Good progress is being made with the development of the Pembrokeshire Haematology and Oncology Day Unit (formerly known as the Chemotherapy Day Unit) at Withybush Hospital.

Building work started on the unit at the beginning of July and the rooms are now starting to take shape, with initial carpentry work underway and partition walls being put in place. The work is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Working in partnership with key stakeholders, Hywel Dda University Health Board is keen to ensure the new facility strengthens services and provides a better environment and care for patients locally.

Dr Iain Robertson-Steel, hospital director at Withybush, said: “Our partners, charity and fundraising representatives in the local community are integral to the development of the project. We very much value, and thank them all for, their ongoing involvement and support.”

Over £670,000 has been raised for the project by the Health Board’s Pembrokeshire Cancer Services Fund, Adam’s Bucketful of Hope and Withybush Hospital Cancer Day Unit Appeal. The estimated total cost of the project is in the region of £926,000 and the balance will be met by the University Health Board’s capital monies.

Benefits of the new facility include providing a better patient experience in a modern, purpose-built, fit for the future facility that is tailored for patients at different stages of the disease. There will be a larger, purpose-built treatment area for patients (including an isolation facility), a counselling/quiet room, a dedicated multi-disciplinary room with video-conferencing facilities which could reduce the need for staff and potentially patients to travel; increased consultant treatment rooms; a patient reception point and additional waiting areas.

The facility has been designed by those working on the unit and shaped together by patients, health care professionals, hospital managers, fundraisers and key stakeholders, including Hywel Dda Community Health Council, Adam’s Bucketful of Hope, Withybush Hospital Cancer Day Unit Appeal and Pembrokeshire Cancer Support.

Thanks to local charity, the Withybush Hospital Cancer Day Unit Appeal, a new website - www.kipp.tips - is available providing information and support for cancer patients locally, including help and advice about finance, transport, equipment and much more. A paper based version is also available in the unit for patients without access to a computer.

For more information and updates about the development, go to www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/yourfutureservices