Falmouth Day Unit Provides Essential Care Closer to Home

Falmouth Community Hospital Day Unit is transforming how people in Cornwall access essential treatments, helping them avoid long journeys, parking costs and lengthy hospital waits.

The unit supports patients who need transfusions, infusions, blood monitoring and line care, and currently has a monthly caseload of around 108 patients.

Treatments Closer to Home

The breakdown of patients includes:

• 35 attending for blood transfusions

• 13 receiving immunoglobulin infusions

• 25 having bone protection or iron infusions

• 35 receiving regular line or central venous catheter care

This makes the Falmouth Day Unit the largest provider of transfusions in Cornwall outside the Royal Cornwall Hospital at Treliske.

Most patients are referred by clinicians at Treliske, though patients can request to be seen at Falmouth. They can also self-refer for venous line management.

The unit also supports cancer patients by carrying out pre-chemotherapy blood tests and removing chemotherapy pumps at the end of treatment.

Patient Experiences

For many, the service has been life-changing. Valerie Vivian, who lives in Camborne, visits the unit every three weeks for an infusion to strengthen her immune system. She explained:

"When I was first diagnosed, I had to have treatment at Derriford Hospital, and then at Treliske. Treatment used to last 2 days every other week which meant an overnight hospital stay. Eventually, Treliske were no longer able to provide my infusion, so I was referred to Falmouth Hospital. Treatment times have improved and I now only come to Falmouth for a few hours every 3 weeks."

Valerie added:

"It does not take long to drive here from Camborne and it is a lovely quiet hospital. It feels as if there is more space and there are gorgeous sea views. I feel relaxed here and the staff are lovely and welcoming. The community hospital makes such a difference to my treatment. My treatment is indefinite and I am happy to come back to Falmouth each month. I cannot complain about a thing."

Simon, who lives in south Cornwall and has incurable bone marrow cancer, also benefits from the unit's service. He said:

"Coming to Falmouth saves me valuable time. The roads are quicker and the free parking is a bonus. I must have a blood test before my transfusion to see what blood and how much I need. I can come to the hospital, have my appointment and be back home within an hour. It is very convenient.

"I have been coming to Falmouth hospital for a long time. The team are compassionate and caring. They are brilliant. They make a positive difference to an otherwise challenging time. I cannot thank them enough."

Comfort and Care

The unit is designed to look after up to four patients at a time. Patients are seated in comfortable reclining chairs and offered drinks, biscuits or the option to order lunch.

Receiving treatment in this way supports the NHS 10 Year Plan by providing care closer to home and allowing patients to return to their own beds afterwards.

Hayley Austin, Clinical Lead for Falmouth Day Unit and Outpatients, said:

"Our day unit is a busy, but friendly place for patients to receive their treatments closer to home. Patient care and comfort are our highest priority. We pride ourselves in providing this to all our visitors, whilst maintaining a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where the kettle is always on. That is why patients request to return and have their treatment with us."

With demand growing, the Trust is now considering how more community-based services like Falmouth Day Unit could be expanded across Cornwall.