A new cancer treatment centre has opened at Noble’s Hospital.

The Eric and Marion Scott Oncology Unit is designed to ensure that patients can now receive treatment in a single location.

The unit, based at what was previously ward 5, serves patients coming to the centre for day treatment as well as those who are attending specialist clinics for pre-arranged appointments with their consultant.

Funded by donations from the Eric and Marion Scott Trust and the Noble’s Hospital Equipment Trust, the refurbishment was undertaken by SCS, which began the project in January.

The unit has a car park and entrance for day patient use only, ensuring that they and anyone accompanying them can enter the unit swiftly and discreetly.

Day patients will receive their medication in one of two treatment lounges, with a total of 15 adapted chairs, including four for the use of haemato-oncology patients.

Those attending for clinic appointments will continue to use the main Noble’s entrance, going straight to the clinic area within the unit where they will find a waiting room and two consultancy suites.

All the rooms in the unit have been colour-coordinated, using tints and contrasts that are designed to be ’dementia-friendly’.

More artwork will be going on the walls over the coming weeks, selected from a range of images donated by local photographic societies.

The health service says that all the equipment and furniture has been selected, wherever possible, using Manx suppliers.

The Minister for Health and Social Care, David Ashford MHK, said: ’First of all I want to give very public thanks to the donors who made this superb new facility possible.

’Their great generosity has given the island a truly magnificent oncology unit.

’Now all patients on the island who need to use oncology services at Noble’s Hospital can do so under a single roof, confident of receiving the very best care in surroundings that have been purpose built with their needs very much in mind.’

Jane Gaunt, senior sister, chemotherapy, added: ’It’s early days but all the comments we have had from patients, visitors and colleagues alike have been extremely positive.

’They all appreciate its fresh and well thought out new look.

’It’s clear that the new unit promises a simpler, more comfortable patient journey, in a calm, colourful and welcoming atmosphere.’