New cancer building opens at Craigavon Area Hospital

The first purpose built cancer unit in Northern Ireland opened on November 27 at Craigavon Area Hospital.

The ‘Macmillan Building’ is the flagship of the partnership between Macmillan Cancer Relief, Craigavon area Hospital and the Southern Health and Social Services Board to develop cancer services in the Southern Area.

The Macmillan building is now home to: cancer outpatient and day patient services; symtomatic breast clinic and breast screening assessment services; chemotherapy unit and enhanced cancer pharmacy services. There is also scope for palliative care, counselling and specialist nurse services.

Macmillan has contributed £500,000 to the building, with a further £1.2 million provided by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.

Chief Executive of Craigavon Area Hospital, John Templeton, said: “I am delighted to see this excellent new facility open at Craigavon. It is a tribute to all involved with the design, planning and building that it has been finished on time and within the agreed budget. This project, and the wider development of local cancer services demonstrate how partnerships between the public and voluntary sector can work successfully. This is one of the most significant developments at Craigavon Area Hospital in the thirty years since it opened.”

The new unit replaces the current temporary Mandeville Unit, part of the hospital’s main outpatients department, which has been the cancer services for the last two years. (CD)