The £147,000 project was funded by Community Health Partnerships (CHP) and Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust (PHU).

The build was facilitated by CHP’s LIFTCo partner, Solent Estates Partnership, working closely with the clinical commissioning group, PHU, the tenants, and the property team at CHP.

The opening of the new 10-station unit will offer up to 375 hours of treatment time per year, helping with the growing demand and providing a better experience for patients.

The project also supports the need to deliver vital services closer to patients’ homes and within a primary care setting, rather than at acute hospital sites.

Hazel Hartnett, deputy divisional nurse director and senior matron for cancer at the trust, explained:

“Patients coming in for chemotherapy treatment often feel poorly and tired and many have to rely on friends and family to take them in and drop them home, as the treatment can make them too sick to drive.

“Providing this service closer to patients’ homes could be transformative for them.

“The new unit will deliver effective treatment while reducing some of the anxieties and health burdens associated with treatments such as chemotherapy.”

The new unit has been supported by Portsmouth Hospitals Charity which has funded various enhancements across the unit, including reclining chairs, a blood fridge, and home comforts like artwork.