Its creation was a direct result of the vision of one of our Consultants, Dr John Le Vay. He set up a local charity – Cancer Campaign in Suffolk and with the help of generous local people, raised enough money to build the centre. Since opening, the centre has provided cancer support, information, practical advice, emotional support and a variety of supportive and educational opportunities to an increasing number of people each month both from within the hospital and the wider local community.

A comfortable, roomy waiting area allows patients, family and friends to relax nearby before treatment starts. When entering the expansive space patients are guided to bright, airy treatment bays with large windows looking out onto themed garden courts, creating enough space for family/friends. The gardens provide a temporary retreat and visual link with inside themes. Ensuring a fit for purpose space, demonstrating innovation and setting a precedent for future design: The new design means 21,000 people could be seen a year, up from only 9,000 due to new chemo suites and an additional 21 treatment bays. The increased capacity will bring down waiting times and help avoid unnecessary overnight admissions. It should free up staff to spend more time treating patients rather than trying to manoeuvre equipment in tight spaces. Each room provides green lighting, making it easier for nurses to locate their patient’s veins. Treatment bays have individual heating/cooling control panels, allowing maximum patient comfort. The unit is also the first Chemotherapy Day Unit in the country to have self-service check-in system, providing further patient privacy and freeing more time for staff.