3rd May 2012

DORCHESTER: New cancer ward opens

By Trevor Bevins

A new cancer ward opened at the Dorset County Hospital this week.

The 14-bed inpatient Fortuneswell Ward has been developed for the care of patients who have cancer and malignant haematology disease.

The ward takes the name Fortuneswell as the Fortuneswell Trust charity, which supports the chemotherapy unit at the hospital, has provided £150,000 to help fund the new facility.

Lead Cancer Nurse Abigail Orchard said that many patients who have cancer will undergo intensive treatments such as chemotherapy which can be accompanied by side effects, some of which require the patient to be admitted to hospital for further management.

“Whether having treatment or not, some patients with cancer will develop complications associated with the cancer itself and again, this may require admission to hospital for appropriate care and treatment,” she said.

“A key benefit for patients who are managed on the Fortuneswell Ward is that they will be cared for by a team of nurses and other health professionals who have a keen interest and desire to work with patients affected by cancer.

“Many of the team already have experience and skills in caring for this patient group. This expertise and keen interest will together underpin the provision of high quality care for these people.”

Ms Orchard added: “As well as the 14 inpatient beds, the ward will have an assessment room which will enable the timely assessment of patients who have problems associated with their cancer, but do not necessarily require admission to hospital. It is anticipated that this facility, together with the introduction of a 24-hour telephone advice service for patients on cancer treatment, will have a positive impact of reducing admissions to hospital.”

Chief Executive of Dorset County Hospital Jean O’Callaghan thanked staff for their hard work to get the new ward up and running.

“There has been a lot of work going on behind the scenes to prepare for the opening of this ward and the Trust Board very much appreciates everyone’s efforts to achieve this with minimum disruption to patients, visitors and staff,” she said.

“Many thanks also to the Fortuneswell Trust for their incredible ongoing support – without them we couldn’t have done this.”

DORCHESTER: New cancer ward opens

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