Construction starts on new £3.5m Cancer Support Centre

HEALTH Minister Mike Nesbitt has visited the site of the new Macmillan Information and Support Centre at Antrim Area Hospital.

The project, which is due to open in spring 2027, will ensure that people affected by cancer in the Northern Trust area will have improved access to support services.

The new centre will also offer specific services for young people who have received a cancer diagnosis themselves, or who are supporting a family member.

During the visit, the Health Minister met with Macmillan and Northern Trust staff, as well as construction partners MSM Contracts Ltd.

Minister Nesbitt was shown plans for the new build, which consists of a lounge and information hub, two therapy rooms, two quiet rooms, a family room, a group room, and workspace for healthcare staff.

The outdoor space is set to include a walled garden, sunken courtyard and terrace, and has been designed in a way that provides a sense of escapism after treatment.

The centre is being funded through a partnership between Macmillan Cancer Support, which is contributing £2.5million, and the Northern Trust, which is providing £1million.

Speaking during the visit, Minister Nesbitt, said: “I am pleased to see construction started on the new centre, which focuses on developing a localised, community-based support services for the benefit of cancer patients and their families.

“The collaborative partnership between Macmillan Cancer Support and the Northern Trust is a shining example of what can be achieved when we work together, ensuring that resources are maximised, expertise is shared and patients receive the very best care.”

Paddy Graffin, Director of Infrastructure at the Northern Trust, said: “Construction of the new Macmillan Information and Support Centre got underway last month so we were very pleased to welcome Health Minister Nesbitt to the site today.

“The centre is much more than a building - it will give patients, families and staff a space that supports compassionate care. We are immensely proud of the partnerships that have brought us to this point and look forward to opening the doors in 2027.”

Lynne McCartney, Interim Director for Surgery and Clinical Services with the Northern Trust, said: “We are delighted that construction of the new much-needed Information and Support Centre has now commenced. When construction is complete, we will be in line with the other Trusts in the region, where similar dedicated support units are already established at their acute hospital sites.

“It will give us more room to provide vital emotional, practical, and well-being support, and its location, close to both Laurel House chemotherapy unit and the Macmillan Palliative Care unit means it is accessible for those who need it.

“On behalf of the Trust, I want to reiterate our appreciation to Macmillan Cancer Support and all the donors who have made this project possible.”

Jane Hughes, Programme Lead, Implementation Team with Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “We're hugely proud to be partnering with the Northern Trust on the new Macmillan Information and Support Centre at Antrim Area Hospital - a development that has only been made possible through the tireless generosity of our supporters.

“Macmillan is committed to making sure everyone with cancer can get the best possible care and support, and the new centre will offer the dedicated space that people living with cancer and their families so desperately need. We can't wait for the site to open in 2027 and we hope it will make a very real difference to the lives of people living with cancer in the local area.”