A clinic specialising in prostate diseases, and in particular screenings for cancer, was launched officially by the Health Minister Dr. Cortes, in the presence of representatives of the Prostate Cancer Support Group and Kusuma Trust, who provided funding for the project. The Minister was further joined by Andrew Sene, a consultant and Urologist at the St.Bernard’s Hospital who explained that the new state of the art equipment found in the clinic allowed for more advanced check ups.

This will be done through the use of a high resolution telescope that will allow doctors to diagnose patients and operate on them using the monitor and the excellent lighting and camera system. The new clinic also features a trans-rectal ultrasound machine, which is used for carrying out biopsies, determining directly where to carry out a biopsy. ‘This allows for a greater precision in surgery,’ Mr. Sene explained.

The new equipment will serve to better manage how check ups are carried out. Formerly, check ups and procedures were carried out in x-ray department and operating theatres. Mr. Sene stressed that some procedures will continue to be carried out in the operating theatre, but with the use of the new machinery, which are able to carry out prostatectomies.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Cortes thanked those involved, including the Kusuma Trust, for their support, patience and commitment to the community. He noted that there is a protocol now that GPs and staff of the clinic will follow in the assessment of prostate cancer. One of the main orchestrators of the mission was John Diaz, Chairman of the support group. Speaking at the clinic this morning Mr. Diaz noted that this was a dream come true for him, especially after believing the feat to be impossible.

Commenting on behalf of the Kusuma Trust, Trustee Joey Garcia insisted that the Trust was delighted to have been able to collaborate with the Government, the GHA and in particular the Prostate Cancer Support Group. He praised Mr. Diaz for having been ‘in the driving seat behind this, pushing extremely hard for something that is close to a lot of our hearts.’

Mr. Diaz unveiled the clinic’s inaugural plaque, and a second one noting the Kusuma Trust’s assistance in the project.