Tenovus unveil's UK's first mobile cancer support unit
Friday 13th February 2009
Welsh cancer charity Tenovus has unveiled the first holistic mobile unit in the UK that can deliver chemotherapy and cancer support to patients and their families away from hospital.
The unit was officially opened today by Rt Hon Rhodri Morgan AM at a launch event at The Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, venue for The 2010 Ryder Cup. The mobile unit then takes to the road on its first journey to Bridgend and Merthyr Tydfil on 9 and 11 February respectively and every same weekday thereafter.
Staffed by Tenovus and four chemotherapy nurses from Velindre Hospital in Cardiff, the mobile unit will deliver chemotherapy away from the hospital, in a local community setting, cutting patients’ journey times by delivering cancer treatment and support closer to their homes. Appointments will be available through the Tenovus Cancer Support Team and Freephone Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 1010.
As well as delivering chemotherapy (live from the 5 March 2009), the 13.6m long and 60m² mobile unit will provide emotional and practical support, including advice on money matters, to patients and their families through the Tenovus specialist Cancer Support Team.
Tenovus will also use the unit to run cancer education and awareness programmes in communities across Wales and help them develop their own cancer prevention projects.
This will be the first time in the UK that such a unit will be able to deliver cancer support and treatment in this way.
