More than 1000 patients with burns will be able to have changing treatment that change life closer to the home thanks to the £ 400,000 investment for the Laser Equipment of the latest technology in QVH-keeping us the only hospital in Sussex, Surrey and Kent to be able to provide this treatment.
Currently, patients who need laser treatment to reduce redness, itching and narrowness in their scars should go to London or Essex, but the introduction of new equipment to QVH means that they can continue to provide care from the team they know best.
For patients such as Emily Fairbrass means that she may have the treatment she needs at the place she calls her “second home”.
Emily, 30, suffered burns on her head, neck and face, when her long fair hair had a aromatic wax that had lit to get the smell of roasted chicken she cooks. Was the day before the 25th of herth Birthday, December 2019.
Emily said: “I went out for the day and cooked the chicken ready for when I came back later and I wanted the candle to get the smell, I was home alone with my dog Cooper, I bent down to do something and suddenly I was on fire.
“I tried to put the flame with water from the tap, but I just didn’t. Then I ran out and a neighbor put the flames out. “
Emily was taken to Medway Hospital by ambulance and then transferred to QVH.
It had suffered 7% flame burning on the face and throat and scalp and initially underwent cvh treatment and underwent skin graft. But she had to go farther from her home in Kent to get the laser treatment she needed.
Emily said: “The treatment I had here over the years was incredible, they have made such a difference.
“I’ve been to Chelsea and Westminster from House to Kent and this can take two hours so that I now be able to get my treatment here with people I really know is amazing for me, feels like a family and we have a big bond between us. It’s like a second home for me.”
Paul Drake, the plastic adviser and the rebuilding surgeon, who has faced Emily: “When you have burned, life changes and can be a long journey for people who have been burned to return to society.
“Lasers make such a difference because they improve appearance. They reduce waterproofing and this has a huge positive impact on the patient. Changing life can be positive.
“Emily had burns on her head, face and neck and we treated her all the time, but I was unable to do the final stages – the lasers. Now we can and we hope to complete the journey that is great for all of us.”
Of the two lasers, the pulse paint laser can help improve scarring by reducing redness and inflammation that also helps improve itching or discomfort. These symptoms can affect the daily life of a person who affects sleep and other functional duties.
The CO2 laser encourages the production of new collagen that improves the appearance of the scar. Tight scars can reduce movement in a joint and affect daily living. Where there is a tissue of scar tissue, the laser can be used to promote new healing with normal collagen fibers that leads to a softer scar and improved movement.
Abigail Jago, Managing Director and CEO and CEO, added: “It is really great that we are able to offer laser treatments to our hospital, so that Emily and patients such as herself can have the treatment they need closer to the home.
