Patients and staff today gave the newly refurbished breast care unit at Bradford Royal Infirmary the seal of approval at its official opening.

Chairman of Bosom Friends, Rene Hoyle, unveiled a plaque and said everyone in the support group was proud of the new unit which is on ward 25 at BRI.

She said the closure of the old breast unit in St Luke's Hospital had caused great sadness but with the opening of the new unit patients were again being treated in an environment which offered them both care and comfort.

The six-bed unit provides care for patients undergoing surgery for breast cancer. It has been redecorated throughout with new flooring, ceilings and carpets.

It has a modern kitchen, lounge facilities, a prosthetic room and an aromatherapy room - all with comfortable surroundings, lighting and soft furnishings Penny Silson, acute surgery general manager, said: "The unit is designed to be a comfortable place, which meets both the physical and emotional needs of patients - with aromatherapy being very popular with patients."

Breast surgeon Bill Case thanked Mrs Hoyle and Bosom Friends for helping to plan the new unit and for all their support over the years.

The group has raised more than £150,000 to enhance the patient environment for those being treated for breast cancer and Mrs Hoyle said they would continue to support the unit.

Patient Lesley Fernie, of Odsal, who underwent surgery on Tuesday, said her stay on the unit had been first class.

"It is reassuring to know there is so much medical experience if you want it and emotional support as well," she said.

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