Beatson Cancer Charity’s Wellbeing Centre reopens to inpatients

The Wellbeing Centre in the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre has reopened its doors to inpatients for the first time since March 2020. 

The centre closed at the start of the first lockdown during the Covid-19 pandemic. During this time the Charity had to adapt ways of working and introduce new services such as our Befriending Service and Digital 1-2-1 sessions to ensure patients were still supported. 

However, having closely worked with our NHS colleagues throughout this time, we are delighted to see the centre open again. 

As well as providing access to a calm and relaxing space, services offered include complementary therapies, podiatry services, hairdressing and wig fitting. 

WATCH: STV News at Six report on Beatson Cancer Charity's Wellbeing Centre reopening

Claire Bradley, Head of Wellbeing at Beatson Cancer Charity, said: “We’re delighted to have the Wellbeing Centre reopen to welcome inpatients back into the facility and be able to provide them with the widest range of support and care that we can. 

“For the inpatients that are coming up, we have a beautiful space in the Wellbeing Centre. There are different areas where patients can sit, relax - enjoy a cup of tea, coffee or a cold drink and just get a chance to relax and chat to other patients. We also have our cinema room that is the perfect place to watch key sporting events or the latest film releases.  

“Our centre support team are on hand to chat to patients and offer information on our complementary therapies, hairdressing, wig fitting and podiatry services as well. 

“The Wellbeing Centre is very important – it gives patients a chance to get away from the clinical ward environment, talk to other patients, talk to staff, to get a view outside the window – and really just to get a bit of time to switch off from that hospital setting but also know that they’re safe within the building if they need any medical care or attention.” 

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the Wellbeing Centre welcomed just under 400 patients per week between 2019-2020.  

Over the last two years while the centre has been closed, there have been 37,000 desk enquiries and 8,500 therapies delivered to just under 3,000 individuals. Over 650 patients engaged in virtual sessions during this period. 

It’s hoped that the centre will be able to extend its reopening to outpatients too in the near future. 

Gillian Hailstones, Director of Care Services at Beatson Cancer Charity, said: “We are delighted to be able to welcome in-patients back to the Wellbeing Centre after the disruption of Covid.  

“Throughout the pandemic we have worked hard to continue offering support to patients and families who need it most.  

“The centre re-opening allows us once again to ensure the calm, relaxing atmosphere of our Wellbeing Centre can be part of that support.  

“We are extremely grateful to our NHS colleagues who we have worked closely with throughout this period of change. Their support and help has been key to ensuring we are able to respond to need in a safe and trusted manner.” 

For the most up-to-date information please call the Wellbeing Centre directly on 0141 301 7667.