06 March 2014
Doors open on new BMT unit at extended Bristol Haematology and Oncology Centre
From next week patients will be treated in a new specialist unit
for adults needing a bone marrow transplant (BMT) at Bristol
Haematology and Oncology Centre (BHOC). This is the region's first
dedicated adult BMT unit, which has been built as part of the £16
million redevelopment and extension of the building. A total of
£2.4 million is needed for improved facilities for this new unit -
which is being fundraised by hospitals' charity Above & Beyond
through its biggest ever Golden Gift Appeal.
Professor David Marks, consultant in haematology and BMT, said:
"Considerable planning and work has gone into designing and
building this unit, which will enable seriously ill patients who
often require very long and intensive courses of treatment to have
all of their care delivered in a single setting. The majority of
adult BMT services are currently provided in Bristol Royal Hospital
for Children, with some at Southmead - so by moving all patients'
care, teams, and treatment into one place we will create a far more
convenient, one-stop service for some of our most vulnerable
patients in a modern and comfortable environment. We are extremely
grateful to everyone who has supported the Golden Gift Appeal to
help create this purpose-built unit. "
Above & Beyond is donating a total of £2.4 million through
its £6 million Golden Gift Appeal to fund improved facilities on
the new specialist bone marrow transplant unit for patients and
their loved ones, including hi-spec individual isolation rooms, a
patient lounge and quiet room WiFi and ensuite facilities,
consulting rooms and artworks.
Charity chief executive Sarah Talbot-Williams said: "We are
delighted to announce the tremendous total of £2.2 million has been
raised so far by our Golden Gift Appeal for this new adult BMT Unit
in Bristol, which will deliver vital treatments to cancer and
haematology patients from our city and region. Those needing a bone
marrow transplant have previously needed to travel between up to
four hospitals - this unit brings their expert teams, equipment,
facilities and care together under one roof at the BHOC. It will be
so much better for patients - and for the dedicated hospital staff
caring for them.
"It is thanks to the people of Bristol and the South West who
have responded so generously to our appeal that we have reached
this incredible fundraising milestone. We are so nearly there - but
to make this unit the very best it can be, we still need to raise a
further £200,000. I want to ask each and every person in Bristol
and the South West to fundraise with us, or reach into your pockets
to give what you can.
"Together we can do our bit to support this very vulnerable
group of patients at the most difficult time in their lives -
giving a golden gift of greater privacy and dignity with quiet,
private spaces, of greater reassurance with hi-spec isolation
rooms, and the gift of hope - for the best possible life-saving
care in the best possible environment. We can all choose to do our
bit today to make difficult treatments that much easier for people.
Thank you for your support."
The completion of the BMT unit is a major milestone in a wider
programme of building work taking place at BHOC, part of University
Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, which includes the
construction of a new ward block at the Bristol Royal Infirmary and
the expansion of Bristol Royal Hospital for Children.
The unit was handed over by contractor Laing O'Rourke, after an
18-month build programme. Scott Palmer, Laing O'Rourke director,
said: "Having worked closely with hospital staff and patients
throughout, the Laing O'Rourke team are proud to hand over this
high quality, integrated haematology and oncology services unit.
Our focus now is to maintain our efficient and considerate approach
while we deliver the final phases of this transformative healthcare
scheme for Bristol."
BACK TO NEWS
