An innovative cancer unit in Cardiff, providing a dedicated space for teenage patients.
Around six young people aged between 13 and 24 are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK, and the Teenage Cancer Trust is dedicated to ensuring that they are treated as young people first and cancer patients second. The Trust’s specialist units within existing NHS hospitals offer specialist care and support, but also aim to replicate a teenager’s life outside, considerably improving quality of life and survival chances for these young adults. The Teenage Cancer Trust’s Skypad – so called because it appears as a shimmering blue-clad pod lifted on stilts away from the existing hospital buildings – is the first facility of its kind in Wales.
The Skypad was developed by Orms in collaboration with teenagers, their families and the clinical staff team, and is intended to provide an oasis of wellbeing and positivity for both inpatients and outpatients. The two floors offer a range of treatment spaces – staffed by a multidisciplinary team of consultant oncologists, psychologists, cancer nurses and youth support workers – as well as more intimate, private areas. These are particularly appreciated by patients – and parents – struggling to come to terms with their condition. Social spaces and an external terrace provide relief, relaxation and fresh air. Bedrooms are personalised to allow patients to select their preferred lighting, temperature and curtain settings
An innovative cancer unit in Cardiff, providing a dedicated space for teenage patients.
Around six young people aged between 13 and 24 are diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK, and the Teenage Cancer Trust is dedicated to ensuring that they are treated as young people first and cancer patients second. The Trust’s specialist units within existing NHS hospitals offer specialist care and support, but also aim to replicate a teenager’s life outside, considerably improving quality of life and survival chances for these young adults. The Teenage Cancer Trust’s Skypad – so called because it appears as a shimmering blue-clad pod lifted on stilts away from the existing hospital buildings – is the first facility of its kind in Wales.
The Skypad was developed by Orms in collaboration with teenagers, their families and the clinical staff team, and is intended to provide an oasis of wellbeing and positivity for both inpatients and outpatients. The two floors offer a range of treatment spaces – staffed by a multidisciplinary team of consultant oncologists, psychologists, cancer nurses and youth support workers – as well as more intimate, private areas. These are particularly appreciated by patients – and parents – struggling to come to terms with their condition. Social spaces and an external terrace provide relief, relaxation and fresh air. Bedrooms are personalised to allow patients to select their preferred lighting, temperature and curtain settings