|
|
|
Gloria supports new Cancer Care Centre
By Derval Keenan, 6/17/2005 12:22:49 PM
|
Gloria Hunniford gave her support today to the Ulster Cancer Foundation?’s new Cancer Care Centre of Excellence on Eglantine Avenue, Belfast. Visiting the site of the new building, Gloria performed a ceremonial ?‘topping off?’ to the completed section of the building and expressed her delight at the prospect of a new centre for cancer patients in Northern Ireland.
Gloria said, ?“Cancer can affect anyone and I know how devastating a diagnosis of cancer is to both patients and their families. I am delighted to back the Ulster Cancer Foundation?’s new Care Centre, which will provide much needed support, help and information to anyone affected by cancer. It will be a very positive symbol of hope for patients and their families.?”
Arlene Spiers, Chief Executive of the Ulster Cancer Foundation said, ?“Our new Centre will enable us to respond better to patients needs and it will improve the outlook for future generations at risk from cancer. It will be a dedicated professional facility to fully complement existing care services in the statutory and voluntary sector providing strong community based services for cancer patients, as well as a much-needed centre for the delivery and dissemination of UCF cancer prevention programmes, research activities and public health campaigns.
?“For over thirty years we have carried on our work at Eglantine Avenue in three residential houses that were never designed to deliver modern and professional cancer services. As the demand for our work increases, it has become more and more difficult to deliver the services that cancer patients, their families and health professionals have a right to expect.?”
The new Centre will cost £1.3m, which is being raised through the charity?’s Building for Life Appeal. Arlene added, ?“We are grateful to the people of Northern Ireland for their commitment and hope that they will continue to support us in this major new challenge.?”
The new facility, which will hopefully open early next year, will include a cancer prevention department, a patient and family resource centre, a counselling service, freefone confidential helpline, bra and swimwear fitting service as well as an information resource centre.
Every year in Northern Ireland more than 8,700 people will be told they have cancer and around 3,600 families will lose a loved one to the disease.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Pauline Wylie or Derval Keenan at the Ulster Cancer Foundation
Tel. 028 9049 2007
Notes to Editors
?˜ The Ulster Cancer Foundation was established in 1970 and has a proven track record of supporting research, education and services for cancer patients.
?˜ Patient care services provided by the Ulster Cancer Foundation include the Freefone Confidential Cancer Helpline which is staffed by professional nurses; counselling service; patient volunteer service; bra and swimwear fitting service; cancer support groups throughout Northern Ireland; information resources as well as conferences and social events.
?˜ UCF raises over £2.5million every year to support its existing cancer services and research.
|
|
|
