£850,000 for new Maggie’s Centre for South East Wales

Maggie’s Centres are based in the grounds of large cancer centres and provide emotional and practical support for people with cancer, their families and friends. They are independent but work in partnership with the NHS across the UK.

The centre announced today will be based at the current Velindre Cancer Centre in Whitchurch. The Centre will provide a cancer support service for people in South East Wales with a new permanent solution being delivered as part of the new Velindre cancer hospital development which is due to open in 2022. Opportunities to re-locate and re-use the centre are being explored. 

Health Secretary Vaughan Gething said: 

“Many of us know someone who has battled cancer and have seen first hand the impact it has on not only them, but also their friends and families. 

“Maggie’s Centres do excellent work in providing professional support and advice for those with cancer and those whose lives have been touched by the disease. That is why I am pleased to be able to announce this new funding today.

“We know that cancer is affecting increasing numbers of people in Wales. We are proud that cancer survival rates continue to improve, but we know there is always more work to do.  

“We are committed to continuing to improve and to deliver the best treatment and care to people with cancer in Wales. Our updated cancer delivery plan recognises the vital importance of delivering person-centred cancer care.

“Alongside improvements in cancer survival, we are pleased to be working with Maggie’s to help ensure services meet people’s needs. The funding I have announced today will help us deliver the best care to people affected by cancer in south east Wales.”

Laura Lee, Maggie’s Chief Executive said: 

“We are absolutely delighted to hear that Welsh Government has approved funding for the development of Maggie’s Cardiff which will be located at Velindre Cancer Centre. 

“We are very excited to establish a much-needed Maggie’s Centre at Velindre which will serve the whole population of South East Wales. 

“Over the last few years more and more people have been travelling significant distances to Maggie’s Swansea to seek our support, so we are thrilled at the opportunity to create a second centre in Wales.”  

Sir Roger Jones, Chairman of Maggie’s Fundraising Board said: 

“When I first walked through the door of Maggie’s Swansea, I saw that it was an oasis of excellence, an environment that soothed and calmed with caring and knowledgeable staff who have what the clinicians don’t have – time; time to help people, their families and friends through their cancer experience. With the support of Welsh Government, it’s wonderful to be able to bring Maggie’s to Cardiff and the people of South East Wales.”

Andrea Hague, Director of Cancer Services at Velindre said: 

“Maggie’s Centres provide a very valuable and welcomed support service for patients and their families, helping them through their experiences with cancer. 

“The prospect of a Maggie’s Cardiff being on our doorstep at Velindre, enabling our patients to have easy and convenient access to these additional support services, is great news.”