Exciting new plans for development at Freeman Hospital
New facilities are being developed at Newcastle Hospitals to benefit patients and their families/carers. Two initiatives are underway at the Freeman Hospital to enhance patient care which will be built and staffed by the charities; The Sick Children’s Trust and Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres.
The Sick Children’s Trust will provide ‘Home from Home’ accommodation for the families of sick children. The facility is designed to be comfortable and convenient to enable families to spend time with their children in a homely environment whilst they continue to receive care or recover from surgery. It is hoped that the house will be open for use in late 2011 and fundraising is ongoing to raise the £1.9million needed.
The Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centre will provide information and support to patients with cancer as well as their families and friends. This will be located adjacent to Newcastle Hospitals’ Northern Centre for Cancer Care to provide easy access for patients. The environmentally-friendly development is being designed by Ted Cullinan, a nationally renowned architect and will provide a relaxing and inspiring atmosphere for visitors. It is anticipated that the centre will be open by mid 2012. Maggie's are currently running a local fundraising campaign to raise £3million.
Sir Leonard Fenwick, Chief Executive, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said, “The new facilities will make a truly positive difference to patients, families and carers who are often going through a difficult and anxious time. At Newcastle Hospitals we pride ourselves on delivering a patient-centred approach to care and both developments exemplify this”.
Plans for the new developments will be on display at the atrium of the new Renal Services Centre/Northern Centre for Cancer Care, Freeman Hospital between 5pm-7:30pm on Tuesday 13th July 2010.
For further information, in the first instance, please contact:
Christina Banerji - Tel: 0191 223 1543
