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Go-ahead given for a key new cancer unit
A NEW cancer unit within Eastbourne DGH has been given the go-ahead.
The proposed location is the administration block of the hospital on the ground floor opposite the physiotherapy department and it could be up and running by April 2011.
It will replace the existing Pevensey Unit, which is bursting at the seams and in desperate need of expansion and modernisation.
The possible site of the new facility, which will include a day unit and rooms for young people with cancer, was announced at the annual general meeting of the Friends of the Eastbourne Hospitals, which has adopted the Pevensey Ward Appeal, the campaign to raise funds for a new cancer unit, for the last two years.
Countless events have been held over the last two years for the Pevensey Ward Appeal and the total money raised to help create the new unit stands at 600,000.
The Tuesday O'Hara Trust and the friends and family of Eastbourne businessman Chris Lambird have also been raising money for specialist side rooms for young people with cancer.
The East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the hospital, will stump up the rest of the cash and a detailed business plan is expected to be drawn up early next year and construction work will begin soon after.
Chair of the Friends Peter Nash said this week he was delighted a site had finally been identified within the hospital.
"It's brilliant news," said Dr Nash, "and it is very good news for the people of Eastbourne and indeed the surrounding area.
"The new unit will have more individual side rooms, an adolescent area, an improved out patient area and it will provide a much better environment for patients and staff to work in."
A spokesperson for the East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust, said, "The new cancer unit will enable care to be provided to cancer patients in a more comfortable environment.
"It will have expanded facilities for patients including en suite side rooms, treatment and drug preparation rooms and specific facilities for the needs of young people and adolescents who have to battle with cancer.
"The unit will cost around 2million of which 600,000 has been raised by an appeal by the Friends of Eastbourne Hospitals.
"An outline business case has been agreed by the trust board and detailed design work is currently being undertaken."
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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