Hub For Young Cancer Patients Unveiled

A new space dedicated to young people with cancer has been unveiled in Belfast.

The Hub, located in the Bridgewater Suite at Belfast City Hospital, is designed to help make the hospital experience a less difficult one for teenagers and young adults.

With some patients as young as 16, spending time surrounded by much older patients, with few age-appropriate distractions to pass the time, can make having treatment more of a daunting experience.

The new area, a partnership between Friends of the Cancer Centre and Cask for Kids NI, has been created to meet the needs of young patients. Giving young people a space of their own was a key priority for staff, particularly the two specialist nurses funded by the project.

The Hub - which features comfortable seating, TV, games consoles and adjustable/mood lighting - provides a more welcoming, age appropriate environment for young patients and their families.

Colleen Shaw, chief executive of Friends of the Cancer Centre, said: "We are incredibly grateful to Cash for Kids NI for helping us create 'The Hub'. The idea of an age appropriate space was first identified in 2014 as part of a research project by the Teenage and Young Adult (TYA) nursing and social work team who interviewed young people about their needs when undergoing cancer treatment. Once identified, additional work ensued to source the appropriate space for it in the hospital. We are delighted that thanks to substantial funding from Cash for Kids NI, we have been able to make the idea a reality. 'The Hub' will now benefit over 80 young people and their families attending the Cancer Centre in Belfast for treatment and appointments."

Darren Fowler, Regional Charity Manager from Cash for Kids NI, added: "We are delighted that we've been able to help fund 'The Hub' at the Cancer Centre in Belfast. It's the generosity of Cash for Kids NI supporters that makes projects such as this a reality. Everything raised in Northern Ireland stays in Northern Ireland and we are thrilled to be able to fund such a vital project to help local children and young people."



(JG/CM)