Minister opens new cancer centre

The unit is the first to be sited in a traditional cancer ward

A ground-breaking cancer care centre in Aberdeen which has been billed as the first of its kind has been opened by Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon.

Based at the city's Royal Infirmary, the specialist unit will offer support to those with urological cancers and their families.

Ms Sturgeon said she hoped to see similar centres being developed across the country.

Urological cancers include kidney, prostate and testicular cancer.

They affect about 26,000 Scots at any one time.

Cash for the centre was raised by the charity UCAN, which was established to raise awareness of the main urological cancers and improve support and quality of life for patients in and around Aberdeen.

The centre will provide additional information, a chance to share experiences with fellow sufferers and private areas for discussion and consultation with medical staff and specialist nurses.

It is the first time that this type of suite has been situated in a traditional cancer ward.