Opening of Macmillan Sunroom in Campbeltown Hospital

[Kintyre Forum News]

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held early March in Campbeltown to mark the opening of a new suite of accommodation for seriously ill cancer patients and their loved ones.

The opening of the Macmillan Sunroom – named to reflect its bright and airy living room area – follows a four year fundraising appeal that has seen the community raise almost £95,000.

The new facility at Campbeltown Hospital has also been made possible thanks to a £50,000 grant from leading charity Macmillan Cancer Support. One of the original project leaders was retired Macmillan nurse Margaret Mitchell who was invited to cut the ribbon at a special open day at the unit on Tuesday 8th March.
She was joined by Macmillan senior development manager Janice Preston and Donnie Cameron, NHS Highland clinical services manager for Kintyre and Islay. Macmillan community nurse specialists, Maggie Wilkieson and Kitty Millar, who both work in palliative care at the hospital, were also at the ceremony.

Also invited to attend the celebrations are local fundraising committees and members of the public.

Janice said: “It is so important that patients and their relatives are given the support and privacy they need at what is such a difficult time.
“The Macmillan Sunroom is special because, for the first time in this area, it will enable relatives to stay overnight and remain close to their loved one in hospital.
“The public support for this facility has been tremendous and the tireless fundraising over the years is to be highly commended. It is thanks to the community’s efforts and determination that we are able to open this much needed facility.”
Patients are admitted to the hospital from across the Kintyre and Gigha region and sometimes relatives must travel long distances to be with them.

The Macmillan Sunroom will offer a bedroom for the patient and a living area with a fold down sofa bed so relatives can stay overnight. En-suite bathroom facilities are adjacent to each room.
A bright and airy living room is also part of the accommodation and this will lead onto a beautiful paved outdoor courtyard.
Attention will also be paid to home comforts and the Sunroom will also boast facilities to make simple refreshments.
Donnie Cameron, NHS Highland clinical services manager for Kintyre and Islay, said: “On behalf of all the staff working in the health services in Kintyre, both in the hospital and the community, I would like to say that we are delighted to see this facility open.
“Margaret Mitchell started the project to provide this facility for the people of Kintyre several years ago. We would also like to thank Macmillan for their support but most of all we would like to thank the people of Kintyre for their generosity and for their patience in waiting for the Sunroom to be completed.
“I am sure that when they see the facility for themselves they will understand that it was worth waiting to get something of this quality."
Macmillan aims to make life better for people affected by cancer by offering practical, medical and emotional support.

To find out more about how you can support Macmillan, please contact local fundraising manager Elsie Riley on eriley@macmillan.org.uk or by calling 0141 952 0085.