Addenbrooke's launches first bone marrow transplant service for young people in East of England
Youngsters had previously faced journeys to London, Bristol or further afield for lifesaving treatment
The first bone marrow transplant service for young people in the East of England has been launched at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge.
The service allows youngsters needing treatment for conditions like leukaemia to see doctors closer to home, rather than facing a trip to specialist centres in London, Bristol or elsewhere.
A 20-strong group of doctors, nurses and other specialists will work on the new service, which has been funded by £1.5m from NHS England.
It is the first service of its kind launched by the NHS in 15 years.
Bone marrow transplants are highly complex and can be lifesaving, with young people typically needing to be isolated in hospital while the procedure takes place.
Cambridge University Hospitals Associate Director of Operations, Amanda Cahn, said:
"We are thrilled to receive funding for this service, which will be of major value to young patients and their families from all over the East of England and further afield."
"It is the first unit of its kind in many years to be established in the UK and we are very grateful to NHSE for funding which relieves much of the heartache associated with travelling to other regional centres.
"The public can help us help them by considering being a donor, since without their help none of this life-saving treatment would be possible."
15-year-old Will Grocott, from Baldock in Hertfordshire, was the first to benefit from the new service.
He was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia but has recevied a bone marrow transplant from his 17 year old sister Libby.
In a joint statement, dad Dan, mum, Jen and the children said:
"Dealing with leukaemia, not once, but twice with the same team, has been such a big deal to us."
"Having those relationships really helped us cope with some very difficult situations.
"Having the bone marrow transplant at Addenbrooke’s made a huge difference to us.
"It was our team, and we didn’t have to split the family up, just when we needed each other the most. We cannot thank the team enough."