THE launch of an improved mobile cancer care unit which will come to Westbury once a week has marked six years of partnership between Salisbury District Hospital and cancer charity Hope for Tomorrow.

The original care unit, which has been visiting to Westbury once a week since 2014 and treated over 800 patients, was named Kayleigh in memory of a young girl from Chippenham, who died from cancer.

The new unit, which is to be launched later this year, has been upgraded with the latest equipment and will continue to be based at Salisbury District Hospital and driven to Westbury, as well as other parts of the country.

Sister Jan Moffat, lead nurse for the care unit, said: “The unit currently provides chemotherapy to patients with cancer and a range of treatments for people who have low immunity. “The great thing about this new unit is that it gives us the potential to expand our services and look at other cancer related treatments in the future.

“We are very grateful to Hope for Tomorrow who have provided us with the new unit and for their commitment to the care of patients with cancer in this area.”

Erica Watson, former chairman for Westbury and District League of Friends and health care campaigner said: “Westbury and District League of Friends have donated money to Hope for Tomorrow, thanks to the generosity of the Westbury area community, many times since it began providing mobile chemotherapy in Westbury.

“I know that the community as well as the League will be so pleased to hear that their contributions have enabled the cancer treatment services to be extended.

“The League are donating more funds later this year to support Hope for Tomorrow and they will be invited to our celebration of over 50 years fundraising in June this year.”