Macmillan Cancer Unit supports 22,000 patients in first year

Macmillan Cancer Unit supports 22,000 patients in first year

26 October 2022

THE new Macmillan Cancer Unit at the Ulster Hospital which opened its doors to patients a year ago has treated around 22,000 patients to date.

Built by Downpatrick construction company H J O’Boyle Ltd, the two-storey £3m unit is operated in partnership by Macmillan Cancer Support and the South Eastern Trust.

But the unit is so much more than bricks and mortar — it has fundamentally allowed the health trust to improve the cancer needs of patients across its area which includes Down District.

Health chiefs say the unique unit, which patients helped design, features a state-of-the-art chemotherapy unit with purpose-built assessment and treatment areas, a satellite pharmacy and a Macmillan Support Centre. 

In addition, it provides welcoming, uplifting spaces that helps the wellbeing of our patients, from its bright terraces and local artwork, to the treatment area which offers bespoke, comfortable chemotherapy chairs and spectacular views from Scrabo Tower to the Castlereagh Hills.

Local patients who have attended the unit since it opened, have praised their experience using the facility.

Patrick Feenan, who is from Downpatrick, was diagnosed in April this year, yet started his treatment in the unit very quickly. 

“I was very nervous coming into a different environment, but the staff here in the unit have been amazing,” he said.

“The unit is a home from home and it makes the experience of receiving chemotherapy much more bearable.”

Acting ward sister Angela Berry said patients “just love the new unit and many say it’s like first class on an airline”.

She continued: “There are fabulous balconies with planted areas that patients can get up and move about and go outside and enjoy the scenery and get some air. They really appreciate the surroundings as they undergo their treatment,” she added. 

Staff nurse Caroline Johnston said since moving into the new unit, there has been big improvements for both staff and patients.  

“We are trying to improve our patient waiting times and I know that always can’t be the case every day, as each day changes, but we do try our best to accommodate patients,” she said.

“The Macmillan Cancer Unit is bright and spacious with large treatment areas and we have been able to open up more chemotherapy chairs to facilitate patients being treated. It is such a lovely facility for patients to receive their treatment and for staff to work in.”

Jillian Boyce, strategic partnership manager for Macmillan in Northern Ireland, said: “Cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a devastating impact on a person’s life and the environment in which they’re treated can affect their experiences and outcomes,” she explained.

“The innovative design of the Macmillan Unit, combined with people’s lived experience, created a unit that supports people’s comfort, dignity and wellbeing.”

Jillian said that one year on, many people have been able to access the high-quality services and person-centred care they need. 

She also thanked fundraisers and supporters from across Northern Ireland. 

Jillian added: “Macmillan relies almost entirely on public donations to make a difference and provide services like this unit across Northern Ireland. 

We couldn’t do it without their generous help.”