Patients undergoing chemotherapy welcome renovation of the Alex's Garden Suite (From Redditch Advertiser)

Patients undergoing chemotherapy welcome renovation of the Alex's Garden Suite

8:30am Monday 24th September 2012 in Local

THE Garden Suite at Redditch’s Alexandra Hospital has recently been through a major refurbishment in order to further improve the experience of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment, and their relatives.

As well as a new larger consulting room having been completed, patients and visitors will now find the suite’s treatment and waiting areas have been flipped, allowing the treatment room to have a more open environment.

The new treatment area is window facing, giving patients a garden while they are having treatment. The area is also now more separate from the suite’s main entrance, giving patients more privacy and dignity during their visit and maing the atmosphere more peaceful.

Fay Lanham, lead oncology nurse, said: “The main advantage of a separate, larger treatment area is that it is a more open and spacious environment for both staff and patients.

“Every single patient who has been in since the changes has said how nice the area is now.”

Christine Tansley, a patient on Garden Suite, said: “The treatment area is a lot better now; the extra space means everyone’s not so cramped together and it’s easier to get around. The view out to the garden is lovely, it’s so nice to be able to get a bit of fresh air while we’re having treatment.

“Everybody here is marvellous, from the cleaners, who are always cheery, right up to the consultants. Since my first visit to the hospital in May I can’t fault anything.”

Glenis Adams, lead nurse for acute oncology/clinical haematology said “Staff will also benefit from this development, as it provides a designated space for preparation of treatments, and also privacy and dignity when treating patients.”