A state-of-the art Urology Unit (UIU) which will benefit local communities and help to attract the very best medical talent has been opened at Burnley General Teaching Hospital.
The modern facility brings together all East Lancashire Hospital NHS Trust’s urology services for the first time and will support the diagnosis and ongoing surveillance of patients being treated for prostate cancer, bladder cancer and kidney stone.
Burnley resident and patient, Bernard Darwin, 84, has been receiving ongoing treatment from both Blackburn and Burnley hospitals but can now go to a single location.
He said: “The staff are fantastic and can’t do enough for you. The unit is homely and friendly and has a lot more room. It’s a fantastic environment to walk into.”
Jill Hartley, a Burnley resident and patient who has been having treatment on and off since 1990 from Burnley General Teaching Hospital believes it’s a great investment for the community.
“The bigger space means you won’t struggle for a room and for someone receiving treatment it can be daunting to travel so having it closer to home is much better. But it’s the staff who make it – they are so friendly and accommodating.”
The new UIU has seven rooms, including two treatment rooms, a new scanner, new digital flexible cystoscopes for the diagnosis and management of bladder cancers and new laser machines for the treatment of bladder cancers and kidney stone treatment.
At the grand opening yesterday, Martin Hodgson, Chief Executive at ELHT cut the ribbon and said: “This new unit is a great example of how we continue to grow and develop, to innovate and transform and ensure we’re offering state of the art treatment and facilities that save and improve lives.
“This brings together all our urology services in one place and will benefit patients for years to come, helping us provide the highest levels of care and support, in a welcoming and comfortable environment.”