Derbyshire: Appeal launched to fund new cancer centre

Macmillan Cancer Support needs to raise £2.5 million to pay for the facility, which will be based at Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

The Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre is a joint venture between Macmillan and the Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to bring treatment, care and support together in one purpose built facility.

Jane Rudge, senior Macmillan development manager, said: “This is a vital new centre. Being diagnosed with cancer is one of the toughest things that anyone can face and the Chesterfield Royal Macmillan Cancer Centre will give local people the very best in treatment and support. But we won’t be able to do this without the generosity of local people.”

The £8.9 million development, due to open in autumn 2016, will mean that more people with cancer in the Dales will be able to access joined-up services closer to home.

The Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has committed £6.4 million of the total cost, and Macmillan has launched a fundraising appeal for the remaining £2.5 million needed.

The hospital’s chemotherapy unit is no longer large enough to cope with demand and there is only a limited information service.

The new centre will enable specialist teams to provide a range of appointments in one place – including all out-patient chemotherapy and clinical haematology. There will be an increase from eight to 25 chemotherapy chairs and two beds. The centre will also include Macmillan information and support services which will offer cancer information, benefits advice, support and signpost patients to other local services such as support groups. The new centre will benefit patients such as James Colhoun, 73, of Bakewell, who was diagnosed with a form of leukaemia called myelodysplastic syndrome in July 2013.

He said: “Although my condition cannot be cured, with chemotherapy, it can be contained. However, this does mean a large portion of my time is spent in hospital receiving treatment. Being able to have my treatment in one place so I don’t have to visit lots of different departments will make things a lot easier for both me and the staff, and reduce delays.”

To make a donation, visit macmillan.org.uk/chesterfieldappeal, call 0300 1000 200 or email [email protected].