CANCER patients living in East Lancashire and beyond now have more opportunities to beat the disease after the opening of a new facility.

The new £750,000 chemotherapy and breast care facilities at Burnley General Teaching Hospital aim to improve treatment and experience for patients.

The Primrose Chemotherapy Suite and East Lancashire Breast Clinic are situated in the hospital’s Edith Watson building in area three.

Partially paid for by £116,000 in public donations following a fundraising campaign organised by Rosemere Cancer Foundation, the chemotherapy and breast care suites provide more space than previous facilities.

Patients will also be served with 10 dedicated parking spaces directly outside the Edith Watson entrance at the new facility.

Kevin McGee, chief executive at East Lancashire Hospitals Trust (ELHT), said: “The new chemotherapy and breast care units at Burnley General Teaching Hospital build on the Trust’s already excellent reputation for cancer treatment.

“These fantastic new facilities mean we are able to treat more patients, reduce waiting times for chemotherapy and speed up diagnosis, as well as provide care closer to patients’ homes.”

“On behalf of the trust, I want to thank the many, many people, businesses and charities for their incredible support, and give a special mention to Rosemere Cancer Foundation and everyone who donated via their hugely successful appeal.”

In total, the chemotherapy suite increases East Lancashire hospital’s capacity for chemotherapy treatment by 29 per cent and aims to offer chemotherapy within five days of referral.

The suite features a large seated observation lounge, four extra treatment rooms, a state of the art sensory room, counselling room and its own dedicated reception and waiting area.

Patients attending the breast clinic will benefit from six consultation and examination rooms and the ‘Bluebell’ counselling room.

In addition, Rosemere Cancer Foundation provided £5,000 to help create the sunflower prosthetics fitting room where a selection of prosthetic fashions to suit all budgets can be viewed.

Sister Angela Holden said: “The Primrose Chemotherapy Suite significantly improves the hospital surroundings which have a big impact on the wellbeing and mood of individual patients and staff.

"Swift diagnosis and treatment help reduce the anxiety experienced by patients and the devastating impact that cancer can have on individuals and families.”

“With an extra six chairs and two treatment rooms, the new chemotherapy suite means our service to be expanded and reduce waiting times.”

Helen Lawrence, lead breast care nurse, said: “The breast care and chemotherapy teams have worked closely to create two units in a single location that enhance the patient experience and support the high standards and quality of care that our patients deserve.”

The new chemotherapy and breast care facilities are the latest development to open as part of an ongoing £18.1million investment in facilities at Burnley General Teaching Hospital.