Avanti’s user-first approach praised at opening of Macmillan Unit

People affected by cancer helped shape the design values of Avanti’s Ulster Hospital Macmillan Unit, which opened this week. The £3m facility features a Macmillan support centre, state-of-the-art chemotherapy unit, satellite pharmacy, and specialist treatment and assessment areas.

Consultation with patients and staff was central to design success, winning praise from staff, patients, and NI Health Minister Robin Swann. Patient Paul Gribbon explained his involvement, “It’s wonderful to see the Macmillan Unit open and providing care to patients and their loved ones. It has been a privilege to add my voice and experience to its development. I know from my own cancer journey how important it is to feel comfortable and able to access the help you need when you’re going through treatment. This Unit is going to make a big difference to people’s lives.”

After officially opening the Unit, Minister Swann added, “This new unit is a great example of successful partnership working between South Eastern Trust and Macmillan. Most importantly people living with cancer are at the heart of this Unit and their personal experiences have helped to shape the way it looks and feels, as well as the support it provides.”