The Emmie Smillie Foundation has just handed £50,000 to the Vale of Leven Hospital cancer unit, a move that will see the facility get new treatment chairs and upgraded waiting areas.
The unit already hosts 12 day‑care chairs that let patients receive chemotherapy without overnight stays, and it offers a phlebotomy service that speeds up bloodwork. By adding more seats and modern amenities, the hospital can serve more patients each day and keep families from travelling long distances.
“When I was asked where I would like the money to go, I had no hesitation in nominating the unit here at the Vale,” Ethel Smith said at the donation ceremony. Hospital charge nurse June Raines added that the extra funding will help the unit “enhance the experience of people coming in for treatment.”
For those battling cancer, a comfortable environment can reduce anxiety and improve the overall treatment experience. The new chairs and better lighting will make waiting times feel shorter, and the expanded space could allow staff to give each patient more personalized attention.
The foundation, set up by businessman Andy Smillie after his daughter’s cancer death, has already given a similar £50,000 gift to the same hospital four years ago. This latest contribution underscores how community support can directly translate into better care for patients.
If you or a loved one is receiving or will receive cancer treatment in West Scotland, ask your doctor whether the Vale of Leven unit is an option. A local, well‑equipped facility can mean less travel, less stress, and a more supportive care journey.