New HIV & Cancer Unit now open

06 February 2012

A brand new unit for patients living with HIV—as well as oncological and haematological problems—has opened at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital today (Monday 6 February).

A brand new unit for patients living with HIV—as well as oncological and haematological problems—has opened at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital today (Monday 6 February).

It includes a new ward—Ron Johnson Ward—which has 19 inpatient beds, all in single en-suite room, as well as day care and outpatient facilities.

The new unit, which is located on the 2nd Floor of the Netherton Grove Extension to the hospital, replaces the existing Thomas Macaulay Ward and Kobler Day Care for HIV patients and it incorporates oncology and haematology services currently provided for cancer patients in the Medical Day Unit on the Ground Floor of the hospital.

Core NHS funding has been enhanced by charitable contributions including a major donation by HIV patient Ron Johnson, through St Stephen’s AIDS Trust, for a glass conservatory to provide a light, airy inside space for patients and a donation from Macmillan Cancer Support for an information service to be provided with the St Stephen’s Volunteers.

Jane Bruton, HIV Nurse Consultant, says: “Chelsea and Westminster is the largest HIV treatment centre in Europe and we see patients from all over the country. Although advances in medication mean that many patients can lead a relatively normal life, there is still a need for inpatient care especially among people who are diagnosed late, those who have been diagnosed with both HIV and cancer, or who have more complications because patients with HIV are living longer and therefore suffer the diseases of old age.”

Catherine Gillespie, Clinical Cancer Services Manager and Macmillan Lead Nurse, adds: “We are a national referral centre for HIV-related cancers which is why providing HIV and cancer treatment in one location in the hospital is good for patients.

“All chemotherapy and other anti-cancer therapies for outpatients will now be provided in one place and cancer patients, both those coming to the hospital from the local area and further afield, will have improved access to specialist nursing support.”