OVER 20,000 cancer patients are due to benefit every year from a new cancer support centre in Southampton.

The new Maggie’s cancer centre in the grounds of University Hospital Southampton has now opened and is the first of its kind in the South and one of only 12 centres in the UK.

Aimed at feeling more like a home than a hospital, the centre has been created in partnership with award-wining architects AL_A, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and Sarah Price, one of the country’s most sought-after landscape designers.

Almost three-quarters of the 1,470 square metre site has been given over to four distinct gardens, inspired by the ecology of the New Forest.

These are said to form a “tranquil oasis” that looks as if it has always been there, providing seclusion from the outside world.

Dame Laura Lee, Chief Executive at Maggie’s said: “I am absolutely thrilled with our newest centre designed by Amanda Levete and her team at AL_A.

“They have interpreted our brief beautifully and their exacting attention to detail has created a stunning building.

“Intimate rooms allow for privacy whilst the communal spaces bring people together around a kitchen table to share their stories and support one another.”

A £5m campaign was set up to build and run the centre which is aimed at complementing the cancer treatments and research taking place at the hospital.

David French, chief executive of University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust added: “The new Maggie’s is a fantastic facility and is already making a real difference to our patients and their families.

“The centre provides a breathing space away from the hospital where patients can meet people who understand what they’re going through or just take a quiet moment to reflect.

“I am delighted that we’re working together to enhance the range of cancer care services on offer in our hospital to support our patients.”