Road to recovery
for cancer care
in Co. Wexford
Construction work has begun on the new cancer care unit at Wexford General Hospital which drew a spectacular fundraising response from the public.
David Flynn Contractors of Waterford moved onto the site at the front of the hospital last week and the building project should be completed by the end of the year.
The purpose-built unit will accommodate all cancer day services in one location with a large treatment area of single bays for chemotherapy/ transfusion patients.
There will be separate designated rooms to allow patients and relatives to discuss their treatment or any problems in private with medical and nursing specialists.
The new unit will replace the existing day services on St. Patrick's Ward which have long been considered inadequate, offering little privacy or comfort to patients.
The new cancer care unit which is expected to open in January 2009, will allow cancer patients to receive day treatments such as chemotherapy in modern, comfortable surroundings that ensure their dignity and privacy.
Cancer services such as breast care, prosthesis fittings, colostomy care and palliative care are currently located in various parts of the hospital. These will be brought together in one location in the new building.
There was an amazing public response to the fundraising appeal for the cancer unit with the Friends of Wexford General Hospital raising exceeding its original target and raising ?1.6 million, of which ?1.2 will go towards the ?2.5 million cost of the project.
The remaining money will be spent on improving cancer care facilities for people in the south east region.
Last week, the Friends handed over a special transport vehicle to the South East Radiotherapy Trust to provide transport for Wexford patients undergoing radiotherapy treatment in Waterford Regional Hospital.
