A TRANSFORMATION of Barnsley Hospital’s breast cancer services - which already treats thousands of women every year - is set to commence thanks to the launch of a new lifesaving appeal which will help even more people.

The Barnsley Hospital Charity revealed its new Breast Care Appeal - the Gawber site’s most recent fundraising mission - in the hope of enhancing the care the town’s women receive.

It seeks to raise £250,000 to fund a transformation of the trust’s dedicated breast care unit, where patients are seen here by specialist doctors, nurses and radiology team for consultations, imaging assessment and biopsies.

More than 7,000 patients are seen annually in the unit with a variety of symptoms including breast lumps, nipple changes and lumps in the armpit.

This equates to around 142 patients per week and, of those, an average of around 250 breast cancer patients are treated annually.

Ongoing appointments with breast care nurses, prosthetic experts and doctors take place within this unit.

Funds from the appeal will go towards creating a healing space where sensitivity is at the heart of every detail, bosses behind the project revealed to the Chronicle this week.

Jane Mills, charity development manager, said: “We are inviting our community to help us reach the target by donating, taking part in one of our fundraising events including a memory walk, skydive, hosting a coffee morning or setting up your own fundraiser, all aimed at raising awareness and essential funds for the appeal.

“Every donation - big or small - will help provide a better patient experience and bring comfort to thousands of our patients.”

Leaders tasked with delivering the vision say there will be a serene waiting area, surrounded by calming scenes from nature.

Comfortable seating will be arranged in small clusters, creating a welcoming environment where patients can feel at ease, even in their most vulnerable moments.

Sheena McDonnell, chair of the Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, added: “We really want this appeal to raise awareness of all the valuable work done by the breast care unit and its highly committed staff.

“We see firsthand the courage and strength of the women and families who walk through our doors every day.

“Behind every diagnosis is a story of fear, resilience and hope.

“This appeal is about giving our patients the environment they deserve during one of the most vulnerable times in their lives.”

Barnsley South MP Stephanie Peacock praised the hospital’s new fundraising drive - and urged women to get checked out if they notice any abnormalities.

“Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, accounting for 15 per cent of all cancer cases,” she said.

“Every year, over 55,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK, with only around half of these likely to live for more than ten years after diagnosis.

“Though it primarily presents itself in women aged over 50, younger women and men can also develop breast cancer.

“Hospital staff provide excellent care and support at some of the most difficult times during family life.

“This means so much to people across Barnsley, and we do not take these services for granted.

“However, if we catch cancer early enough, treatment can be less complicated, making things easier for both patients and staff.

“Though there are some cases which are unfortunately not preventable, Breast Cancer UK estimates that at least a quarter of cases could have been avoided.

“The earlier abnormalities are checked, the earlier the diagnosis, and the greater the prognosis for survival.

“Barnsley Hospital’s Breast Care Unit work so hard for members of the community who require consultations, imaging and biopsies, and supporting them through further treatment if necessary.

“The brilliant work they do often comes at some of the most challenging times in people’s lives.

“I am proud to lend my support to the appeal and encourage anyone who can to consider donating to help the unit reach their target.”