We are delighted to confirm that the Prostate Project has partnered with Medefer, an NHS-partnered specialist healthcare organisation.
The partnership follows the huge success of the recent Targeted Healthcare Programme delivered by Medefer with the Surrey and Sussex Cancer Alliance (SSCA), and of course their involvement with the high-profile visit to Parliament by the Man Van in April.
Professor Stephen Langley, Prostate Project Trustee and Professor of Urology at the Royal Surrey Hospital spoke of the developing relationship.
‘Having an organisation like Medefer supporting our charity is a huge boost and I look forward to working alongside them, delivering new and exciting initiatives such as the finger-prick PSA blood test, which is just as accurate as the venous method.’
Professor Langley went on to explain why the new test will be so helpful.
‘The finger-prick test is far quicker and less invasive than taking a blood sample, this means that we will be less reliant on phlebotomists, freeing them to carry on their work elsewhere in the NHS. Add this to the fact that Medefer have kept costs to a minimum for our tests, and I hope people will see why this is such an important relationship for us.’
Aside from cost and convenience, the most significant difference between tests carried out by us and those available at pharmacies, is that men presenting an abnormal result will receive a call from a cancer nurse specialist who will give personal one-to-one advice and support on the next steps of their diagnostic pathway.
This benefit is highlighted by Dr Ed Bossonnet, Primary Care Director for Medefer.
‘Being able to reach so many people via the Prostate Project, and of course the Man Van is a meaningful aspect of our relationship with the charity, and I would echo some of the words from Professor Langley.
Our result isn’t simply emailed to you without comment. Medefer has clinical specialists who review the PSA result, and If your PSA is elevated or if there’s any concern, Medefer’s team of Clinical Nurse Specialists will talk you through what to do next. They might recommend a repeat test, further evaluation, or referral to a partner specialist.
You’re never left alone with an abnormal result, and if you need formal follow-up with the NHS, you already have a laboratory-standard result to show.’
The trial of the new test will begin at an event at Sutton United FC, followed by the Royal Surrey Community Open Day, with the Man Van in attendance on both days for pre-booked tests.
If you would like more information about the Royal Surrey Community Open Day you can read it here.
