New mobile cancer care unit on the way for Salisbury
The charity Hope for Tomorrow is behind the project
Salisbury's NHS Foundation Trust is to become home to a new mobile cancer care unit, with donations coming in to pay for it.
The Hope for Tomorrow charity wants to get a replacement for their Kayleigh bus, taking treatment out to cancer patients nearer to their homes, so they don't have to travel into hospitals or oncology centres.
Kayleigh, which is named in memory of cancer patient, has been in service from Salisbury since 2012, visiting locations like Fordingbridge and Gillingham regularly.
Last year, the NHS nurses working on Kayleigh delivered 2,749 cancer care treatments, supporting 770 local patients.
Generous donation
A new mobile unit has move a little closer thanks to a £6,475.50 from the Salisbury District Hospital League of Friends.
Kara Frampton, corporate and community fundraising manager for Hope for Tomorrow, said:
“This wonderful donation from Salisbury Hospital League of Friends will fund invaluable equipment that will allow the NHS nurses on board the unit to carry out the same treatment a patient would receive in a hospital setting. By having their cancer care treatment aboard our units, patients can maintain their independence and quality of life, saving precious time and money, as they can fit their treatment around their lives and not the other way around.”
Dr David Stratton, chairman of the Salisbury League of Friends, said:
“The league is really pleased to be able to support this wonderful charity, which reaches out to provide real help to those receiving treatment for cancer closer to their homes.”
More fundraising needed
It'll cost a total of £315,000 to fund a new Kayleigh and a nurse support vehicle.
Over two-thirds of the money has already been raised and it's hoped a new unit could come into service in September 2023.
Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust chief executive Stacey Hunter said:
“This mobile unit makes such a massive difference to people as they don’t have to trek to the hospital – it’s a service we can deliver in a really different way and I know patients hugely appreciate it.”
Alex, a patient who receives treatment on board Kayleigh, said:
“I love the concept of what Hope of Tomorrow is about; it makes so many people's lives that little bit easier, including mine. I would well and truly be lost without this service.”