News and events

Patients at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead are the first in the UK to undergo pioneering breast cancer surgery.

Around 700 women with breast cancer from Gateshead, South Tyneside, Sunderland, and Durham, are diagnosed and treated every year at Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust’s state-of-the-art breast unit.

Some tumours that are identified by mammogram and ultrasound need to be marked so that a surgeon can remove them. Current practice in Gateshead is to insert a thin wire into the breast, which is left visible until surgery has taken place. This can be uncomfortable for some patients and so the team is keen to find an alternative solution.   

Now, by implanting innovative radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, which evolved from World War II radar systems, surgeons are guided to the exact location of tiny tumours that are too small to feel.

The size of a grain of rice, the tags, can be implanted up to 30 days before surgery by a radiologist during a straightforward outpatient appointment. They may be used to replace the current practice of inserting wires into the tumour on the day of the operation.  

Kathryn Jobes, finance director, WCDS, said, “The WCDS is delighted to be associated with and pledges its support for this fantastic pioneering technology. 

“It will strive to increase its fundraising efforts to help raise the vital funds needed to make this project the success it undoubtedly deserves to be.”

This section presents comprehensive information on our regular events. Read the latest news about our organisation.

The countdown to the world’s biggest half marathon is on and you can be part of the action by signing up with team *WCDS*! It's hard not to feel a wave of emotion and excitement as you take your place on the iconic start line, surrounded by tens of thousands of fellow participants, ready to run from city to sea. And along the way, those fellow participants and roaring crowds become your support, your new friends, your memories, your experience. With on-course music zones & charity cheering squads motivating you to keep those legs pumping, a world class elite race televised around the globe, and brilliant charity fundraisers raising millions for good causes, it really is an event like no other. ♥ Don’t miss out, sign up to join team *WCDS* today.

More volunteers
We are always looking to welcome more volunteers. Contact Kathryn Jobes on 0191 4401980 to arrange a meeting and find out how you can make a difference.