Mobile cancer unit launches in Norfolk
Cancer patients could soon get treatment closer to home.
Last updated 12th Jan 2021
A Mobile Cancer Care Unit (MMCU) is going to be hitting the road in Norfolk from today (Tuesday 12th January), with the first stop in Fakenham.
The vehicle, which has been made possible by a partnership between the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital and cancer charity Hope for Tomorrow, hopes to improve the cancer patient experience by bringing treatment closer to home.
The mobile unit houses a chemotherapy unit with space for four recliner chairs, infusion pumps, a kitchen area, and a patient toilet.
The unit is owner by charity Hope for Tomorrow but the staffing costs for the first three years are going to be covered by the Norfolk and Norwich Hospitals Charity.
They've supported funding for two registered nurses, a driver, pharmacy support and a booking team.
Joanna Richardson, who's the Lead Cancer Nurse at the NNUH, said: "We are delighted to be launching this service with Hope for Tomorrow to bring chemotherapy and drug infusion treatments closer to home.
"Many patients travel a more than 50 mile round trip to receive their treatment at NNUH with many others travelling from outside Norfolk.
"This initiative allows them to travel to a convenient location nearby and be treated by the same team of nurses from the NNUH, giving patient confidence and improving experience."
During the pandemic, treatments are going to be limited to only two patients at any one time to maintain social distancing.
John Paul Garside, Charity Director for NNUH, added: "We are delighted to be providing nearly £600,000 of funding over the next three years to run the Mobile Cancer Care Unit.
"The funding is from a legacy received by the charity and will be used to provide all running costs such as staff and clinical equipment for the service.
"Working in conjunction with Hope for Tomorrow means that the N&N Hospitals Charity is at the heart of helping to be part of improving facilities for cancer patients across Norfolk."
Tina Seymour, Chief Executive of Hope for Tomorrow, said: "We're delighted to be partnering with NNUH, furthering the reach of our Mobile Cancer Care Units into another group of communities.
"We send our very best wishes to all of the patients who will receive treatment on board. We look forward to their feedback as their cancer treatment becomes more convenient, giving them valuable time to spend doing something other than travelling to hospital appointments."