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In 2007 we embarked on a project to develop our Adult Day Services and on September the 1st 2009 we started welcoming patients into our brand new Day Services Outpatient Suite!

 There’s been continued growth in demand for - and provision of - outpatient services at St Oswald’s over the last few years, most notably for Lymphoedema management and Complementary Therapies. All our research shows that this trend is set to continue.

Despite this huge growth, there was no corresponding enlargement in our treatment areas. As such, we were working well beyond the original capacity of our building and we believe the ‘patient experience’ was beginning to be affected by our chronic lack of space, quiet areas or dedicated therapy rooms.

The new Suite includes eight purpose-built treatment and therapy rooms, a patient assessment room, a patient education room, a dedicated reception area and a patient and carer information point. There is also a dedicated first floor for clinical and medical staff to work from.

Lindsey Summerhill, aged 28 from Cramlington was one of the first patients to use the new suite. Lindsey has been coming for lymphoedema treatment and complementary therapy since 2003.

Lindsey said:
“The new Suite is absolutely amazing! I feel so privileged that St Oswald’s, The Department of Health and Trusts and Foundations have invested money in creating such a fantastic facility for day patients to be treated in. The treatment rooms are much more private and peaceful, which makes me feel more relaxed and comfortable.”

Lindsey added:
“St Oswald’s is a saviour to me. If it wasn’t t for the Lymphoedema clinic then I would dread to think what my legs would look like now. The staff have given me invaluable support and an outstanding service since I have been attending the clinic. My condition is now well managed and under control but they still see me on a regular basis and treat me as an individual. The massage I receive has undoubtedly paid a massive contribution to the continued successful management of my legs.

 “I can easily say that if it wasn’t for the Lymphoedema Clinic I wouldn’t be in the position I am today. My swelling has gradually reduced from a size 7 stocking to a size 2. I recently went on my hen do and to celebrate this great news I requested that all of my friends wore bright coloured tights so I could have the chance of wearing a skirt for the first time in years! This wouldn’t have been possible without the Lymphoedema team.

“I can’t put into words how grateful I am for the help they have given me in controlling my condition – without them I think I would be living a very different life.”

Kath Clark, Day Services Manager said:
“Working out of the new Suite will make such an amazing difference for the patients, volunteers and staff. The building is light and airy, the treatment rooms are ideal and we really couldn’t ask for any more. So far everyone has been very impressed.”

The team for the project included Dorin Construction, JDDK Architects, construction consultant RNJ, BDN as structural engineers and SINE Consulting as service engineers.

The new build project was funded by a Department of Health Grant, Trusts and Foundations and St Oswald’s reserves. 

A huge thank you to all of the Trusts and organisations who donated money towards our capital appeal. These include; The William Leech Charity Trust, The Steel Trust, Eaga, The Will Charitable Trust, The Albert Hunt Trust, Charles Hayward Trust and The Wolfson Foundation.