MORE patients will be able to receive potentially life-saving treatments following the opening of a new £7.3m cancer care ward.

The 27-bed unit at University Hospital Southampton opened at the weekend after it was built in just six months.

Contractors are said to have worked with the Trust estates team and clinicians to ensure the project was delivered ahead of time, despite the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Matron Jennifer Milner said: “This new build is absolutely the result of fantastic team work across the Trust, particularly by the estates team and contractors who have worked through a really difficult time and still managed to deliver the project in around six months.

“This new ward gives our patients who are going through some really tough treatments, the sort of space and environment that makes that experience a bit easier to cope with.”

The ward accommodates 27 inpatients, with 11 single-bed side rooms with enhanced ventilation for those who are immuno-suppressed, which means more patients can undergo bone marrow transplant treatments that require isolating for several weeks.

It will also give oncology and haematology patients “comfortable and spacious surroundings” to be cared for whilst undergoing treatment.

Along with providing a” modern and spacious” environment, the new £7.3m building, funded as a result of Trust’s capital programme, also includes a quiet room for families and patients to have space to come to terms with difficult news, and rest areas for staff have breaks.

Consultant haematologist Matthew Jenner added: “The opening of C2 will make a huge difference especially for patients with haematological conditions such as leukaemia, myeloma, lymphoma and sickle cell disease.

“The number of patients we have with these conditions increases year on year and having more inpatient beds will enable patients to be treated promptly, within specialist facilities and cared for by a skilled team of highly trained doctors and nurses.”