£3.75m Cornhill Centre opens at Perth Royal Infirmary

Nov 27 2009 by Alison Lowson, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

THE £3.75 million Cornhill Macmillan Centre in Perth has opened its doors to its first in-patients.

The building is a joint partnership between Macmillan Cancer Support and NHS Tayside, delivering specialist palliative care services to the people of Perth and Kinross.

It provides comprehensive palliative care for in-patients with cancer and other life-limiting conditions, including symptom control, rehabilitation and end-of-life care as well as offering support to families and carers.

Located within the grounds of Perth Royal Infirmary, it already provided day care services.

Earlier this month, another milestone was reached when the phased intake of in-patients went ahead smoothly as planned.

Dr Alison Morrison, Macmillan consultant in palliative medicine, NHS Tayside, said: “We were delighted to welcome our first in-patients to the centre.

“The patients and relatives we have been caring for have been full of praise for the facility.

“Our thanks must once again be extended to Macmillan Cancer Support for partnering NHS Tayside and facilitating the design and construction of such an outstanding healing environment for the population of Perth and Kinross."

Elspeth Atkinson, Macmillan’s director for Scotland, added: “A great deal of hard work went into fund-raising for the centre and we were overwhelmed by the incredible support shown by the people of Perth and Kinross.

“Now, as this top class facility opens to in-patients, the hard work will, of course, continue as staff and volunteers ensure that patients and their families receive the best possible care and support.”