The Macmillan Woodlands Centre at Hinchingbrooke Hospital was officially opened by His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent KG on Tuesday 14 May,
The Duke was given a tour of the £2.4m state-of-the-art cancer centre where he met staff, patients and donors who supported the original fundraising appeal. In particular, he met two of the centre’s first patients, Ruth King and Carol Croft, who have been staunch supporters of the appeal to extend and refurbish the centre which began in 2015.
The Duke was also given a tour of the centre’s newly- created garden area which has recently been transformed by a team from local charity The Malcolm Whales Foundation. The team, made up of young people, former patients and local business representatives, have turned a gravel patch into a colourful, inviting and tranquil space for patients and staff to use.
Rob Hughes, Chairman of North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Hinchingbrooke Hospital, said: “I was honoured to welcome His Royal Highness to our hospital to see the fantastic facilities we provide to support our patients and their relatives. It is thanks to such generous donations from the local community, and funding from Macmillan Cancer Support, that we have this fantastic facility where our patients can receive first-class information, support and treatment.
“I was also very pleased to introduce Damien Whales, Founder of the Malcolm Whales Foundation, who was able to show His Royal Highness the amazing transformation that has taken place in our centre garden, thanks to a huge community effort from local people and organisations.
“We have already had some very positive comments from our patients, whose appointments will no doubt be brightened by the chance to sit and relax in the garden.”
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