The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre is one of the UK’s leading oncology facilities and the second-largest cancer centre in the country, delivering radiotherapy and chemotherapy services to patients across the West of Scotland. Each year, approximately 10,000 new patients are treated at the centre, making it one of the busiest in terms of clinical activity.

Completed over a five-day period, following several months of design, the works focused on transforming key areas within the hospital into supportive spaces that prioritise patient wellbeing away from the noisy, busy and bright wards.

Barry O’Hagan, regional director – Scotland at Tilbury Douglas, said: “This project has been incredibly special to be a part of. Knowing these spaces are bringing comfort and calm to patients and families during difficult times makes everyone involved very proud.”

Enhancements to the patient and visitor lounge included the creation of an informal seating area where families can come together, with new tables, upgraded upholstery, and a full redecoration.

Mobile room dividers were installed to provide privacy from the main hospital walkway, alongside a new TV unit and screen. Externally, new bench seating was introduced to create a connected garden space, offering a quiet space away from clinical surroundings.

Additional improvements were carried out within “The Den”, where new dividing partitions and a full redecoration have created a more comfortable and functional environment for private conversations away from the noise of a live hospital.

The works were delivered by Tilbury Douglas alongside Trisquare, LECS Upholstery and MMM Joinery, with team members volunteering their time through the company’s ‘Give a Day of Your Time’ initiative. This is a programme that enables employees to support meaningful community causes.

Stuart Burgess, senior project manager at Tilbury Douglas, said: “This project has been a genuine team effort. I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to our supply chain partners Trisquare, LECS Upholstery and MMM Joinery for their commitment, quality of work and willingness to support such a meaningful initiative.

“I’d also like to personally thank Laura Hadley Stove, Director of Care Services at the Beatson Cancer Charity, for her passion and drive in helping bring this vision to life. The collaboration shown throughout has been outstanding, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact these spaces are now having on patients, families and staff at the Beatson.”

This project builds on a strong and ongoing relationship between Tilbury Douglas and the Beatson Cancer Charity, developed over the past year through fundraising initiatives and staff engagement activities, including awareness seminars.

Laura Hadley Stove added: “Our relationship with Tilbury Douglas has been really significant and continues to be so important to us. Working alongside Stuart and the team, it was evident that social value is embedded at Tilbury Douglas due to the level of care and willingness to help from all involved. It couldn’t have been a better experience. 

“It was a joy to see when we brought the full team in for a site walk around, how quickly all of those involved started sharing their own personal connection to the Beatson and were so keen to help. It was a case of humanity and how quickly people come together and want to help when they see things with their own eyes. That is what was so important for us with Tilbury Douglas, it was a seamless and easy experience so thank you all.”

The impact of the works has already been significant. Patients, families and staff have highlighted the difference the new spaces have made in what can often be a challenging and emotional environment.

The success of these improvements is already influencing wider discussions within the sector as interest has been expressed in replicating similar wellbeing focused spaces elsewhere.