Patients are set to benefit as a new £1 million purpose built Haematology and Oncology unit has opened its doors at the Hospital of St Cross, Rugby.

The opening of The Maple Unit, by University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust expands the high quality cancer and blood disorder services available for patients across Coventry and Warwickshire.

The Maple Unit, which has five outpatient consultation rooms and nine day case treatment chairs, was developed with support from some generous donations from local charities.

Coventry Hospitals Charity, a charity founded by healthcare staff and local businesses in the 1980s, donated £845,000 for the building work and redevelopment of the site.

The Friends of St Cross fundraised £200,000 for the specialist equipment and furniture within, including the nine treatment chairs.

Construction to transform the disused Mulberry ward, which started in September last year, was completed earlier this month, with specialist equipment and furniture delivered and installed over the last few weeks.

Professor Andy Hardy, Chief Executive Officer of UHCW, said: “We are delighted to be able to expand our service in Warwickshire.

“By providing this important patient care closer to people’s doorsteps in a brand new facility we are hope to provide a complete all round service which aligns with our existing services.

“The opening of The Maple Unit also further shows our commitment to Rugby and the Hospital of St Cross as well as our priority to put our patients first.”

Dr Beth Harrison, Consultant Haematologist, said: “The Maple Unit is a lovely facility and it is wonderful that we have started to hold clinics and treat patients here.

“The transformation from a disused ward to a bespoke unit for our patients has been really exciting.”

Sam Neale, Lead Nurse Chemotherapy Services at UHCW, added: “The opening of The Maple Unit is fantastic for patients, expanding our capacity for treatment across the region.

“After so much hard work over the last eight months I’m thrilled that The Maple Unit is now open.”

Janine Beddow, Site Manager at the Hospital of St Cross, said: “The Maple Unit is a fantastic addition to the care we provide at the Hospital of St Cross and continues our drive to deliver care closer to home for our patients.

“This welcome investment in the Hospital of St Cross underlines UHCWs commitment to improving patient experience throughout the Hospital of St Cross.”

Haematology and Oncology services continue to be delivered at University Hospital, in Coventry.