A generous legacy of ?215,000 has been bequeathed to Noble’s Hospital for the purposes of funding new cancer equipment for the people of the Isle of Man.

The intention is to use the money to purchase new equipment for chemotherapy, a treatment that sees anti-cancer drugs injected into the bloodstream to destroy cancer cells.  A number of possible items are being considered, including new intravenous therapy infusion pumps, equipment for pharmacy-related preparation of anti-cancer drugs, and important storage equipment.

The bequest comes at the same time as a decision to relocate the chemotherapy service within the Noble’s Hospital to Ward 5.  It has been temporarily located in Ward 20 since early 2016 which is close to, but separate from, the main hospital building. 

Relocating the service inside Noble’s Hospital will be in line with best practice and improve safety for patients as medical support will be immediately and rapidly available if required.  The patient experience will also be enhanced with easier access to facilities such as the cafe, shop and the Macmillan Cancer Information Centre.

Minister for Health and Social Care, Kate Beecroft MHK, said: “We are very fortunate to live in a community where people seek to leave a legacy of bettering health and social care services for the people of the Isle of Man.  This is a remarkably generous bequest and will help Noble’s Hospital to purchase state of the art equipment so vital in people’s fight against cancer.”

Funds from the bequest will be used solely for the purchase of equipment and will not be used to cover costs of relocating the service or for any minor remedial work required to Ward 5.

The relocation of the service is likely to take place in early 2018 and patients will be kept fully informed of developments so they know which ward to attend for their ongoing cancer care.