The Hospital’s Oncology Day Unit – which gives chemotherapy to Islanders, meaning they don’t have to travel to the UK for treatment – is spreading its message of hope at the Airport this Christmas.
 
The unit – a small team of three Chemotherapy Sisters and an Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist – has a tree in the Save the Children ‘Festival of Trees’ in the Airport’s main hall. Sponsored by Standard Bank, the tree is called ‘Colours of Cancer’ and has been designed to represent and acknowledge the many different cancers that the team can treat at Noble’s Hospital.
 
From its temporary home next to the Day Assessment and Treatment Unit, the Oncology Unit currently accommodates 500 treatments and supportive care for 150 patients a month.
 
Jane Gaunt, Chemotherapy Senior Sister, said: “Not everyone knows about the unit and many patients think they still have to go to the UK for chemotherapy treatment. There are some specialised treatments which can only be given in cancer centres in the UK but most patients can have their treatment locally.
 
“Going across to the UK can be stressful so we find that most patients prefer to stay at home. Because we are dealing with relatively small numbers, we get to know our patients well and there is a friendly and personal atmosphere.
 
“We have seen considerable growth in our service over the last ten years and, according to national statistics, a third of the population will be affected by cancer, so we don’t expect demand for our services to decline. Because finances generally are tight, support from businesses and charities is very important and I would like to thank Standard Bank for its valuable sponsorship.”
 
Sanshia Tumblety, Head of Banking Propositions, International Personal Banking, at Standard Bank Isle of Man, said: “I’m sure that many Islanders still think that all cancer patients have to travel to the UK so Standard Bank is keen to support any initiative that raises awareness of this fantastic unit at Noble’s Hospital. Thousands of people will pass through the Airport this Christmas and I urge passengers to stop at the trees, support Save the Children and find out more about our vital Oncology Unit.”