New ward for breast cancer brings services to a single site

Mar 6 2008 by Aaron Boland, Liverpool Daily Post

A NEW £1m ward for women who have undergone breast surgery will open its doors for the first time today.

The 15 bed ward at the Royal Liverpool includes en-suite rooms and a quiet area for relatives to meet breast care nurses.

It means all breast services, except radiotherapy, will be delivered on one site and patients will no longer have to transfer between sites for surgery.

The decision to open the new ward at the Royal was made after a public consultation by Liverpool Primary Care Trust.

Chris Holcombe, clinical director of breast services, said:

“Patients have been instrumental in influencing the design, ambience and decor with everything from the facilities available to the colour of the flooring, or what we put on the walls. Input from patients has been crucial to this project.”

Mother-of-two Elaine Cassidy, from Wallasey, is a former breast cancer patient who has taken an active role in the creation of the new ward. She was present at the opening yesterday.

She said: “I think it’s fantastic. I had surgery in 2001 and it was a long recovery so I realise how important your environment is.”