The Oak Centre for Children and Young People is one of the largest comprehensive children and young people's cancer centres in Europe. Over 5,000 day patients and 600 inpatients will receive treatment there every year. The Royal Marsden strives to ensure that the hospital environment is a real home from home setting for our younger patient. This project provides materials and activities to provide entertainment and distraction for the children as they undergo treatment.
Many children can be admitted to the hospital for a long period of time and have to undergo painful treatments. NHS funding for the Oak Centre only covers their treatment, staff and the day to day running of the ward. Any additional items that are over and above NHS standard have to be funded by the charity.
The Oak Centre for Children and Young People can only purchase these items through money raised by The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
The project will allow us to support the 5,000 day patients and 600 inpatients we see in a year.