14/4/2008£700,000 move to create second teenage cancer unit
A SECOND cancer unit for Glasgow teenagers is expected to be given the go ahead. . . just months after a flagship centre opened at the world-renowned Beatson.
Campaigners are in talks with health bosses and are hopeful a unit will be created at Yorkhill.
Teenage Cancer Trust volunteers hope the plan will be approved in weeks, then the task of raising the £700,000 needed to allow the centre for 13 to 16-year-olds to open by 2009 will begin.
In May 2007, TCT patron Roger Daltrey - lead singer of rock legends The Who - launched the first unit for teenage cancer patients at Glasgow's Beatson.
Jill MacRae, of the TCT in Glasgow, said she was "very hopeful" a second unit would be formed at Yorkhill.
She added: "We feel there is a gap in the 13 to 16-year age group which has the right environment for young people with cancer.
"They are at an in-between stage . . . too old for a kids' ward but too young for an adult ward.
"We hope to have the second unit running by the end of the year and will embark on a huge drive to raise the £700,000 needed."
The existing six-bed unit at the Beatson was built in the style of a teenager's bedroom, with a flat-screen TV and a games console.
Youngsters have internet access and the day room has panoramic views across Glasgow and a cafe-style space. The TCT are also launching the West of Scotland Action Group to attract members.
Jill said: "This will be a really big year and we hope to expand across the West of Scotland."
Teen cancer sufferer Allister Boyd, 19, has already signed up. Allister, from Ayr, said: "I am delighted to be involved and think the TCT is doing a great job.
"I was 16 when I was diagnosed with a brain tumour and was in an adult ward, but I think the dedicated units are a great asset.
"I was in sixth year at school when I was getting treatment and am now in remission.
"I'm now in first year at Glasgow Caledonian University so I am living proof you can get through."
Anyone interested in joining the Action Group should e-mail jillmacrae@teenagecancertrust . org
Jan 28
Campaigners are in talks with health bosses and are hopeful a unit will be created at Yorkhill.
Teenage Cancer Trust volunteers hope the plan will be approved in weeks, then the task of raising the £700,000 needed to allow the centre for 13 to 16-year-olds to open by 2009 will begin.
In May 2007, TCT patron Roger Daltrey - lead singer of rock legends The Who - launched the first unit for teenage cancer patients at Glasgow's Beatson.
Jill MacRae, of the TCT in Glasgow, said she was "very hopeful" a second unit would be formed at Yorkhill.
She added: "We feel there is a gap in the 13 to 16-year age group which has the right environment for young people with cancer.
"They are at an in-between stage . . . too old for a kids' ward but too young for an adult ward.
"We hope to have the second unit running by the end of the year and will embark on a huge drive to raise the £700,000 needed."
The existing six-bed unit at the Beatson was built in the style of a teenager's bedroom, with a flat-screen TV and a games console.
Youngsters have internet access and the day room has panoramic views across Glasgow and a cafe-style space. The TCT are also launching the West of Scotland Action Group to attract members.
Jill said: "This will be a really big year and we hope to expand across the West of Scotland."
Teen cancer sufferer Allister Boyd, 19, has already signed up. Allister, from Ayr, said: "I am delighted to be involved and think the TCT is doing a great job.
"I was 16 when I was diagnosed with a brain tumour and was in an adult ward, but I think the dedicated units are a great asset.
"I was in sixth year at school when I was getting treatment and am now in remission.
"I'm now in first year at Glasgow Caledonian University so I am living proof you can get through."
Anyone interested in joining the Action Group should e-mail jillmacrae@teenagecancertrust . org
Jan 28