Delegation From Uk’s Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital Visits Pink Caravan Mobile Medical Clinic

A delegation from UK based Guy's and St Thomas' hospital visited recently the Pink Caravan Mobile Medical Clinic stationed at University Hospitals Sharjah (UHS) to gain insight on the operations, medical equipment, latest technologies in breast and cervical cancer screening and services offered. The visit aims to exchange knowledge and experiences in addition to strengthening cooperation.

The state-of-the-art mobile medical clinic operates under the Pink Caravan, a pan-UAE breast cancer awareness initiative by UAE-based cancer charity, Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP).

During the tour, the delegation also visited Sharjah Breast Cancer Centre at UHS and was briefed about the mammogram examination process and procedures carried out when preliminary screening reveals certain symptoms.

The UK delegation were welcomed by key members of UHS headed by Dr Ali Obaid Al Ali CEO of UHS, Dr. Sawsan Al Madhi, Director General of FOCP, and Head of Pink Caravan's Medical and Awareness Committee, and representatives from Pink Caravan.

Launched in 2018, the Pink Caravan Mobile Medical Clinic is the first-of-its-kind clinic that offers free screening and early detection services around the year across the seven emirates. The mobile unit services include breast cancer screening with 3D mammography, cervical cancer screenings as well as a range of other medical tests, including sugar, blood pressure, osteoporosis and height and weight measurements.

HE Sawsan Jafar, Chairperson of FOCP Board of Directors, said “This visit comes as part of FOCP’s ongoing strategy to connect with medical institutions in the region and across the world to exchange knowledge and expertise in cancer screening and treatment.”

“During the visit, the delegation was briefed on the progress accomplished in cancer screening and prevention, and the big strides made on this level. The advanced technologies and equipment used in the Pink Caravan Mobile Medical Clinic and services provided through it have gained international recognition. Our continuous journey to fight and prevent this disease are in line with the movement of Sharjah and the UAE to ensure the wellbeing and health of its community.”

At the end of the tour, the delegation visited FOCP headquarters at the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, and oversaw the operations and various functions of FOCP departments.

Siobhan Lalor-McTague, Director of Nursing Commercial Division at Guy's and St Thomas'​ NHS Foundation Trust commented on the visit, “We came here to gain insights on the operations of the Pink Caravan Mobile Clinic and the services they offer to residents. The medical equipment they have in the mobile unit is  at the same level offered in top hospitals in terms of screening.in addition to being quite convenient and accessible.

“We also got introduced to the support services of FOCP to cancer patients and their families, and how the operations take into consideration the emotional toll on female patients especially. We hope this visit is the start of a beneficial cooperation between us, in order to exchange knowledge and experience in cancer field,” she said.