HYWEL DDA UNIVERSITY HEALTH BOARD has given a commitment to Pembrokeshire Cancer patients and fundraisers that a new state-of-the-art Chemotherapy Day Unit, which they have worked so hard to bring to fruition, will be provided at Withybush General Hospital. The University Health Board has met with representatives from local Cancer charities in Pembrokeshire, including Adam’s Bucketful of Hope and Pembrokeshire Cancer Support, to allay concerns about the future of Cancer services in Pembrokeshire.

University Health Board Chair Bernadine Rees confirmed that Ward 10 would continue to provide care for patients who needed palliative, haematology and oncology support. Fundraisers were also invited to form a focus group to ‘co-produce’ the design and creation of the new Chemotherapy Day Unit to make it the best in the west. All parties agreed that a beautiful building is nothing without specialist staff and that everything should be done to encourage new oncology and palliative consultants to settle in Pembrokeshire. A tour of the recently built Renal Unit is being organised to show fundraisers what a co-produced service can look like.

County Director and Commissioner Sue Lewis explained: “There is no doubt that the involvement of patients in the design of the renal unit ensured that the environment and the facilities are right for those people who use it on a regular basis. This is an excellent example of working together to bring a new project to completion.” Hywel Dda University Health Board has also reassured both patients and fundraisers that money raised for Cancer services in Pembrokeshire will be used for the new Chemotherapy Day Unit and the refurbishment of Ward 10.

Funds from the Bucketful of Hope charity, Pembrokeshire Cancer Services Fund and other voluntary sector monies will be brought together to realise the vision Adam Evans-Thomas had for patients in Pembrokeshire. Adam launched Bucketful of Hope charity to thank hospitals that cared for him during his 10 year fight against leukaemia before he died in 2004. Mrs Lewis said: “As a University Health Board, we recognise the passion that local people have for improving this service and I would like to reassure them that there is no intention to remove cancer services from Pembrokeshire.

On the contrary, this investment into them will be something that will make these services the best in west Wales. I’d like to thank Pembrokeshire fundraisers once again. Your commitment has helped to make Adam’s dream become a reality.” Chris Evans-Thomas, Adam’s mother, said: “We have a very outspoken and caring group of patients using our venue. We have lost three patient Directors over the last 10 years patiently waiting for this wonderful project to be completed. We do not want to deal in empty promises any more.

Mr Hawkins at the last meeting stated that a board would be put up outside the hospital announcing the work – we are all really excited about this Christmas present! It’s time now for the board to stop talking and get moving!” Mr Lyn Neville, Pembrokeshire Cancer Support Coordinator said: “After years of trying to get this done it finally looks more positive. Mr Paul Hawkins and Mrs Sue Lewis have given me assurances and I have no reason, currently, not to take them at their word. I am very pleased that staff will get a greater input into the design and planning of the new Unit and Ward 10, something we have asked for over many years. Current facilities are not good enough and this will make a huge difference to Cancer sufferers in Pembrokeshire. I will be watching carefully but do feel positive that this could be it!”