A group of cancer patients has rallied behind a hospital’s chemotherapy day unit that has helped them to cut their travelling time whilst praising the centre for its ‘relaxing’ environment.
The purpose-built £10million centre provides more than 4,500 chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments a year and more than 200 outpatient appointments a week.
As the centre completes more than eight years of providing compassionate care to those going through the toughest of times, a trio of patients have come together to sing praises of the Northallerton unit.
“Saves me a lot of travel time”
“If this weren’t here, I would have had to travel quite some distance for my exhausting treatment,” said Martin Wilks.
The Richmond resident is currently undergoing chemotherapy for kidney cancer, after having been treated for three cancers in the past eight years.
Martin, who travels once a month to the Northallerton centre, spends around two hours a day completing his gruelling chemotherapy.
If not for the centre, the 73-year-old would have had to visit The James Cook University Hospital for his chemotherapy unit – doubling his travel time.
Martin continues:
This facility in Northallerton saves a lot of travel time for me as this is a treatment I must have for my condition. It is a beautiful centre with lovely interiors, which makes a huge difference to my treatment.”
Whilst cutting travel time has had a positive impact on patients like Martin, some have also applauded the staff members who know everyone by name.
Steve Port, 59, who had no symptoms of any cancer, received shocking news when he was diagnosed with Stage 4 colorectal cancer during a routine GP appointment in August 2025.
Ever since his life-changing diagnosis, Steve has been attending the Friarage hospital every two weeks for the past six months.
He believes the centre in Northallerton has helped him with his condition – thanks to the staff members and the vast open space that has made his treatment more comfortable.
He said: “The interiors are so beautiful and you can always help yourself with drinks and snacks. I live in Thirsk so not travelling to a busy acute hospital in Middlesbrough is a huge plus for me.
“This centre is absolutely perfect.”
“Like a buzz in the air”
While for some the centre is helping to cut their travelling time, Dianne Gregory, 69, from Middlesbrough thought her treatment would be daunting and scary after being diagnosed with oesophageal cancer.
But to her surprise, the Friarage’s chemotherapy day unit has helped her navigate some of her toughest periods of life.
She said: “There are just four patients in a bay which feels quite private, and I can also continue my treatment without the fear of walking in a big hospital.
“The centre feels like there is a buzz in the air. Staff members are chatting and jolly like everything is normal, which makes you quite comfortable.”
Consultant oncologist Dr Kishore Kumar said: “The Friarage chemotherapy day unit means a great deal to our patients and their families. Being able to receive treatment closer to home, in a calm and welcoming setting, takes away some of the stress that often comes with hospital visits.
“The team here works incredibly hard to make every patient feel comfortable, supported and cared for, and that personal touch really does make a difference during what can be a very challenging time.”
Find out more
Watch an online video that shows the spacious chemotherapy centre that has been providing a relaxed environment for patients.