Modular pod to be donated to Trust Cancer Care and Haematology Unit at Stoke Mandeville Hospital

The modular pod for cancer care and haematology unit undergoing construction off site. (Image supplied by Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust)

A free-standing, modular ‘pod’ is to be installed next to the Cancer Care and Haematology Unit (CCHU) at Stoke Mandeville Hospital.

The calm and comfortable space inside the pod is to be used by patients, families and staff for informal and relaxed meetings away from the bustle of the CCHU treatment area.

This new facility, designed to a high environmental standard, is being provided by the cancer care and haematology fund (CCHF) charity which has kindly donated £100,000 for this special area. The charity supports people who are being treated for cancer and haematology illnesses in Buckinghamshire.

Dr Ann Watson, Chair of the Cancer Care and Haematology Charity (CCHF), said: ‘We are so pleased that the charity can again come forward to fund his additional space for the Stoke Mandeville Unit. We work closely with the Trust and the decision to provide the pod was driven by the medical teams who felt it could be tremendously helpful to patients, their families and supporters.

To be able to fund such an exciting new building at this level is very gratifying for CCHF, and it represents a huge success for all of our supporters across Buckinghamshire and beyond who work so hard to raise money for those who continue to suffer from cancer and similar illnesses.‘

Michelle Pearsall, Macmillan Matron Oncology and Haematology at Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, said: ‘We’re incredibly grateful to CCHF charity for its continued support of our unit. The team is very excited and can’t wait for the pod to be up and running in time for the warmer weather. It will enable us to have what can often be emotional conversations in a lovely, non-clinical environment. It will be a fantastic facility, both for staff as well as for patients and their families.‘

The pod is being supplied by Agile Property and Homes Limited who specialise in making and delivering safe, civil, low carbon and affordable modular homes and buildings.

Craig White, Chief Executive at Agile Property and Homes, said: ‘Agile is delighted to be working with Stoke Mandeville Hospital on this wonderful project. We are delivering a beautiful and sustainable space for people and their families to meet with their medical team to support them on their health journey.

Made from natural and renewable, low-carbon materials, the making of the Pod has also provided skills, training and education for prisoners released on temporary licence (from HMP Springhill in Buckinghamshire) at our Centre for Low and Innovative Carbon Solutions (CLiCs). This unique programme provides prisoners with pathways to meaningful employment and significantly reduces their risk of reoffending.‘

*Source of information : Press release from Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust.