The DUP representative said:

“I can confirm that the Trust has now a fully functioning Assessment Space at the Mandeville Unit, offering that more holistic service to cancer patients who may have to present to A & E or had to contact the Helpline seeking advice.

This new space will reduce the instances where people with cancer will have to attend the current A & E facility. We all know our emergency departments are under extreme pressures, with many people having to wait in sometimes crammed conditions. By taking cancer patients out of this pathway, it is expected that we will see a reduction in the risk of infection particularly among those with suppressed immune systems due to cancer and their treatments.

This area will be functional between 8.30 – 5.15pm for both Oncology and Haematology patients who are on active treatment and have presented unwell via helpline, clinics or walk ins.

For some time I have raised this with the Department and Trust following a number of cancer patients getting in touch having had to endure long delays at Accident and Emergency. We must do all we can to help improve services and make that journey easier and I know this new facility will greatly assist in the care for local cancer patients.

There is much more work to do on cancer services in Craigavon and throughout Northern Ireland and I will continue to champion this issue.”