Primrose Unit opens

The new Primrose Unit opened on December 17th 2003.

Bedford Hospital's Macmillan Primrose Unit was officially opened by Sam Whitbread, the Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire on 15th December 2003. 

The Unit, which was also celebrating one year since the first patient stepped through the doors, was funded entirely by charitable donation – most of which was raised by local people. 

There have been several open days at the Unit over the past year, but this event provided the backdrop for the official unveiling of the plaque. It also provided an opportunity to thank the people who were instrumental in co-ordinating the fundraising and construction programmes. 

Hospital Chairman, Helen Nellis said: “The Primrose Unit is a real symbol of our local community here in Bedford. The reason the Unit exists is down to the generosity of local people and I am delighted to be part of such a wonderful celebration.” 

Primrose Appeal Chairman, Brian Woodrow said: “When the Primrose Appeal was launched by the Bedford Hospital's Charity at the start of the new millennium we thought raising over £2 million was a daunting prospect.

“In the event, in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Relief, over £3 million has been raised thanks to the incredible generosity of our local community, supporting a wonderful team in the unit. The Macmillan Primrose Unit is one of the best oncology units in the country and local people can be extremely proud of what they have achieved.” 

"We want to say an enormous thank you to local Macmillan supporters who have raised over £1 million for people affected by cancer in Bedfordshire" says Stephen Richards, Macmillan Cancer Relief Director for London, Anglia and the South East. "That includes half a million pounds towards building the Macmillan Primrose Unit.  In addition, thanks to our supporters generosity, we have been able to fund a cancer care consultant at the Unit. We are committed to a permanent partnership to develop the Unit for the benefit of local people. Looking to the future, we aim to expand our services with other posts, including an information officer who will provide much needed advice and information for patients and their families."

 

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