WORCESTERSHIRE’s state-of-the-art £1.8million breast unit was officially opened by HRH the Countess of Wessex during her visit to the county.
In her capacity as the President of Breast Cancer Haven’s Guardian Programme, Her Royal Highness unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion at the site in the grounds of the Worcestershire Royal Hospital.
Breast Cancer Haven CEO Pamela Healy introduced Her Royal Highness to consultant breast surgeon Steven Thrush, the brainchild of the new unit, as well as the Breast Cancer Haven team, service users and Fiona Charny, chair of Worcestershire Breast Unit Haven charity which raises money to make the service possible.
The unit opened its doors last March and offers a comprehensive service under one roof for women and men across the county for all breast related issues and has seen more than 200 women.
Free support to help relieve the physical and emotional side effects of a breast cancer diagnosis is offered one day a week from the unit by members of the Breast Cancer Haven service.
“We are thrilled Her Royal Highness visited the new unit to see how Breast Cancer Haven are integrated within the breast unit,” Mrs Healy said.
“Having the combination of core clinical breast cancer care services and supportive therapies in the one location has proved to be a huge success.
“We are enormously grateful to Steven Thrush who had the vision of integrating clinical and support services under one roof.
“We are also indebted to the Worcestershire Breast Unit Haven charity for their support in enabling us to provide our vital services.”
Her Royal Highness also paid a visit to St Paul’s Hostel in the city where she met the charity’s representatives and learned more about the service.
