BLACK Sabbath guitarist, Tony Iommi has officially opened the new Haematology and Oncology Unit at Heartlands Hospital.
Tony cut the ribbon alongside Haematology Consultant Dr Shankara Paneesha and Heartlands Hospital Charity supporter Martin Lewis, during a ceremony attended by staff, patients, and supporters.
A former patient at the hospital, Tony has long been a passionate supporter of its cancer services. His recent guitar raffle raised £53,000 for Heartlands Hospital Charity, contributing directly to the development of the new day unit.
Completed last month, the £2.65million renovation has converted part of the hospital’s former outpatient estate into a modern, purpose-built facility that brings haematology and oncology services together under one roof.
Tony Iommi said: “I know what it’s like, I understand how they feel: uncomfortable, nervous, and unsure of what’s going to happen or how it will all unfold. But at the end of the day, you are really well looked after.
“Whatever you can do to help patients get through this is great. They need that support, anything that can make things more comfortable.
“It was wonderful to be involved so they can have new equipment and the things needed to improve their experience. It’s a good thing to do, and it’s going to help a lot of people.”
The upgraded unit features three additional procedure rooms, new treatment chairs, a quiet area, and a dedicated patient entrance.
Designed with patient comfort and wellbeing in mind, the new environment is light, spacious, and welcoming, creating a calm home-from-home setting for patients undergoing treatment.
The facility aims to reduce waiting times and enhance the overall patient experience.
Dr Shankara Paneesh, consultant haematologist at Heartlands Hospital, said: “Tony has gone through his own journey and is always giving a lot back in terms of improving the awareness of Lymphoma as well as helping to fundraise for the Heartlands Hospital Charity, which has enabled us to make a difference for patients receiving cancer treatment.”
Heartlands Hospital Charity continues to support the service and has fundraised £150,000 for the Day Unit, going towards extra furnishings, including artwork for the walls and extra equipment for the centre.
