New cancer unit aims to cut patient waiting time

UNIT REDUCES NUMBER WHO WOULD NEED TO GO TO A&E

- By LORNA HUGHES

A NEW specialist unit for cancer patients has opened at Derriford Hospital, aiming to cut the number of people who have to go to A&E and shorten waiting times for treatment.

The Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) clinic for Oncology was officially opened in March by former Head of Nursing (Cancer) Sian Dennison. The clinic, which will initially run for six months, will expand the service from Brent ward.

The new unit, located on level three of the hospital and over the road from the Mustard Tree Macmillan Cancer Support Centre, is aimed at increasing the hospital's capacity to care for those requiring urgent treatment and reduce their overall length of stay.