Northampton General Hospital’s new haemotology unit wins huge praise on first day
THE new Macmillan Haematology Suite at Northampton General Hospital opened its doors to its first patients, with many praising the improvements made.
The £2.2 million unit – which will treat patients with blood cancers like leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma – has been the subject of an 18-month fund-raising campaign by the Chronicle & Echo and Macmillan Cancer Support, for which about £700,000 is still needed.
Among the first patients treated at the new-look unit yesterday was 97-year-old Edith Gotch, who lives in The Headlands and has been attending the hospital for treatment for nearly two years.
She said: “I was very surprised when I came in how bright and cheerful it was, and what an improvement it was from what we had before. The old place was comfortable but old-fashioned – like going to visit your grandma’s house – and crowded. This is lovely, and such a difference.”
Maurice Kent, aged 76, from Moulton, was also being treated at the unit. He said: “I’ve been in here when it was the old unit and this is an absolute transformation. There is so much space, and all the facilities are on hand where they need to be.”
His wife Sheila added: “The waiting room used to be so crowded and there sometimes weren’t enough seats. Now there is more space and there are more facilities for families and friends.”
Staff also praised the new unit, which saw about 50 patients on its first day of operation, despite a few minor problems early on.
Dr Angela Bowen, consultant haematologist, said: “We are all absolutely delighted with the unit. It is a wonderful space we have needed for a long time. Already in just one day of being open our patients can see the benefits to the space and the new facilities available for them.”
Dr Sonia Swart, hospital medical director and consultant haematologist, said: “Everyone has been very impressed and patients and staff walking in have said it is nicer than they thought it could be, bearing in mind it was reconstructed on the original unit footprint.
“It’s a nice fresh environment and there is lots of space. I think we are all looking forward to a new lease of life and perhaps a fresh beginning.”
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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