BUILDERS began work yesterday on a new £6.6 million cystic fibrosis unit for Nottingham.
On the former car park of the radiology department at Nottingham City Hospital diggers moved in to clear ground for the Wolfson Cystic Fibrosis Centre – so named after Next chief executive Lord Simon Wolfson and his family donated £700,000 to the cause.
Cystic fibrosis sufferer Caroline Spencer of Forest Town, said: "When I first came to the City Hospital I was 18 and people were talking about a new cystic fibrosis centre.
"I'm now 36 and it's finally happening. I can't believe it."
There are currently just four beds available for adults who have cystic fibrosis. But the new unit is expected to be the envy of other such centres around the country and will provide a much-needed service treating around 250 patients a year.
The new centre with have 16 beds and will include family rooms, a garden area, new kitchens and a gym with individual pods separated by a glass divider to avoid any risk of cross-infection.
Dr Jane Dewar, director of the East Midlands Cystic Fibrosis Adult Service, said: "This project has taken up the last ten years of my life to see it finally happening is incredibly rewarding."
Cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening genetic disease where the lungs and digestive system are clogged up with thick mucus.
Andrew Howard, Regional Director for Interserve – who are building the CF centre – said he thought the building would be complete in Spring next year.
He said: "We are really proud to be part of the team creating this state-of-the-art cystic fibrosis centre. Having worked in close liaison with the staff, patients and Nottingham Hospitals Charity, we have developed a model which will become the 'benchmark for future CF treatment centres across the country.
"We believe that our architects P&HS have designed a stimulating and therapeutic environment in which to work, but more importantly to provide a better and more comfortable life for the patients."
Nottingham Hospitals Charity provided £2.1 million of funding towards the project.
Its chief executive, Barbara Cathcart, said: "I want to acknowledge all those who supported the campaign including the Wolfson family, and all other supporters and donors."
