27/01/2023 | Press releases

Tranquil space for breast care patients opens

Patients receiving treatment for breast cancer at Ipswich Hospital can now take time out in a calming and homely quiet room decorated with specially chosen local artwork.

The space has been developed in the new Breast Care Centre, which opened fully on Tuesday (24 January). Its aim is to provide patients who are receiving difficult news, or who would benefit from quiet time away from the main unit, with a comfortable and non-clinical space where they can relax.

The room also leads directly onto the garden so that people who prefer to can leave the centre without needing to walk back through the waiting room and reception area.

The space showcases pieces from five local artists, and includes recognisable scenes such as the coast at Walberswick. The work has been curated by local charity Art For Cure and paid for by Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity using funds raised by the Blossom Appeal.

Belinda Gray, founder of Art For Cure, said: “It has been a privilege to curate artworks for this special space in the new breast care unit, working closely with a group of very talented Suffolk artists.

“It will hopefully be enjoyed by those using the room as art can stimulate very positive and relaxing emotions.”

Kim Collingridge is lead breast cancer clinical nurse specialist at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT), which runs Ipswich Hospital. She said: “We are absolutely delighted with this fantastic space, which has been developed in response to feedback from our patients. We hope it will make a huge difference by providing a tranquil environment where people can take some time out away from the main unit.

“We would like to say a big thank you to Art For Cure for curating this wonderful collection of beautiful local art, and to everyone who has so generously supported the Blossom Appeal and made this development possible.”

The new centre brings all elements of breast care – including screening, clinics and imaging – under one roof for the first time. This means that patients will no longer need to walk backwards and forwards between departments, get dressed and undressed several times or spend a long time in waiting rooms.

It has been made possible thanks to a partnership between NHS funding from ESNEFT and the Blossom Appeal.

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