Free hospital cafe opens for cancer patients

Gavin Stoppel, one of the volunteers at the cafe, described it as "a nice, relaxing place"

A cafe which serves free refreshments to cancer patients has been described as "invaluable" by one of its customers.

The facility was opened at Northampton General Hospital's oncology department.

It is staffed by volunteers and relies on donations from the Northamptonshire Health Charity .

It was introduced because cancer patients often have to wait for several hours during treatment and hospital cafes are some distance away.

The oncology department at Northampton General has 12 examination rooms and a chemotherapy suite.

Patients and carers can find themselves waiting for long periods of time between treatments and the prospect of free refreshments has been warmly welcomed.

Tracey, a carer, said: "To have someone come over to you, say ‘hello’, talk to you, lift your spirits, and take your mind off the treatment is invaluable."

Sylvia has been coming for treatment in the department for three years and said she was pleased the long walks to the coffee shop are over.

"This is great because it means I don’t have to walk a long way to Costa," she said.

"It’s wonderful to be able to sit down, have a coffee and a biscuit."

The cafe is open for patients and carers from Monday to Friday

The service is managed by the hospital's Volunteer Services Team and operates from 10:00 BST to 15:00 during weekdays.

Gavin Stoppel, one of the volunteers, said: "This is a great spot for patients to gather and have a chat - a nice, sort-of relaxing place."

The cafe is funded by donations and staffed by volunteers

The funding comes from donations to the Northamptonshire Health Charity, which has provided a number of facilities for patients including a shed at a mental health hospital and a bereavement suite.

Michelle Barnes, the deputy head of volunteer services at University Hospitals of Northamptonshire, said: “Northamptonshire Health Charity make a massive impact on our patients and staff.

"Many of the initiatives that we provide as part of the volunteer services team [are only] possible thanks to them."