Construction has begun on a £3.5 million Macmillan Information and Support Centre at Antrim Area Hospital. The facility will offer services to cancer patients and families in the Northern Trust area. It is scheduled to open in spring 2027.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt visited the site this week. He viewed progress and plans alongside Northern Trust staff and representatives from Macmillan Cancer Support and MSM Contracts Ltd. Paddy Graffin, Northern Trust Director of Infrastructure, noted that work started last month.

Funding comes from Macmillan Cancer Support, which provides £2.5 million, and the Northern Trust, which contributes £1 million. The centre will feature a lounge and information hub, therapy rooms, quiet spaces, a family room, group facilities and workspace for professionals.

Outdoor areas include a walled garden, sunken courtyard and terrace to aid patient recovery. Tailored support will target young people with cancer diagnoses or supporting family members. The facility will align the Northern Trust with other regional health trusts that operate similar cancer support units at acute hospitals.

Lynne McCartney, Northern Trust Interim Director for Surgery and Clinical Services, stated the centre is located near the Laurel House chemotherapy unit and Macmillan Palliative Care unit for accessibility. Jane Hughes, Programme Lead with Macmillan Cancer Support Implementation Team, credited donors for enabling the project.