Hairy Biker Si King opens Hexham Hospital's oncology unit

The purpose-built Oncology Day Unit was opened at Hexham General Hospital by special guest and TV chef, Hairy Biker Si King, who said he was 'humbled' to have been asked to open the unit.

In the previous unit, the service treated 365 patients between January and December 2023, issuing 7,348 prescriptions.

Si King cutting the ribbon with unit manager Marie Edmonds (centre) and patients (Image: Natalie Finnigan) It treats patients from a broad geographical area as far afield as the Scottish borders, west to Carlisle, east to Ponteland and south towards Consett and the Durham borders.

The unit, which opened on October 14, offers most major cancer treatments, including subcutaneous injections and oral treatment.

Mr King said: "I was enormously flattered and very humbled, it's always lovely to be recognised by your community. Hell and high water wouldn't have kept me away.

Si with staff, including executive director of nursing Marion Dickson (front) at the oncology unit's reception area (Image: Natalie Finnigan) "You know what's interesting - you have all this technology which is needed to fight cancer, but every single patient talks about the human aspect. The love, the care, the attention, the knowledge, the expertise, that are afforded them in the most vulnerable time of their lives. That's very special. It's about the affirmation of hope because there is always hope. That's what we have as human beings."

Marie Edmonds, the Oncology Day Unit manager, said the unit gives the local community the option to have treatment near home.

Si with Marie Edmonds, unit manager, at the opening of the unit (Image: Natalie Finnigan) "I think that's major when they're going through such a stressful time in their life. The next local place would be the Freeman Hospital, so to have this facility in Hexham, I am immensely proud." 

Ms Edmonds said Si King was the first celebrity choice to open the unit.

Si with oncology staff (Image: Natalie Finnigan) "He's local, he has a warm, friendly nature and I thought it would be amazing if he agreed to do this for the unit, for the hospital and the patients and staff."

Oncology patient Richard, who lives near Matfen, said it was good to have a local service instead of travelling to Newcastle for treatment.

The new oncology unit (Image: Natalie Finnigan) He started treatment at Hexham General Hospital 11 years ago for multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer that affects the plasma cells in the bone marrow.

He said: "I was very honoured to be asked to attend the opening and it's nice to be still here to do these things. Without the care of the nursing staff, the outcome would be quite a different scenario. It's wonderful to have nurses that are so very caring and make you feel so special.

Si chatting to staff in the new unit (Image: Natalie Finnigan) "When you consider the number of injections, you're very happy to come here. It's lovely to meet the nurses and make friends who are on a similar journey to yourself. If I didn't know better, I'd say they were guardian angels, they are really kind." 

Executive director of nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals, Marion Dickson, said: "Our construction staff have worked very closely with our nursing and medical staff. The patients have been involved as well so everyone has played a part in it.

Staff in the unit at Hexham General Hospital (Image: Natalie Finnigan) "It negates the need for people to travel, we can't do everything here but we've promised anything we can do, we will do. If we have a hospital that is innovative, it will attract and retain staff. We are very fortunate with the staff at Hexham. 

"We've got the facilities here and have been able to expand. It can be private as well - some people want to mix with others who are going through the same challenges, while others like to be on their own and I think we can offer both." 

Hexham General Hospital's new unit opened on October 14 (Image: Natalie Finnigan) Elaine, another oncology patient at Hexham, said the staff are 'brilliant'.

"I think the new unit is a lot less formal, you feel more easy and comfortable. You can chat with other patients without having to shout across the ward. We are really lucky to have it in Hexham, we've got it on our doorstep."

Mr King added: "I would like to take the opportunity to thank everybody that's been so kind, it's been a tough 18 months to two years, so thank you for your support and kindness. It definitely doesn't go unnoticed, so love from everybody at Hairy Bikers HQ."