Life should be a little more comfortable in the future for prostate cancer patients.

University Hospital Dorset NHS Charity has funded a new biopsy chair which is designed so patients can sit in a more comfortable position while they are having a biopsy taken. It manually moves the patient into position, meaning staff at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital can focus on other elements of care, and is height adjustable making it easier for patients who struggle with their mobility to sit on.

The design also enables a more thorough examination of the prostate, giving more accurate results and a higher likelihood of detecting cancer in harder to reach areas.

The technology can improve recovery for patients, including reduced risk of infection and readmission, and reducing the need for repeat procedures. The procedure does not require general anaesthetic resulting in a shorter stay in hospital for patients and a positive effect on waiting times.

Dr Christopher Watts, consultant interventional radiologist, said: “The purchase of this chair has made a huge difference to the team and our patients. The chair is a really good way for the patient to maintain contact with staff while receiving their treatment. Patients are more comfortable and can watch part of the procedure; this hopefully takes away some of the stress from their visit.”

Lindsey Sturman, fundraising manager, said: “The purchase of this equipment will make a massive improvement to the treatment of patients with prostate cancer. This would not have been possible without the incredibly generous donations University Hospitals Dorset NHS Charity received from the Prostate Cancer Support Organisation (Dorset). It has been a privilege to work with them and to hear from the urology team the real difference the equipment will make.”