Care Minister’s Pedal Power helps to fund new Eye Laser

North Norfolk MP and Care Minister Norman Lamb has raised £1,500 to go towards the purchase of a new Ophthalmology laser at Cromer Hospital.

North Norfolk MP and Care Minister Norman Lamb has raised £1,500 to go towards the purchase of a new Ophthalmology laser at Cromer Hospital.

He did a sponsored cycle ride around the 100 mile boundary of his constituency and raised money for four North Norfolk charities including Cromer Hospital.

Mr Lamb presented a cheque at the hospital yesterday (Wednesday 12th November) and officially handed over the new laser to Cromer Hospital’s Allies Eye Unit.

Commenting, Mr Lamb said, “It is a pleasure to be able to present a cheque to Cromer Hospital, one of the causes we raised money for in September. It was good that we were able to support the acquisition of the new laser for the Hospital which will provide new ophthalmological services for North Norfolk residents. Seeing the money put to good use makes everyone’s effort seem absolutely worthwhile. We are very fortunate to have these wonderful services here in North Norfolk and I was pleased to be able to do my bit to support them”.

The Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT) is used to improve eye pressure control by gently stimulating a structure inside the eye, called the trabecular meshwork. This removes fluid, thereby reducing the pressure. The power of the laser is very gentle and about six out of ten people will have improved eye pressure control following this procedure. Currently patients requiring SLT treatment, approximately eight per month, travel to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital for this treatment. The new laser will allow patients to be treated locally and on the same day as diagnosis if clinically possible.

Helen Lloyd, Operations Manager at Cromer Hospital, said: “We are delighted that Mr Lamb chose Cromer Hospital as one of the beneficiaries of his bike ride. The purchase of the new laser will greatly benefit the North Norfolk community.”

Louise Cook, Fundraising Manager, said: “We are very grateful to Mr Lamb and all those who sponsored him. The sponsorship raised from the bike ride has helped us to provide the very best care for local patients and their families in the North Norfolk area.”