A CHESTER woman has become the first cancer patient in the UK to be treated in a new state-of-the-art mobile chemotherapy unit.
Alison Roberts-Jones, of Upton, has breast cancer and received her latest dose of chemotherapy in a revolutionary mobile unit which can treat about 25 patients a day.
Based on the Tesco store in Sealand Road, the unit has been developed by The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre and aims to revolutionise the way cancer patients are treated.
Chester is piloting the new scheme and will be home to the unit for the next six months.
Former care worker Alison, 45, was diagnosed with breast cancer in October, 2011.
She had surgery to remove the tumour at the Countess of Chester Hospital but doctors found the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes, liver and spine.
Alison began chemotherapy in November, 2011 but this proved unsuccessful.
She is now given the drug in tablet form by nurses on the mobile unit and will be given an injection to treat the cancer in her spine on at the unit every four weeks.
“I was blown away with how well the mobile unit reflected a hospital ward, it looks great,” said Alison.
“It’s so spacious and what stood out most for me was how bright and clean it is.
“The nurses were also brilliant and put me at ease instantly, they were so efficient and I felt really confident to put my treatment needs in their hands.
“The unit has a really calming atmosphere, especially with the lovely paintings on the walls.
“The location of the unit is fantastic too as family and friends can wander off and do some shopping.
“I’m happy to go on my own now and it’s great the nurses have time to sit and have a natter while I’m there, having that extra one-to-one time makes a real difference.”
Alison will continue to receive treatment at the mobile unit over the coming months.
Joanne Upton, chemotherapy nurse and project manager for the mobile unit, said: “It’s fantastic to hear Alison has had such a positive experience and we hope all our patients will be 100 per cent satisfied with the level of care they receive on the unit.
“It is something we worked towards for a long time as we want to ensure all our patients have access to our world class services at their own convenience.”