The Cancer Centre at Milton Keynes Hospital opened to outpatients and visitors on Monday (9/3).
Although it has merely been open a few days, patients are already praising the new facility and the support they are receiving from staff.
One patient, June, told MKFM: "Today is the first day I've seen it. It's beautiful and open. I can imagine even on a dull day it will lift spirits."
The £15m building offers oncology, clinical haematology, and cancer-related chemotherapy services, inpatient and outpatient services alongside a wellbeing support service, allowing MKUH to significantly improve the quality of its cancer services to patients whilst also helping to increase capacity.
It will bring significant improvements to cancer treatment and support in MK and the surrounding areas.
When asked about the support she has received, June continued: "[I have received] all the support I need. They are always there to advise, always letting me know day to day what is going on and you know, my results, how things will pan out and also for various other departments which they keep in close contact with.
"I wish I had a million pounds to give them. I would, because they have been so good."
The Cancer Centre brings together under one roof all of the cancer services which were previously provided across three locations on the hospital site.
It will provide a dedicated space offering treatment and a wide range of information and support services to anyone affected by cancer, all within a comfortable and welcoming environment that is also appropriate for patients’ families.
Sally Burnie, MKUH Head of Cancer Services, said: “Many Milton Keynes residents can now receive more holistic treatment for cancer in a much more comfortable and appropriate way. It is absolutely needed in order to keep up with the growth in the area and help to continue to provide the services for patients, both now and in the future.”
The building has been supported by Milton Keynes Council (£10 million), Macmillan Cancer Support (£2 million) and a public fundraising appeal by Milton Keynes Hospital Charity.
Joe Harrison, MKUH Chief Executive, said: “The opening of Milton Keynes Cancer Centre represents a huge leap in the journey to transform cancer treatment, care and research here in Milton Keynes, enabling our staff to provide a much better service to patients. It is a truly wonderful facility of which we are all very proud, and it signals our commitment to delivering the best care not just now but for future cancer patients in Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas.”
There will still be some building work on-site until the end of April 2020 for the pharmacy facility, administration block and planting in the gardens and the Trust apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.
See more photos of the facilities inside the centre by clicking here.
