A new chemotherapy unit at Fareham Community Hospital, Fareham has recently opened its doors and welcomed its first patients.
The £147k project was part-funded by Community Health Partnerships (CHP), to which CHP contributed £72K, with the remainder covered by Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust (PHU).
The initial need was requested by PHU, to convert an existing bookable space into a clinical space in order to meet the increasing demand in the locality. This resulted from changing a meeting room into a chemotherapy facility that will accommodate ten new chemotherapy chairs.
The build was facilitated by CHP’s LIFTCo partner, Solent Estates Partnership working closely with the CCG, PHU, Tenants and the Property team at CHP.
The opening of this new ten-station unit will offer up to 375 hours of treatment time per year, helping with the growing demand and providing a better experience for patients.
The project also supports the need for delivery of vital services closer to home within a primary care setting, rather than having to travel to the nearest acute hospital.
The Regional Cancer Centre, run by PHU, sees patients from across south east Hampshire and West Sussex. Covering a population of around 650,000 people, with most patients in the region requiring chemotherapy must attend Queen Alexandra Hospital (QA) for treatment.
The demand on cancer services is growing year on year with new treatments becoming available and patients experiencing a longer life expectancy. The number of cancer survivors in the UK is projected to increase by approximately one million per decade, resulting in four million people living with cancer in 2030.
Hazel Hartnett, Deputy Divisional Nurse Director and Senior Matron for Cancer, explained:
“Patients coming in for chemotherapy treatment often feel poorly and tired. Many patients have to rely on friends and family to take them in and drop them home, as the treatment can make them too sick to drive.
Providing this service closer to patient’s homes could be transformative for them. The new unit will deliver effective treatment while reducing some of the anxieties and health burdens associated with treatments such as chemotherapy.”
Offering a modern and welcoming environment, the new unit has been supported by Portsmouth Hospitals Charity who have funded various enhancements across the unit. Over £27,000 worth of items, including reclining chairs, a blood fridge and home comforts like artwork, have been purchased to transform the unit.
Kate Sandys, Head of Portsmouth Hospitals Charity said:
“We’re thrilled to be part of this exciting development that benefits patients, their families and staff. This is a perfect example of how your generous donations can help enhance patient experience across the Trust, over and above NHS funding. Thank you to everyone that has shown their support.”
Also supporting the project through funding was Community Health Partnerships (CHP)
Stephen Didcott, Regional Property Contracts Manager from CHP, said:
“I’m delighted CHP has been able to support and part fund the delivery of the new chemotherapy unit at Fareham Community Hospital. By working in collaboration with our NHS colleagues at PHU, and support from CHP’s local LIFT partner Solent Estates Partnership, the new unit will allow patients to access this vital service closer to home, reducing the need to travel afar.”
Running the unit will be a new team based at FCH, with the support of colleagues from QA.
25 March 2022
