The new Teenage Cancer Unit will be officially opened on February 25th 2013.
The new unit includes a dedicated upgraded space for children with cancer, from birth to eighteen years. The space provides a four bed bay, three en-suite rooms and a large playroom and televisions.
Adjoining is the brand new Teenage Cancer Trust unit, providing separate medical and recreational facilities for 13-24’s, with a two bed bay and three single en-suite rooms, including internet access, a chill out room and an area to make snacks. The new unit will ensure that all teenagers and young adults diagnosed with cancer across the Leicestershire, Rutland and Northamptonshire area have access to the specialist facilities and support they deserve.
Children, young people and teenagers will also have access to a brand new spacious out patient and day case suite, allowing peer support while attending appointments for chemotherapy and procedures.
Children aged between 13-18 will have the flexibility to be treated on either the children’s side of the ward or Teenage Cancer Trust’s unit.
The Loughborough based, 1500 metre runner, Lisa Dobriskey will be unveiling the official plaque to celebrate the opening. She knows what a difference this unit will make, after her friend, 23 year old Gemma Hillier, was treated for cancer last year.
Lisa Dobriskey said: “I feel really proud and honoured to be part of this.
“Watching Gemma go through treatment, really hit home the effects cancer can have, especially when it coincided with the Olympics.
“I think the new unit is fantastic! It allows people like Gemma, to be treated alongside people of their own age, in the most comfortable environment possible.”
The state-of-the-art specialised unit was a joint £1.4million project between the Our Space Appeal and Teenage Cancer Trust.
Thank you to all our supporters for helping to fund the creation of this wonderful new unit for teenagers and for the new children’s Oncology Ward at Leicester Royal Infirmary. Every single one of you has made a huge difference to a child’s life 🙂