THE head of a cancer charity has said a new regional support centre opening in Enniskillen will be a game changer for patients who feel cut off from services in Belfast and Derry.
Described as the first of its kind in Northern Ireland, the Regional Therapeutic Cancer Centre on Enniskillen’s high street will allow patients and those affected by cancer to drop in for support without an appointment.
Volunteers will also provide transport for those travelling long distances for cancer treatment at Altnagelvin Hospital or in Belfast City Hospital.
Having received £420,000 in Department of Health funding, it is hoped that other hubs like it can open in the future.
Richard Spratt, CEO of Cancer Focus NI.
CEO of Cancer Focus NI, Richard Spratt, spoke to the Irish News ahead of the official opening on Wednesday.
“It’s pretty full on, the building was handed to us a few weeks ago so we’ve just been in the process of getting it soft-furnished and doing training with staff and volunteers,” he said.
Mr Spratt said the charity had taken inspiration from similar projects in other countries like Denmark, which offer a drop-in environment “in a beautiful place.”
“This will feel like walking into someone’s home, there’s no reception area,” he said.
“But crucially, the facility is staffed by senior nurses who have cancer and oncology experience.
“So it’s an entirely non-clinical environment, where they get a really warm sense of welcome and sitting down for a cup of tea with someone who really understands cancer and the journey that they or their family member are on.”
With psychological and emotional support services, including support from accredited cancer counsellors, the facility will also host peer support groups.
Mr Spratt said it was a natural choice to open the first facility in Fermanagh to address the “separateness and isolation” felt in the western area.
“If someone is diagnosed, they’re 62 miles away from Altnagelvin or 82 miles away from Bridgewater, the two main treatment sites for cancer.
“That means long distances to travel to chemotherapy and radiotherapy appointments. That’s a huge demand, so we think there’s a real need in that particular area.”
While the new centre is not somewhere for people to get diagnosed, he said that nurses and volunteers will be able to signpost visitors to the appropriate services.
Hope Street star Ciaran McMenamin has campaigned for cancer services after the death of his mother in 2023. (Jack McGuire/Long Story TV/BBC/PA)
Among those supporting the launch is Hope Street actor Ciaran McMenamin, who has campaigned for cancer support services after his mother Anne passed away in 2023 from breast cancer.
“Mum would be thrilled to see this centre opening in Enniskillen,” he said.
“Throughout her professional life as a district nurse, she cared for many cancer patients in our community. In retirement, she helped develop, then run the palliative transport services for Fermanagh.
“So, to see Cancer Focus NI promoting the patient driving service is brilliant and volunteers will remain a key part of this service. To have somewhere on the high street where people can walk in and receive the specific care, support and attention that Cancer Focus NI can offer from here now, is remarkable. My mother would be over the moon.”
Bowel cancer survivor Betty Fisher. PICTURE: JOHN MCVITTY (John McVitty – 07771987378 – jmcvitty@btopenworld.com)
Fermanagh woman and bowel cancer survivor Betty Fisher also shared her experience.
Receiving a “totally unexpected” diagnosis two and a half years ago followed by “life-changing surgery,” she had part of her bowel removed and now lives with a colostomy pouch.
“The idea of a local Cancer Support Centre in Enniskillen fills me with hope,” she said.
“When you’re facing cancer, it’s not just the physical toll of treatment that wears you down, it’s the long journeys to hospital, the unfamiliar clinical environments, the sense that you’re facing something massive with no clear map.”
While supported by “amazing” family and friends throughout her treatment, she added that outside help relieved the pressure of feeling of placing a “burden” on them when discussing her concerns.
After Wednesday’s official opening, the new centre will be open to the public from Monday, June 2.