Welsh Government gives £850k for new cancer unit
ANEW centre to support cancer patients and their families will be built in Cardiff, it has been announced.
The Welsh Government has given £850,000 to build a Maggie’s Centre in Whitchurch, Cardiff.
It will be built at the existing Velindre cancer centre site.
Maggie’s Centres offer emotional and practical support for people with cancer, as well as their families and friends.
Plans have already been announced for a new Velindre Cancer Centre to be built and opened by 2022 at a different site in Whitchurch.
Those plans, which have provoked some concern from residents, are yet to be formally approved.
If they were approved it is expected that this Maggie’s centre would be moved to be part of that development.
Health Secretary Vaughan Gething said: “Many of us know someone who has battled cancer and have seen first hand the impact it has on not only them but also their friends and families.
“Maggie’s Centres do excellent work in providing professional support and advice for those with cancer and those whose lives have been touched by the disease. That is why I am pleased to be able to announce this new funding today.
“We know that cancer is affecting increasing numbers of people in Wales. We are proud that cancer survival rates continue to improve but we know there is always more work to do.
“We are committed to continuing to improve and to deliver the best treatment and care to people with cancer in Wales. Our updated cancer delivery plan recognises the vital importance of delivering personcentred cancer care.
“Alongside improvements in cancer survival we are pleased to be working with Maggie’s to help ensure services meet people’s needs. The funding I have announced today will help us deliver the best care to people affected by cancer in south-east Wales.”
Laura Lee, Maggie’s chief executive, said: “We are absolutely delighted to hear that Welsh Government has approved funding for the development of Maggie’s Cardiff, which will be located at Velindre Cancer Centre.
“We are very excited to establish a much-needed Maggie’s Centre at Velindre which will serve the whole population of south-east Wales.
“Over the last few years more and more people have been travelling significant distances to Maggie’s Swansea to seek our support so we are thrilled at the opportunity to create a second centre in Wales.”
Sir Roger Jones, chairman of Maggie’s fundraising board, said: “When I first walked through the door of Maggie’s Swansea I saw that it was an oasis of excellence, an environment that soothed and calmed, with caring and knowledgeable staff who have what the clinicians don’t have – time to help people.
“With the support of Welsh Government, it’s wonderful to be able to bring Maggie’s to Cardiff.”