaedic Surgery Centre Consultation Response’ in the subject line. A series of social media chats using the hashtag #BuildingForBetterCare will take place over the coming weeks. Full details are available at www.esneft.nhs. uk/publicconsultation. The consultation will run from 4pm on 18 February to 5pm on 1 April. North East Essex and Ipswich and East Suffolk CCGs will take people’s feedback into account when making a final decision on the proposal in the summer. be created at Colchester. Nick Hulme, ESNEFT Chief Executive, said: “After working with patients, carers, staff and community groups to look carefully at where the new centre could be located, it quickly became clear that Colchester was the only option.” Dr Ed Garratt, Chief Executive of Ipswich and East Suffolk and North East Essex clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), said: “We have developed these proposals alongside colleagues at ESNEFT, as well as patient groups and other stakeholders, and are confident they will bring benefits to thousands of patients every year.” Andy Yacoub, Chief Executive of Healthwatch Suffolk, said: “We appreciate being invited to support the Trust to reach patients and carers The NHS in Suffolk and Essex is inviting people to share their views on a proposal to create an elective care centre in Colchester for patients who need planned orthopaedic surgery such as hip and knee replacements.

HUNDREDS of guests helped a charity break the £1 million fundraising mark by dancing the night away at its pinnacle event of the year.

Revelers from across the country got dressed up in their finest to smash the record for the largest amount raised at the Tom Bowdidge Youth Cancer Foundation’s annual Feather Ball. Altogether a staggering £56,464 was raised on the night, breaking the previous ball record of £33,000.

The total meant the Foundation was able to announce at the popular fundraiser it had raised more than £1 million to help young people with cancer since it was launched in 2014.

Nikki Bowdidge, CEO and Founder of the Tom Bowdidge Youth Cancer Foundation, said: “We suddenly realised a few days before we could very well reach the milestone at the Feather Ball.

“There were huge roars when we announced it on the night. We were absolutely delighted, not only to mark the incredible milestone but raise that fantastic amount at the ball too, breaking our previous record.

“The total doesn’t include the amazing £175,000 Tom raised for charity himself when he was diagnosed. We can’t think of a better way of continuing Tom’s legacy.” More than 280 people attended this year’s ball. This year’s surprise theme musicals was, as usual, hidden from revelers until they arrived at the venue.

Nikki said: “What a fantastic night! Every year seems to be bigger than the one before and we had so many more people wanting to come this time.

“Musicals was a great theme choice, people were dancing to their favourite songs and challenging each other to dance-offs. It was perfect and we had such amazing support.

“I’d especially like to thank Lanswood Residential and Commercial Developments for being the Feather Ball’s main sponsor this year. They helped make it a great success and we really cannot thank them enough for their support.”

The Tom Bowdidge Youth Cancer Foundation’s Feather Ball was held at Braxted Park in Witham for the first time in its six year history. The Foundation decided to look for a new venue because of increasing guest numbers.

As well as live music from The Beavers to dance to, there was the famous silent auction, a pianist and a casino for guests to try their hand at.

Partygoers also enjoyed a sparkling reception and three course dinner, which was interrupted by crashing waiters – incognito musicians who challenged guests to a musical competition.

Nikki said: “A huge thank you to everyone who came and made it such a spectacular night.

“I haven’t enjoyed myself so much in ages and the crashing waiters were just fantastic. I can’t believe we have to wait a full year to do it all again.”

Are you mystified by making a Will, left in the dark when it comes to legacies?

Essex & Herts Air Ambulance is hosting a special event in Essex intended to dispel some of the common misunderstandings around making a Will.

Peter King, Partner at Nockolds Solicitors, will speak about the willmaking process and answer questions. Jen Townsend, Finance Manager at EHAAT, will discuss the part that legacies play in funding the charity.

EHAAT Fundraising Manager Lana Meade commented: “Making a Will can be daunting if you haven’t done it before, but the process is much simpler than many people think. We hope this event will answer many of the questions people have about making a will that is right for them.

“It will also be a great chance to learn about the life-saving work our Critical Care Teams do across Essex. One in ten of our missions is funded by a legacy, so we are incredibly grateful to the people who choose to support us in this way.”

Tea, coffee and cakes will be served.

To book a FREE place at the event call EHAAT on 0345 2417 690