Donation made to Altnagelvin Sperrin Unit in memory of Brian McIlmoyle

A donation of £3,140 has been made to the Sperrin Unit at Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry in memory of a former patient.

The donation was made North West Motor Factors in remembrance of past employee Brian McIlmoyle who was treated in the unit.

Photo shows Johnathan Ward, representing North West Motor Factors; Olivia McIlmoyle, Brian’s daughter and Audrey Moore presenting the cheque to Sperrin Unit staff members Caroline Oates, Chemotherapy Unit Manager and Jennifer McLaughlin, Ward Sister.

The money was raised by staff from the company who took part in a sponsored walk and climb of Mount Errigal back in June 2016.

The Unit delivers chemotherapy treatment lung, prostrate, colorectal and breast cancer patients as well as haemotology patients.

It also provides and delivers supportive treatment to patients such as blood transfusions.

Other services offered to patients include pre-education appointments prior to commencing chemotherapy treatment.

A purpose-built chemotherapy unit. it has 21 treatment chairs, an inpatient ward with 14 beds, an outpatient facility with nine consulting rooms and facilities for rehabilitation specialist palliative care and support services.

Patients can be in treatment for six months with weekly to three weekly visits to the unit for chemotherapy.

The unit also provides a telephone triage service which is a 24 hour helpline for patients with chemotherapy/cancer complications. This service is shared with the inpatient department to ensure 24 hour coverage.