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Tenovus Mobile Cancer Support Unit pulls up in Powys
February 12, 2010 12:00 AM
Tenovus' Mobile Cancer Support Unit is coming to Brecon on Wednesday 17th February with support from Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for Brecon and Radnorshire, Kirsty Williams.
Between 2003 and 2007, 99% of cancer patients from Powys had to travel to receive their chemotherapy treatment. In rural areas such as Powys travel alone can prove difficult, long journeys teamed with cancer treatment can cause patients unnecessary strain. Tenovus Mobile Cancer Support Unit offers patients access to cancer treatment in their locality.
Helen Hughes, Director of Cancer Support Services for Tenovus said,
"Tenovus in partnership with Velindre NHS Trust has been providing cancer treatments via the Mobile Cancer Support Unit in South and south west Wales over the last year. We are hoping to expand our services to areas such as Powys where there is a clear need for this provision. The average distance travelled by Powys patients receiving chemotherapy is 75 miles round trip. For the duration of their treatment this equates to 1,500 miles, which is the distance between Brecon and Moscow!
Shirley Bevan from Powys travelled to Velindre Hospital and Neville Hall Hospital for treatment,
"There were times when I felt very ill, tired and sick. It knocked the stuffing out of me having to travel a considerable distance to my appointments and the time spent hanging around in the Hospital. I would welcome the chance of a mobile treatment unit nearer home.
Who wants to travel miles from home when you feel like nothing on earth, when you can barely drag yourself out of the chair let alone get in a car and journey 80 - 120 miles and then sit in a waiting room for hours on end."
Kirsty Williams AM for Brecon and Radnorshire said,
"Tenovus' Mobile Cancer Support Unit provides an excellent service, bringing care and support to people's homes. I have met with Tenovus several times to discuss having a similar service here in Powys. It would go a long way to ease some of the pressure on patients in Powys who currently travel up to 100 miles to receive treatment. Many have to travel to England to receive their treatment- if we had a Mobile Unit in Powys it could help alleviate this unnecessary strain."
Tenovus' strategy is to bring care and support to the heart of the community; patients here travel far and wide to receive treatment, Tenovus' Mobile Cancer Support Unit brings care and support close to people's homes, where it is needed most."
Ends
Notes to Editors:
Tenovus' Brecon Awareness Day will take place at Theatr Brycheiniog, Canal Wharf, Brecon, Powys LD3 7EW between 11am and 1pm.
Tenovus' Mobile Cancer Unit visits the following areas:
Monday - Bridgend at McArthur Glen Retail Park / Merthyr at Asda car park, Dowlais Top (alternate weeks)
Tuesday - Carmarthen at St John Street car park / Llanelli at Trostre Park (alternate weeks)
Wednesday - Tenovus Awareness Day
Thursday - Cwmbran at Cwmbran Stadium
Friday - Nantgarw at Showcase Cinema car park
For further media information please contact Natalie Owen on 02920 768789 or email Natalie.owen@tenovus.com
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