Hundreds of chemo care bags donated to hospital

The care bags aim to provide comfort and support to chemotherapy patients

Hundreds of care bags and water bottles have been delivered to chemotherapy patients at an NHS trust.

The hypoallergenic comfort bags include wet wipes, lavender oil, tissues, activity books, a handheld fan, lip balm, cream and a handcrafted heart.

They were put together by Staffordshire-based Inco Contracts, whose associate director is a cancer survivor.

In total, more than 1,100 bags and about 1,000 water bottles were given to patients at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton before Christmas.

"Having successfully gone through chemotherapy myself, I know how hard it can be for patients," said Tim Lewis.

"The chemo comfort bags will provide a welcome boost and support to patients undergoing treatment as part of their journey - it's the little things that make a big difference."

Water bottles have been given to people going through radiotherapy

"The radiation bottles are an idea I have personally pushed for as I understand how important it is to have the right amount of fluid in your system," he added.

"It can speed up the process and cut patient's time in the radiotherapy unit."

Amanda Winwood, charity development manager at the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust Charity, said: "Just having some activities for people to do, little hearts to show people care and the notepad and pen so they can make notes ahead of their next meeting with the consultant.

"The water bottles are such a big thing too.

"It means we know exactly how much water radiotherapy patients are drinking and we're not running around filling cups up all the time."

The firm, which carries out industrial and commercial refurbishment schemes, will also help revamp the children's garden at the hospital.

It will provide painting and electrics for free for the new outdoor entertainment area, which will include a cinema.