Solihull Hospital’s new £2.2 million chemotherapy unit officially opened its doors this week.
The unit, which will improve provision for cancer patients, will be known as the Solihull Haematology and Oncology Day Unit.
It has been designed specifically with patient needs in mind and will offer a more peaceful and comfortable environment. The unit will have its own entrance and garden area.
Black Sabbath guitarist, Tony Iommi cut the ribbon with with Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper, Carl Ikeme and University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust’s Chief Executive, Dame Julie Moore at the Haematology and Oncology Day Unit on Tuesday (July 3).
Tony and Carl were then taken on a tour of the new facilities by Dr Manos Nikolousis, consultant haematologist and clinical director for haematology and oncology, and were given the chance to meet patients and staff to find out what they think about the new unit.
Carl has been treated at Heartlands Hospital for leukaemia and this was his first public appearance since declaring he is in remission.
Solihull Hospital Charity have played a huge part in getting the unit ready for patients, by fundraising for state-of the-art equipment and 24 comfortable treatment chairs.
Dame Julie said: “The opening of the new unit is testament to the hard work of the team and has been made possible with the support of Solihull Hospital Charity.
“I know it will make a huge difference to our patients being treated for cancer and will help deliver the best treatment outcomes for them.”
Before the opening of the new unit, most chemotherapy patients have been treated on Ward 19 at Heartlands Hospital or at the Sheldon Unit at Good Hope.
Over the past four years there has been a greater need for chemotherapy treatment at Heartlands and the new unit will also ease pressure on Ward 19.
