LOCAL patients will soon benefit from the new Pembrokeshire Haematology & Oncology Day Unit (formerly known as the Chemotherapy Day Unit (CDU)) at Withybush Hospital, now that construction work has been completed.

To mark the key milestone in the development, fundraising representatives from the local community came together with Hywel Dda University Health Board in December to officially acknowledge the end of the building work and to announce details of an ‘open afternoon’ in January for the public to see the new facility for themselves.

Anne Tadman, a Trustee of Adam’s Bucketful of Hope Appeal said: “Everyone is very excited to see the unit come to fruition, thanks to the generosity of the people of Pembrokeshire. We look forward to seeing it open to patients in the new year.”

Bernie George, a Trustee of Withybush Hospital Cancer Day Unit Appeal added: “We are really proud to be a part of this project as it will offer the best possible treatment environment for those who deserve the very best and for the wonderful team who work there.”

The Unit will provide a better patient experience in a modern, purpose-built, fit for the future facility that is tailored for patients at different stages of cancer. There will be a larger, purpose built treatment area for patients (including an isolation facility), a counselling/quiet room, a dedicated multi-disciplinary room with video-conferencing facilities which could reduce the need for staff and potentially patients to travel; increased consultant treatment rooms; a patient reception point and additional waiting areas.

Members of the public are invited to come along to the new unit between 1pm and 3pm on Saturday, January 28, where they will have an opportunity to be shown around the facilities and talk to staff about what this exciting new development will bring to the people of Pembrokeshire.

Steve Moore, Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Chief Executive said: “This is exciting news for Pembrokeshire and I’m sure will be particularly welcomed by both staff and patients when it officially opens to patients early in the New Year.

“I wish to pay particular tribute to our staff, partners, charity and fundraising representatives in the local community who have been pivotal in making this happen. Their involvement and support has helped to strengthen these services and provide a better environment to care for our patients locally.”

Gina Beard, Chemotherapy Advanced Practitioner said: “It’s fantastic to see the unit finished. We want our patients to be as comfortable as possible and to be able to receive their care and treatment in a quality environment, so this new and improved facility will definitely make this possible.”

The unit has been designed by staff and shaped together with patients, healthcare professionals, hospital managers, fundraisers and key stakeholders, including Hywel Dda Community Health Council, Adam’s Bucketful of Hope, Withybush Hospital Cancer Day Unit Appeal and Pembrokeshire Cancer Support.

Over £670,000 was raised for the project by the University Health Board’s Pembrokeshire Cancer Services Fund, Adam’s Bucketful of Hope and Withybush Hospital Cancer Day Unit Appeal. The estimated total cost of the project is in the region of £926,000, with the balance being met by the University Health Board’s discretionary capital monies.