Arthur Numan Opens New TCT Unit
Rangers Charity Foundation Patron Arthur Numan has officially opened Teenage Cancer Trust’s new specialist facility for young cancer patients in Glasgow, at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children (Yorkhill).
The six-bed unit for 13-16 year olds will ensure that every young person diagnosed with cancer from across the West of Scotland has access to specialist cancer care. The unit will provide two three-bed bays, bathrooms, a kitchen, sitting room, study, and dining area. Teenage Cancer Trust, a charity that helps young people fight cancer, has a rolling programme of unit development across Scotland, also providing a six-bed facility for 16-24 year olds at The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre and a further six-bed unit at the new Children’s Hospital due for completion in 2015.
The Teenage Cancer Trust is the Foundation's National Charity Partner this season and we have pledged to raise £30,000 towards new TCT facilities in both Glasgow and Edinburgh. Speaking at the opening Arthur said: “We are proud to be supporting Teenage Cancer Trust and I am so honoured to be officially opening this unit today. Having spent some time with the young people earlier, I was impressed with the positive environment. This place will make a huge difference to young people with cancer.”
Ross Wallace, 16, was diagnosed with Lymphoma, he said: “Being treated on a children’s ward meant that I was surrounded by babies and cartoon characters. I felt really alone. But this new Teenage Cancer Trust unit is fantastic and is definitely more suited to people my age. You don’t feel like you’re stuck in hospital because it’s more like a home from home. You can just hang out and do normal things while you’re having your treatment. It will make such a different to young people, like me, diagnosed with cancer.”
Dr Brenda Gibson, Consultant Haematologist at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children at Yorkhill, said: "We have worked closely with Teenage Cancer Trust to create this fantastic unit and greatly appreciate their support, which has helped create an environment where our patients can mix with their peers and enjoy a large degree of independence when they come in for their treatment. This Teenage Cancer Trust unit also promotes a sense of health and wellbeing which will have a beneficial impact on the patients it serves."
Unlike an ordinary hospital ward, Teenage Cancer Trust’s new unit in Glasgow will be as close as possible to a young person’s life outside. The rooms will include vibrant wall designs and state-of-the-art technology allowing young people to keep in touch with their friends. It will boast a kitchen area, recreational space, chill out room and family room, as well as a social area for day case treatment. Most importantly the unit will provide the opportunity for teenagers to be treated alongside other people of a similar age.
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