Free hospital café re-opens for people with cancer at Northampton General Hospital

A café offering free drinks to people with cancer has re-opened at Northampton General Hospital (NGH) following refurbishment and improvements, thanks to generous donations to Northamptonshire Health Charity.

The café is based within the oncology department and supported by hospital volunteers. The oncology department includes 12 examination rooms and a chemotherapy suite. With the main hospital cafés located some distance away and on one of the longest hospital corridors in the UK, previously accessing refreshments during appointments or treatment was difficult.

However, people with cancer and their families can now enjoy various coffees and teas for free whenever they need, without leaving the department. Due to the Charity team’s ingenuity, the café now runs as a self-service facility, allowing patients to access refreshments whenever they are receiving treatment. When staffing allows, volunteers from the hospital’s Volunteer Services Team will also be on hand, adding a personal touch and helping to make the space even more welcoming.

One patient said “I’ve been coming here for over 12 months. Compared to before it’s Premier League vs Forth Division! There’s no comparison, the old system would involve waiting for the water boiler and now it’s just a touch of a couple of buttons and you get more choice. It’s much better.”

“The service is absolutely first-class!” Said another, “The coffee is very nice! And we’ve got volunteers running it as well, which is lovely, they’re doing a great job”

“I normally go for a cappuccino, but there’s an excellent range.”

Northamptonshire Health Charity is pleased to be able to continue this initiative originally opened by the Crazy Hats charity. The Chairty is planning to open more facilities across our county’s hospitals, bringing extra comfort and support to patients locally.

The Charity has also introduced a “Buy a Cup of Comfort” initiative, inviting supporters to make a one-off or regular donation to fund free hot drinks for patients receiving treatment, helping bring comfort on long days at the hospital through Northamptonshire Health Charity.

To donate to buy a hot drink for someone receiving treatment for cancer at NGH, visit www.nhcharity.co.uk/cuppa