National Cancer Director To Open Improved Centre

07/06/2005

The £320,000 extension of the oncology centre at Cheltenham General Hospital will be officially opened by the national cancer director, Professor Mike Richards on Friday 10 June.

Professor Richards will be paying a special visit to the newly extended centre which now provides more space to accommodate a bigger Cancer Information Centre and a larger chemotherapy department.

The Cancer Information Centre provides information point for cancer patients and their carers. A range of support services is also available, including a quiet room for massage; as well as wig and beauty services for patients suffering hair loss.

The chemotherapy department has also benefited from the extension increasing the number of treatment that can be offered. Furthermore, the department's interior has received a makeover to provide a better environment for patients and staff.

Speaking about the opening, Dr Roger Owen, clinical director for the 3 Counties Cancer Network says,

"We are delighted to welcome Professor Richards to Gloucestershire to mark the opening of this wonderfully improved facility. The Oncology Centre is already a centre of excellence, providing an essential service to patients predominantly from Gloucestershire, South Worcestershire and Herefordshire. With this brand new extension we are able to accommodate more patients than ever before and to continue to offer a service of excellence that sees patients firmly in the centre of everything we do.

"The opening of the extension will also be a great opportunity for the 3 Counties Cancer Network and the staff of Cheltenham General Hospital to thank our hardworking fund-raisers for making this extension possible. Without the commitment of FOCUS (Fund for Oncology Centre Users and Supporters) and its fundraisers, this new development wouldn't have happened at all."

The event will begin at 2pm, with Professor Richards and Dame Janet Trotter, chair of Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, speaking.