From this summer, an innovative partnership between NNUH, the N&N Hospitals Charity and cancer charity Hope for Tomorrow means chemotherapy and other cancer drug therapies can be delivered in a mobile cancer care unit.

The unit is funded by Hope for Tomorrow and a generous donation from the Mark Benevolent Fund, with the first three years’ running costs of almost £600,000 covered by the Hospitals Charity, before being handed over to NNUH.

It will treat up to 16 patients a day from up to five different venues across Norfolk each week, with Dereham, Fakenham, Beccles and Attleborough being considered as locations. North Norfolk is covered by separate developments at Cromer Hospital.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for our patients to receive treatment closer to their home,” said Jo Richardson, Lead Cancer Nurse. “Norfolk is a large rural county with limited transport links. By offering treatment closer to home we can reduce additional anxiety and costs of traveling into Norwich.”

Louise Cook, Head of Fundraising, said: “We’re delighted to provide nearly £600,000 of funding over the next three years, which comes from a legacy received by the charity. It will be used to provide all running costs, such as staff and clinical equipment, for the service.

“Working in conjunction with Hope for Tomorrow means that the N&N Hospitals Charity is at the heart of helping to be part of improving facilities for cancer patients across Norfolk.”

Leanda Bickley, Hope for Tomorrow Operations Manager, said: “We are very excited to be partnering with the hospital and its charity. This will be our 11th operational unit helping to bring cancer care closer to patients in such a rural area. We already have a great working relationship with the trust and look forward to developing this further to make the mobile unit a success.”

The Mobile Cancer Care Unit is owned and maintained by Hope for Tomorrow and will be provided along with a Nurses’ Support Vehicle allowing the nursing team to travel to and from the unit’s locations.
For more information, contact Hope for Tomorrow on 01666 505055 or via email info@hopefortomorrow.org.uk or visit www.hopefortomorrow.org.uk .