Support hub to be created at Beatson

SCOTLAND’S biggest cancer centre, vital for patients and their families across Argyll, is creating ‘a world- class support hub’.

Cancer charity Macmillan is investing £ 2.2 million to transform the entrance at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre in Glasgow to provide range of support services for people with cancer and their families.

The Beatson offers its services and care to 60 per cent of Scotland’s population and more than 8,000 new patients are seen at the centre every year. This figure is increasing steadily as the number of people being diagnosed with cancer continues to rise.

It is the second largest cancer centre in the UK and will remain open during the improvement works with changes to access and entrances, as well as parking at the site on the Gartnavel campus.

Among the planned changes are a new dedicated family area for children and teenagers visiting family members, a landscaped garden and a refurbished ‘sanctuary’ area for relaxing in a peaceful and quiet environment. Both the cafe and waiting area will also be improved, making them more user-friendly and comfortable.

Macmillan’s Information and Support Centre, currently in a small alcove of the Beatson, will be expanded to an area where patients and carers can drop in for emotional support or to ask questions about cancer and its treatments in privacy.

In addition, an area will be created for Macmillan Cancer Support’s specialist benefits advice team to help cancer patients and their families receive the financial support they are entitled to.