Williton Community Hospital Introduces Chemotherapy Services

Chemotherapy services have been launched for the first time at a community hospital located in West Somerset. The NHS Somerset Foundation Trust stated that it is utilizing previously unused clinical space at Williton Community Hospital to provide this service on a weekly basis. Consequently, cancer patients residing in the vicinity will only be required to travel to Taunton for their initial two chemotherapy doses. The trust reported that the service in the village has already proven successful and could potentially be expanded in the future. Nurse Emma Wells-Burr informed the BBC, “We realised we were missing a cohort of patients in the West Somerset area… it’s literally taken off.” She added, “We are choc-a-block… we’re full up.” Wells-Burr further explained, “It saves patients coming into Taunton and having to pay the parking prices – they get free parking at that community hospital.” She also noted, “We utilising the hospital’s spaces that were used for other things pre-Covid.” Wells-Burr concluded by stating, “This will make a massive difference for our patients.” Patient Stephen Webb mentioned that he visits the Williton clinic twice weekly for approximately 90 minutes to receive his treatment. “It saves a lot of time… it’s only half a mile away,” Mr. Webb commented. He elaborated, “I’m back home between 12 and 1pm, whereas with Taunton it was 3 o’clock in the afternoon.” “And it does save me a lot in fuel… it’s cheaper for me financially and it’s quicker, easier and more relaxing really,” he added. Mr. Webb described the care he has received as “fantastic,” further noting that he is provided with a cup of tea and lunch during his treatment sessions. He concluded, “They’ve definitely saved my life, and it has been prolonged.”