A MULTIPLE sclerosis support group has donated a bladder scanner to their local hospital to help patients with the condition.

The scanner was presented to the neuroscience service at the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

Worth over £7,300, the scanner is a portable, hand-held ultrasound device, which can perform a quick, easy and non-invasive scan of the bladder.

Bladder scanning is painless for the patient and eliminates the risks associated with unnecessary catheterisation.

The entire scan takes only a couple of minutes to complete, does not require a dedicated ultrasound technician to operate and may prevent unnecessary invasive procedures.

Keith Craven, chairman of the MS Society on Teesside, said: “We’ve had fantastic support from a wide range of people who have given up their time, talent and energy in raising this amount.

“We’ve had people doing bucket collections in supermarkets and on the streets. We’ve had sponsored runners in the Great North Run, Tees Pride and York Marathon and we’ve had people walking Hadrian’s Wall and even sky diving to boost the funds.

Karen Little, multiple sclerosis specialist nurse, said: “The MS team would like to thank all of those people who have contributed to the fund raising for this vital piece of equipment.

“It is estimated that around 75 per cent of people with MS at some time may have a problem with their bladder function. Having instant access to a bladder scanner in clinic will allow us to perform this simple, non-invasive and painless procedure which will give us valuable, timely information. This will aid in the initial diagnosis, possible treatment options and need for onward referral to other services for our MS patients.”