PLANS REVEALED FOR SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT IN CANCER SERVICES AT ULSTER HOSPITAL.
The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust and Macmillan Cancer Support are working in partnership to invest in the region of £3 million in chemotherapy and support services at the Ulster Hospital, Dundonald.
Plans unveiled at an event at the Ulster Hospital reveal how the investment will improve chemotherapy services for patients, their relatives and carers, making it easier for people to access the treatment and support they need.
Macmillan is providing £2.5 million in funding for the project which will feature a state-of-the-art chemotherapy unit with purpose-built assessment and treatment areas; a satellite pharmacy; and a Macmillan information and support centre.
Seamus McGoran, Director of Hospital Services for the South Eastern Trust said: “I am delighted to see this plan coming together. The new facilities will provide a wonderful environment for our patients. We are so grateful to Macmillan, and I would also like to pay tribute to our staff who do an excellent job.”
Paula Kealey, Strategic Partnership Manager for Macmillan in Northern Ireland believes that the investment will make a substantial difference to cancer patients. She said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with the South Eastern Trust on this new development to redesign and future-proof chemotherapy services.
“As demand for cancer services continues to grow, it’s important that people living with cancer have access to services that meet their individual needs and support them to live life as fully as they can.
“Cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a truly devastating impact upon a person’s whole life – their health, money, family and work. The environment in which we’re treated can have a significant impact on our outcomes, as well as our experiences.
“That is why it’s important to create welcoming spaces that support comfort, dignity and wellbeing. By improving the cancer care environment and bringing together invaluable support services, we are helping people to access the high-quality, person-centred care that’s right for them.”
Melanie Kennedy, who has received chemotherapy services at Dundonald Hospital, added: “As a patient who has used the chemotherapy services at the Ulster for over six years, I am so excited for the new unit. A comfortable, welcoming environment that feels much less clinical will be so good for patients’ wellbeing and the surroundings will now match the quality of the care from the wonderful staff.”
The new services will be developed on the site of the existing Care of the Elderly building, close to the Ulster Hospital’s main entrance. Contractors will be appointed in summer 2019 and it is expected that the development will be completed and fully operational by the end of summer 2020.
