Children undergoing cancer treatment at the Royal United Hospitals Bath (RUH) will benefit from a more comfortable and welcoming environment following the completion of a major £495,000 refurbishment funded entirely by local charity Bath Cancer Unit Support Group (BCUSG).
The project has transformed key areas of the Children’s Outpatients department, providing improved treatment facilities and a more calming and nurturing space for young patients and their families.
Improvements include two additional treatment spaces accommodating up to five patients at a time, modernised medication preparation facilities, refurbished waiting areas, enhanced clinical workspaces and a more open and accessible reception area.
The changes will particularly benefit children and young people receiving cancer treatment, many of whom need to make regular hospital visits over extended periods.
Dr Polly Bates, RUH Associate Specialist in Paediatric Oncology, said, “We are incredibly grateful to BCUSG for their generous support. The project has totally transformed the space we provide our care in and this has really created a buzz across the team. It’s a more comfortable and nurturing environment for the children we care for and their families, and the improvements will also help us to work more efficiently.
“Many of our cancer patients have multiple hospital visits over extended periods, and we know they will really benefit from these changes.”
BCUSG has worked closely with the RUH for many years, supporting cancer services through funding for clinical equipment, improved facilities and additional services that fall outside NHS funding.
The charity also funds 12 hours of dedicated time each week for a nursing associate to visit children with cancer at home and school. This allows young patients to have blood tests and some routine check-ups without travelling to hospital, helping to reduce disruption to their education and family life.
Michael Taylor, Chairman of Bath Cancer Unit Support Group, said, “We at BCUSG were delighted to be able to provide further support to Dr Polly Bates and her team at the RUH Paediatric Oncology team. The improvements which have been carried out at the unit will improve the experience of children undergoing treatments. They will also improve the working conditions for staff and enable more patients to be treated.
“We are very grateful to a large number of our supporters who donated to the appeal or raised funds for it.”
The £495,000 project has been made possible entirely through the generosity of local supporters and fundraisers.
