Walkers step in to boost breast ward

Published on Tuesday 23 June 2009 10:16

A DEDICATED breast ward will be created in the city thanks to cash raised by MoonWalkers.

A sum of 500,000 for the revamped ward at the Western General has been donated by organisers of the MoonWalk.

The redesign will see the hospital's ward six able to cope with more patients, to allow those undergoing surgery to do so without needing an overnight stay.

The number of beds will be reduced from 19 to 11 to allow for en-suite facilities, but a day-bed suite will accommodate an additional six patients, and it is thought with the speedier process the loss of two beds would directly impact on patient experience.

A new balcony will also be built beside the ward to allow women fresh air in between treatments.

Around 10,000 people took part in this year's MoonWalk on Saturday night, led by TV presenter Lorraine Kelly.

NHS Lothian's clinical director for cancer and palliative care Elaine Anderson said: "We were absolutely delighted with the generous donation of 500,000 from the MoonWalk towards the refurbishment of ward six.

"The Edinburgh Breast Unit has been at the forefront of developments in the treatment of breast cancer for 30 years and Walk the Walk's assistance will ensure it stays there."