A chemotherapy unit at Doncaster Royal Infirmary has been opened by Mexborough-born actor Brian Blessed.

The Chatsfield Suite has facilities to cater for 14 patients at a time in the treatment area.

At the opening, Mr Blessed said the new suite offered "light, hope and optimism, and not doom and gloom."

The television and stage star spent two hours talking to staff and patients at the hospital. His late brother, Alan, was a patient in the old chemotherapy unit.

Specialist training

The new suite is open from 0800 -1600 and is staffed by five consultants, four qualified nurses with specialist training, a healthcare assistant, and a service assistant.

Among the features are a spacious waiting area, courtyard gardens, and a counselling room .

In conjunction with the new unit is the Aurora Centre, which has been set up to help cancer patients feel better about themselves.

A professional beauty therapist is supported by a team of part-time trained volunteers to offer manicures, therapeutic massage, and other forms of advice to patients.