At the sharp end

ACUPUNCTURE is a new weapon being used to help breast-cancer patients at the Royal Oldham Hospital.

The weekly sessions at the hospital’s Victoria Unit are led by Peter Mackereth, an acupuncture specialist at the Christie NHS Foundation Trust.

Mr Mackereth says trials have proved the value of acupuncture, said: “It can be extremely effective in combating the effects of fatigue often experienced by patients during and after treatment, and with sleep problems, joint and nerve pain and hot flushes.

The work isn’t NHS funded but has been given money by the Blossom Appeal, a charity that raises money for breast-care patients at the Royal Oldham and North Manchester General hospitals. Oldham actress Suranne Jones is a patron.

To make a donation visit www.blossomappeal.org.