Thousands of cancer patients in Bedford will benefit from a new wellbeing room and garden that have been officially opened at the hospital’s Primrose Unit.
A new areas are funded by Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity thanks to the generous individual and community donations, including patients who are part of the current support group or those who have left gifts in their will.
They are an extension to the existing Primrose Unit and will provide vital support and information for cancer patients throughout their treatment journey.
From an information corner to a refreshment bar, there is also a calm wellbeing room with a massage chair and a refurbished garden.
The psychology service, dietitians, clinical nurse specialists and navigators will all be able to make use of this space to see patients and run bookable informative sessions that will be available to all cancer patients in Bedford Hospital’s care, regardless of treatment.
From initial diagnosis to treatment, well-being, financial support, emotional support, prosthetics, and much more, Bedford Hospital’s Primrose Unit supports thousands of patients every year with a dedicated team who are trained on the latest treatments and support processes to ensure patients receive the highest quality of care.
The opening celebrations were attended by donors, those who worked on the project, Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Senior Team, governors and ambassadors.
Governor Yvette King had the honour of cutting the opening ribbon with the help of chair Richard Sumray and deputy lieutenant Nicholas Kier.
Karen Jackson, general manager for cancer services at Bedford Hospital said: “These areas will provide much-needed respite for patients undergoing various stages of treatment, allowing them easier access to information and support which will help each patient navigate their personal health journey.
“The Wellbeing Centre is designed to be a calming space and I think this has been perfectly achieved, we can’t wait for patients to start using the space.”
Charmaine Norrish, fundraising manager at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Charity said: “A huge thank you to our donors for helping us create this new room and garden.
“It is always so rewarding when we are able to enhance patient care and wellbeing, designing areas such as these do exactly this.”
