A NEW facility to allow cancer patients the chance to spend quality time with their families during their final days is now open.
The end-of-life Maple Suite has been created at Furness General Hospital's oncology unit, thanks to generous funding of £47,500 from the Rosemere Cancer Foundation.
The room will provide a home-from-home environment for the increasing number of patients who choose to spend their remaining time being nursed on ward nine at the Barrow hospital.
Ward manager Michelle Mclaughlin said: "We are seeing more patients choosing to be nursed on ward nine as their preferred place of care when approaching end of life.
"As a result, we want to be able to give patients the opportunity to receive their nursing in an end-of-life focused suite with a less clinical environment."
Work began on the suite, which was created using a former meeting space, over the summer. It is expected to be used immediately.
The guest of honour at its official opening was 80-year-old Brian Squire who married his love of 31 years, Valerie, on the ward earlier this year.
Mrs Squire, from Grange, died just three days later with her husband at her bedside.
Sue Smith, executive chief nurse at the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust - the organisation in charge of FGH - explained the room has been designed to be less clinical than a traditional hospital setting in a bid to help patients and their close family members relax and concentrate on their time together.
It features essential medical equipment but also comfortable chairs and facilities for relatives.
Mrs Smith said: "The new suite will offer supportive care to help patients and their families to cope with their condition and help to maximise the benefits of treatment.
"Thanks to Rosemere Cancer Foundation for their contribution to the suite which will benefit so many people in the local area."
READ MORE: Devoted couple tie the knot in moving ceremony on hospital ward
READ MORE: End-of-life care expert praises staff at Barrow hospital
READ MORE: Tributes to adored Barrow husband and father, 39, after losing cancer battle
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here