Cancer unit opens at Children's Hospital of Wales

A "groundbreaking" diagnostic centre for children with cancer is officially opening.

Cardiff's Children's Hospital of Wales's radiology unit uses innovative technology and ambient lighting and sound to make an immersive atmosphere.

The centre is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK.

The hospital has seen a significant reduction in the need to give children a general anaesthetic while having MRI scans since the suite was installed.

The new unit opened in June, at a cost of £750,000, and is believed to be the largest of its kind in the world.

Its special design aims to put young patients at their ease.

There is a toy scanner for children to play with

Walls, floors and ceilings light up, while children can choose their own themes, music and animated characters to follow them through from the waiting room to the scanners themselves.

The centre has been funded by donations to LATCH, the Welsh children's cancer charity.

Philip Price, honorary president of LATCH, said: "Children with cancer face a lot. They have to cope with a lot of fear, and we all want to alleviate this fear as much as we possibly can."

The centre's design was based on feedback from families that it was scanning, procedures which caused the most fear and anxiety for children during their cancer treatment.

Hospital consultant radiologist Sue Morris said: "We cannot believe the difference it's made. Children love it and families are telling us that they are all feeling far less anxious than they used to when visiting the radiology department.

"They lie still when they have their scans, they laugh, they chat, and we usually succeed in getting the scans done very quickly.

"From a clinical point of view it has dramatically reduced the need for general anaesthetic."