Virtual sky ceiling panels, paid for by charity Rosemere Cancer Foundation with donations from two charitable foundations, have been fitted above the treatment bed in a newly refurbished radiotherapy room at Rosemere Cancer Centre.
Documented research shows that viewing nature scenes or elements can help patients feel more relaxed and positive so it is hoped the sky scene will reduce stress and anxiety.
The panels and dimmable lights cost just over £4,000, a bill shared by the HVM Foundation, the charitable arm of the HVM Group, which includes the Preston-founded Voi Jeans brand, and Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation.
It made its £2,100 donation after colleagues at its Preston branch on Fishergate nominated Rosemere Cancer Foundation for an award. Branch manager Kim Reynolds said: “We’re committed to supporting local charities where our members live and work.
“Through our Charitable Foundation, we are proud to support charities such as Rosemere Cancer Foundation. We’re delighted to see the donation being put to such good use in helping patients relax at what can be an extremely stressful time.”
Habibullah Munshi, of the HVM Foundation, said: “Born and bred in Preston, we are delighted to give something back to our community. We are proud that this contribution will make a difference to cancer patients.
“As a new foundation, our aim is to inspire lives and this will be one of many charitable projects we aim to contribute towards in the coming months and years.”
Of the new look radiotherapy room, which is already being used on a daily basis, Cathy Skidmore, Rosemere Cancer Foundation’s grants and corporate fundraising manager, said: “We are extremely grateful to both foundations for their donations. By enhancing the room’s environment, the aim is to improve patient experience.”
Rosemere Cancer Foundation works to bring world class cancer treatments and services to cancer patients from throughout Lancashire and South Cumbria being treated at Rosemere Cancer Centre, the region’s specialist cancer treatment centre at the Royal Preston Hospital, and at another eight local hospital cancer units across the two counties.
The charity funds cutting edge equipment, research, training and other cancer services and therapies that the NHS is unable to afford. For further information on its work, including how to make a donation, visit www.rosemere.org.uk
