WYCOMBE Hospital celebrated the opening of an extension to its haematology unit following a £50,000 fundraising drive by local people and organisations.

The extension means extra space to treat patients with leukaemia and other blood cancers and disorders.

Linda Wilkes, haematology sister, said at the opening on January 11: "This extension means that there is now a nicer environment for people to come in and receive chemotherapy and other treatments.

"It has made the working conditions for staff a lot better and patients are now a lot more comfortable."

Consultants on the ward joined in the fundraising efforts, with Dr Robin Aitchison completing a 40-km cycle ride and Dr Jonathan Pattinson raising money by running in a half-marathon.

Patient Pat Kirby also helped in the fundraising effort.

She said: "Everyone has played their part in raising all this money. It is wonderful from the patients' point of view. Before the new extension and extra space it has created, we were stacked in."

Extra medical equipment and computers, were also bought.