Solihull Hospital’s new £2.2 million chemotherapy unit is set to welcome its first patients during May.

Next month, staff  will be moving onto the site after four months of refurbishment work to convert an empty unit into a fantastic modern new facility.

The unit, which will improve provision for cancer patients, will be known as the Solihull Haematology and Oncology Day Unit.

It has been designed specifically with patient needs in mind and will offer a more peaceful and comfortable environment. The unit will have its own entrance and garden area.

The Trust is being supported by Solihull Hospital Charity in creating the new unit.

Helen Domanski, Lead Nurse for the Chemotherapy and Acute Oncology Service,  said:  ‘I am absolutely delighted to see the new chemotherapy unit at Solihull.

“The Solihull Haematology and Oncology Day Unit aims to provide an enhanced environment for our patients.

“This will enable us to structure and streamline the service to ensure that patients receive their individual treatment pathways without delay, with additional supportive care when required, ensuring high quality care provision.

“We have had an excellent response to our recruitment drive, and look forward to meeting the new members of our team.”

About 50 new staff are being recruited for the new unit.

Consultant Nikolousis Manos said: “Our aim is that the new unit will deliver the best treatment outcomes for our haematology and oncology patients in a state- of-the-art facility. “

Within three years the unit is expected to have 31 patient treatment chairs. It will have 24 treatment chairs initially.

Over the past four years there has been a greater need for chemotherapy treatment at Heartlands and the new unit will also ease pressure on Ward 19. Some patients with more complex needs will still be given chemotherapy at Heartlands.