The event, organised by Mr Chandran Tanabalan, Associate Medical Director for Clinical Efficiency and Productivity and Consultant Urological Surgeon at University Hospitals of Northamptonshire (UHN), brought together specialist teams and local health organisations. Visitors learned about NGH's expanding suite of equipment for diagnosing and treating prostate cancer, including an MRI fusion guided prostate biopsy machine and innovative focal therapy treatments such as High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) and Irreversible Electroporation (Nanoknife).
Mr Tanabalan highlighted the importance of the hospital's innovative focal therapy technology, stating, "This was a very special event, bringing people together to learn about the many support services available locally, especially for prostate cancer. Our innovative focal therapy technology is not just about treating the cancer, but also about preserving quality of life. Through innovation, persistence and generosity, we have turned this vision into a reality; bringing about real change for our patients. We are proud to offer faster, more precise, less invasive and patient-centred services for men in Northamptonshire and beyond."
The specialist equipment has been made possible through the generosity of donors to Northamptonshire Health Charity’s focal therapy appeal. Jonathan McGee, Northamptonshire Health Charity CEO, commented on the impact of prostate cancer and the charity's commitment to supporting such initiatives.
Patients who have received treatment at NGH shared their positive experiences. Lance Smith, treated with HIFU in November 2025, expressed gratitude for receiving treatment locally, stating, "I wish the services available at Northampton General Hospital could be rolled out nationally." David Cown, who travelled from Manchester for his treatment, praised the "incredible" care and described Mr Tanabalan as "an amazing man. He’s not just a surgeon; he is a kind human being who listens and reassures his patients."
Attendee Michael Curtis-Green emphasised the importance of men discussing their health, saying, "As a gender, we bury our heads in the sand and that’s unhelpful. It is so important that men talk about their prostate and their wider health. We have a responsibility to look after ourselves."
The event also featured stands from organisations including Macmillan Cancer, Maggie’s Northampton, Talking Health Northants, the Graham Fulford Trust, Prost8, and the Stop Smoking team, offering further support and information on men's health and wellbeing. Mr Tanabalan urged men to "Do not ignore concerns about your health, whether this is to do with blood pressure, cardiovascular health, weight or prostate cancer. Sometimes asking for help is one of the strongest things you can do."
Donations to the focal therapy appeal can be made via the Northamptonshire Health Charity's website. Further information on NGH’s prostate cancer diagnostic and treatment equipment is available on the hospital's news page.
