Mr Poots officially opened the Macmillan Unit at Antrim Area Hospital, the first specialist palliative care unit to be built in collaboration between a trust and voluntary sector partner. The development of the new unit cost £5.36million of which £3.26million was provided by the Northern Trust and £2.1million was raised by Macmillan Cancer Support fundraisers.
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Speaking at the opening the Minister said: "This new unit is an excellent example of joint working with the voluntary sector. It is a joint initiative between the Northern Trust and Macmillan Cancer Support. Indeed Macmillan has provided funding to support the development and running of the unit. This partnership is important and offers real opportunities to improve services for people across Northern Ireland.
"How we care for those at the end of their lives says much about what type of society we aim to be and that is why excellent palliative care provision is a vital part of the health service today. This unit shows what can be achieved through the vision, hard work, dedication, compassion and above all the determination to meet the palliative and end of life care needs of the people who we have the privilege to care for."
The new Macmillan Unit has 12 ensuite rooms with additional facilities for relatives who may wish to stay.
(CD/GK)
