Work has recently been completed on three treatment area improvements which will benefit cancer patients undergoing treatment at Royal Preston Hospital.
Paid for by our charitable funds, these three fairly “small” projects (in comparison to some of the projects we have funded) will help to improve patient experience throughout their care. They include the installation of two new screens in the radiotherapy centre, the installation of LED skylights in a room on the chemotherapy unit, and the refurbishment of a side room on Ward 11, the hospital’s Upper GI ward.
The two screens that have been installed in the centre’s Radiotherapy Department waiting rooms are to keep patients updated on waiting times for each of the department’s eight Linear Accelerators – the radiotherapy treatment machines – and its CT scanner.
Therapeutic Radiographer Daniel Humphray explained: “It’s very important for patients to know how the machines are running. Many patients have to do preparation for their treatment and may have to delay drinking cups of water or going to the toilet if the machine is running late.
“Even for patients who are not required to do any preparation, unexpected delays can cause anxiety.”
An initial survey among patients on the new screens showed that 95% value them as useful with 90% agreeing they made their treatment less stressful.
Patients who need to have a PICC line fitted (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) for their chemotherapy delivery may also now be less stressed during the fitting process after work to make the centre’s Chemotherapy Department PICC insertion room a more calming environment.
PICC line insertion is often undertaken at the start of a patient’s cancer treatment journey, so at a time when the patient could already be very distressed. The room where the insertions are undertaken has now been fitted with a research-backed “cloud” skylight, costing £3,817.68 from our charitable funds. Evidence suggests that when patients focus on watching the clouds during their procedure, their anxiety level reduces. We were delighted to be able to help make this procedure less of an ordeal for patients!
We also spent over £2,200 towards refurbishments to a side room on Royal Preston Hospital’s Ward 11.
Sarah Welsh, Matron for General Surgery and Urology, explained; “The room on Ward 11 is used by cancer patients who are in recovery after undergoing upper gastrointestinal, colorectal, and urology procedures, and many of the patients that use it have quite complex needs, such as stoma care, or perhaps a high infection risk.
Unfortunately, it was a very stark, clinical area, with no natural light – a lack of which can negatively affect mood and the overall patient experience. The refurbishment to the area now means it’s brighter, more welcoming, and a more suitable therapeutic environment in which patients can recover in peace.”
She continued, “Colleagues here on Ward 11 have a longstanding relationship with Rosemere Cancer Foundation, and we are proud to regularly take part in fundraising efforts to support the charity’s work – last year a team of colorectal specialist nurses took part in the Born Survivor assault course to raise funds, and we’ve supported by taking part in Rosemere’s annual Morecambe Bay Walk, and through charity raffles. We’re delighted that we’ve now been able to see first-hand the difference that charity fundraising can make for our patients!”
Thanks so much to all of our supporters, for helping to make projects like this happen for the benefit of our patients!