WITHYBUSH Hospital will get its Chemotherapy Day Unit Hywel Dda University Health Board has said.

The health board has given a commitment to patients and fundraisers who have campaigned tirelessly and raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for the new unit.

Health board representatives recently met with members of Adam’s Bucketful of Hope and Pembrokeshire Cancer Support, as well as other charities, to allay concerns about the future of cancer services in the county.

Adam Evans-Thomas launched the Bucketful of Hope charity to thank hospitals that cared for him during his 10 year fight against leukaemia before he died in 2004.

Chris Evans-Thomas, Adam’s mother, said: “We have a very outspoken and caring group of patients using our venue. We have lost three patient directors over the last 10 years patiently waiting for this wonderful project to be completed. We do not want to deal in empty promises any more. “Mr Hawkins at the last meeting stated that a board would be put up outside the hospital announcing the work – we are all really excited about this Christmas present! It’s time now for the board to stop talking and get moving!”

Chairman Bernardine Rees confirmed that Ward 10 would continue to provide care for patients who needed palliative, haematology and oncology support.

Campaigners will form a focus group and ‘co-produce’ the design and creation of the new unit.

It was also agreed that everything should be done to encourage new oncology and palliative consultants to settle in Pembrokeshire as the unit would be nothing without specialist staff.

The health board also stated that money raised for the new unit and refurbishment of Ward 10 would be used for its intended purpose. Mrs Lewis said: “As a University Health Board, we recognise the passion that local people have for improving this service and I would like to reassure them that there is no intention to remove cancer services from Pembrokeshire. On the contrary, this investment into them will be something that will make these services the best in west Wales. I’d like to thank Pembrokeshire fundraisers once again. Your commitment has helped to make Adam’s dream become a reality”.

Lyn Neville, Pembrokeshire Cancer Support coordinator, said: "After years of trying to get this done it finally looks more positive. Mr Paul Hawkins and Mrs Sue Lewis have given me assurances and I have no reason, currently, not to take them at their word. I am very pleased that staff will get a greater input into the design and planning of the new Unit and Ward 10, something we have asked for over many years. Current facilities are not good enough and this will make a huge difference to Cancer sufferers in Pembrokeshire. I will be watching carefully but do feel positive that this could be it!"