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Following a few delays, Ystrad Mynach’s breast care unit at Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr is open, and receiving more 450 new patients each month for vital tests and screenings.

The £9million ‘Centre of Excellence’ opened in February this year, as part of an Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) push to centralise its services.

Natalie North is the centre’s support manager, and told Caerphilly Observer how its 53 staff members are largely from the Royal Gwent and Neville Hall.

She continued: “We average around 450 new patients a month but follow-up with around 800 through various services such as prosthetics and counselling.

“We’ve had lots of positive feedback from the patients and the staff, its a nice space which has been made more comfortable and relaxing due to efforts from the community.”

Although the centre itself cost £9million, that money did not cover the cost of furniture or any wall art.

Instead, a total of £250,000 was raised through a host of charitable events in the time leading up to the opening date, which has made the unit feel a lot less like a hospital.

Ms North continued: “We’re really proud of the way it looks and feels here. We’ve even got a piece of artwork made by pupils at Pengam Primary School.”

One design feature which has been appreciated by patients is a separate entrance and exit for those who’ve received bad news, meaning they don’t have to pass through the waiting room or reception area.

“We had a lady who had survived breast cancer on the panel when designing the building, so ideas such as that are featured throughout the unit.”

Breast Cancer UK says there are on average more than 56,000 new cases of breast cancer each year in the UK.