A new £9million centre for cancer and haematology patients at Harrogate District Hospital is to be officially opened on Wednesday.

The Sir Robert Ogden Macmillan Centre is a new outpatient oncology and information centre, providing a state-of-the-art facility for people affected by cancer in North Yorkshire.

The build has been made possible thanks to a £3.5million donation by Sir Robert Ogden. This figure was matched by Macmillan Cancer Support, while Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust provided £2million.

The centre was built to replace an outpatient haematology and chemotherapy unit at the hospital, which wasn’t large enough to meet a growing need. The centre also means many patients in Harrogate no longer have to travel to Leeds or York for treatment.

Lady Halifax, President of Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “This beautiful and innovative new centre makes an enormous difference to local people affected by cancer and their families. Not only do they benefit from not having to travel longer distances to Leeds or York, but they’re also receiving the very latest in cancer treatment, in an incredibly calm and relaxing, state-of-the-art centre.

"It’s an inspirational place to be. The official opening is an exciting and significant day for Macmillan, and the culmination of a successful partnership with Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust and Sir Robert Ogden.”