Catherine McKinnell, MP for Newcastle North, has recently visited the Children’s Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at Newcastle’s RVI hospital, to hear about the world-leading treatment and care provided to children with little or no immune system at what is also known as the ‘Bubble Unit’.

The highly specialist unit at the RVI is led by paediatric consultant, Prof. Andrew Cant, and is one of only two in the country – the other being located at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital. It treats young patients from large parts of the UK and Ireland, with children also coming from other countries to benefit from its pioneering work.

Since the unit opened in 1992, a total of 370 children with immune deficiency problems have had a bone marrow transplant, and each year up to 50 lifesaving transplants are performed.  When it first opened, the survival rate of those undergoing a bone marrow transplant was 50%, but that has now risen to 90%. Those successfully treated go on to lead a normal, healthy life.

Catherine was invited to meet with staff, patients and parents by Gill Johnston, Fundraising Manager at The Bubble Foundation UK, a charity set up over 20 years ago to support the unit’s work.  The Bubble Foundation raises much-needed funds for medical equipment, toys, parental support and educational aids, and supports vital medical research into better, less painful treatment for the very ill children being cared for.

Catherine said: ‘Newcastle is a world leader in so many areas of medical research and treatment, and the RVI’s Bubble Unit is yet another example of the pioneering work that is taking place in our city.

‘The Bubble Foundation clearly plays a hugely important role in supporting the incredible work that is taking place under the leadership of Prof. Andrew Cant – making life just that little bit easier for young children and families who are going through a very challenging time.’

Prof. Andrew Cant said: ‘We were delighted that Catherine McKinnell visited the unit and took such a keen interest in meeting patients, families and staff.  It is so encouraging to know that we have the enthusiastic support of the people of the North East and key elected representatives.’