New breast cancer unit will make 'huge difference'

A woman who had breast cancer has said a new specially designed unit will "make a huge difference" to the experience of other patients.

The Maple Unit, run by Somerset NHS Foundation Trust’s charity, is the first purpose-built breast cancer unit at Yeovil Hospital and will open on Monday.

Tania Bartlett, from Yeovil, had treatment at the hospital in 2015 and said while the team were "incredible", the setting was "not ideal".

Consultant radiographer, Stella Campbell, added that she is "excited" to move into the new unit.

Ms Bartlett described her experience nine years ago as "stressful", adding that the breast cancer team once had to find a broom closet for her to have "space for her emotions".

She said that on another occasion she was "waiting in a waiting room in what I think was an eye clinic".

"I was very aware of people waiting for their appointments," she said.

"The team were fantastic but the facilities had to be improved.

"It can make a huge difference at a time when you need to find calm."

The breast cancer unit appeal was launched by Yeovil Hospital Charity in March 2019 and has raised almost £2.9m.

The unit was designed with a dedicated area for difficult conversations and a comfortable waiting area, away from other busy outpatient areas and treatment rooms.

Caroline Osborne, a consultant breast surgeon at the hospital, said the breast care team had previously "struggled at times" to find their own space in the hospital.

"Instead, they’ve always had to share with other specialties," she added.

"In many ways this is great news for the whole of Somerset as we are increasingly working as one team across both Yeovil and Musgrove Park hospitals, helping each other out where we can."

Ms Campbell added: "To have everything in one place will be great for the patients, not having to walk around and find other rooms."

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