Patients have praised the care they receive at a Dundee centre that is being given a national award.
Roxburghe House and the Macmillan Day Care unit were purpose-built in the grounds of Royal Victoria Hospital to care for people with cancer and other life-limiting conditions. That followed fund-raising by the Macmillan Cancer Support charity.
Patients, volunteers, staff and charity representatives celebrated receiving the Macmillan Quality Environment Mark, a new award recognising high standards in building design and cancer services.
Launched in January by Macmillan, the MQEM is the first award in the UK that specifically assesses how well buildings provide support and care to people affected by cancer. To receive it, high scores are needed in use of space, comfort and atmosphere, personal and social interaction, health and wellbeing.
Retired chartered accountant Alan Guild (60), of Dundee, is grateful for the support he has received at the unit. He began attending in December 2009, six months after being diagnosed with bowel cancer.
“There’s always an excellent atmosphere at the centre and I really enjoy the companionship and banter,” he said. “I’ve also found the counselling sessions and complementary therapies to be very helpful, as well as some of the workshops such as the cooking class the volunteers organised.
“In the summer, it was nice to sit out in the gardens, which are beautiful. Every time I attend, a nurse will spend a bit of time with me and ask me how I am. They can also get me access to a doctor on that day if that is needed.
“It’s no surprise to me that the service has won this award. It’s well deserved.”
Retired customs officer David Holmes (73) has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and has attended the Macmillan unit for just over a month.
The grandfather said, “I was referred to the day centre after my condition worsened and the advice I’ve received there has really helped me a great deal, something my wife Norma and I are very grateful for.
“I’ve learned some tips to help me stay calm and I now know some exercises to help me control and manage my breathing better.”
Roxburghe House service manager Anne Robb said, “We are delighted to receive this award. We couldn’t have done it without the outstanding support from the staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to provide a high quality service.”