Ambitious plans for a new £5 million cancer and haematology unit in Shropshire will be unveiled by health chiefs in the county this month.

Health bosses want to give people a sneak-peak at the plans for the centre, which will be built on the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital site, so they can to see how the unit will look.

Work on the hospital site is expected to begin this summer and officials said the scheme’s facilities would include a new reception area.

It would also include an outpatient unit for haematology and oncology patients and a day unit for chemotherapy and head and neck cancer patients.

Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust is set to unveil its plans for the centre at an open evening at the Shropshire Education and Conference Centre at the Royal Shrewsbury on May 10.

Julia Clarke, chairman of the centre development project board, said: “We are really excited about the development of the cancer and haematology centre.

“We are grateful to everyone who has shared their ideas and helped to shape the building and are looking forward to work starting in early summer.”

The development has been partly funded by almost £5 million in donations from the Lingen Davies Cancer Centre Appeal, The Shropshire Blood Transfusion Trust and other charities.

A trust spokesman said the open event would include presentations by the project architect and interior designer, who would unveil plans for the exterior and interior of the building.

There will also be the opportunity for people to find out more about the plans and ask questions.

The evening will also see the launch of two public competitions; one to design artwork for the new building, the other to come up with a name for the centre.

The open evening will be held from 6pm to 8pm on May 10 at the SECC at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, Mytton Oak Road, Shrewsbury.

The trust spokesman said patients, relatives, staff, community groups and anyone interested were invited to attend to see the unveiling of the proposals.

The spokesman said spaces were limited and anybody interested in attending should book a place on (01743) 261473.
By Simon Hardy